Outboard electrical charging

[LongLine]

Any outboard electrical charging experts out there?

The voltmeter on my fishfinder says I’m charging at 16.5 to 17 volts. Last year it read a solid 13.5-14 volts. It’s a 1984, 75Hp Evinrude. I installed a fully charged dual purpose 650 battery this year. I can’t find in the manual what it should be charging at. I did a continuity check with ohmmeter on rectifier and it seems to check out okay. I.e. resistance in one direction only – all leads to ground. Although resistance wasn’t infinite.

Possible it’s breaking down and smart to replace it anyways? Any ideas?

Tom B.
(LongLine)

[Priority1]

Tom, The charge rate should be around 14-14.5V. Check it with a DC Voltmeter to make sure it's not a defective voltmeter on the dash. If that still reads the same you may need a new voltage regulator. Sometimes the voltage regulator is built into the alternator.:)

[LongLine]

Thanx Frank. Did that. Definitely overcharging. Found out how to check the stator & it's shot. Good thing I got my income tax back.

[special x]

If its over charging your stator is working fine you are going to need a new rectifier/ regulator..

[Rayman96]

Ya that - regulator. The higher the rpm the greater the voltage. A regulator is like a tap, only allowing enough voltage through without damaging the electrcal system.