17 Volts, why, why, why

[Slab]

So on my 1987 Force outboard, I've installed a second regulator and it does the same thing the first replacement did. It charges at 14 volts sometimes, and 17 volts other times. As I remember it, the original one always did 17 volts, but the two replacements will be 14 volts out the way out, and 17 volts on the way in. And sometimes it'll be the other way around, it'll be 17 out and 14 when I motor back in. It jumps to 17 when running, and then will stay at 17 for the most part. I've checked the ground numerous times and even put dielectric grease on its backside.

[DockShootinJack]

Interesting. I am at a loss also

[NCkenner]

Have you tested the gauge (dash gauge i'm guessing?) that is reading 17 volts to be sure it's not intermittently incorrect?

[Slab]

Have you tested the gauge (dash gauge i'm guessing?) that is reading 17 volts to be sure it's not intermittently incorrect?

I thought the same thing, so I got two gauges, and they're reading the same.

[Chuck Adams]

Hey Slab,
What battery size are you using??


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[NCkenner]

Force 125hp Charging Battery at 16 volts !! | Boating Forum - iboats Boating Forums

Looks like your model may not have a regulator, only a rectifier (changes the A/C to DC). You may need to buy a later model rectifier/regulator assy and wire it in to control the issue. See the link for explanation.

Chris

[bamahound]

I had this problem on a 60hp mercury. Ended up being a bad cell in the battery. The 6 month old battery charged fine and lasted all day but when I swapped it out with a trolling battery the problem stopped

[Les Young]

Are the cables good, clean & tight at the battery with nylock nuts instead of wing nuts? I had an evinrude 150 do that & changed to nylocks & never had another problem.

[Cane Pole]

That looks like a bridge rectifier to me. not a regulator.

[Slab]

That looks like a bridge rectifier to me. not a regulator.

You are correct, what do I know, regulator rectifier, ain't they the same thing, I dono!

CDI Electronics 152-9209 Chrysler/Force/Sears/Gamefinder Universal Rectifier - 2/3/4 Cyl (1975-1992)


I think the cables are good, I can double check. And the battery I think is fine, I can double check that too, but it says just over 12 volts when charged, so wouldn't it be less than 12 with a dead cell?