External Voltage Regulator

[full stringer]

I have an 1984 omc sterndrive 5.7 litre gm and on the port side of boat on the floor in the engine compartment is what appears to be a volt regulator if i hook up a two battery charger bank and i have an alternator w/ an internal regulator does the external regulator still need be how should i proceed

 

[Don S]

Re: External Voltage Regulator

is what appears to be a volt regulator

I would say you need to post a picture if it. Can't answer your question if we aren't absolutely sure if it's a regulator or not.

 

[full stringer]

Re: External Voltage Regulator

you got it i sure will get a pic however i remember a sticker saying surge interupter and the box has a 4 ga wire connecting from alternator alt and a black ground 4 ga wire to alt bracket other wires go out for accessories i think

 

[Alpheus]

Re: External Voltage Regulator

Its a surge protector that smooths out the voltage from your alternator and protects your electronics from an alternator failure or voltage spike...

 

[Don S]

Re: External Voltage Regulator

Its a surge protector that smooths out the voltage from your alternator and protects your electronics from an alternator failure or voltage spike...

How can you be sure of that? Do you know something the rest of us don't know, or is this going to be a guessing game of "What's in my bilge" ?

It could also be an old Loran capacitor setup to stop the noise from the alternator, or an isolator, or ..................

 

[Alpheus]

Re: External Voltage Regulator

OK let me rephrase. It could be a surge protector that smooths out the voltage from your alternator and protects your electronics from an alternator failure or voltage spike...

 

[Don S]

Re: External Voltage Regulator

Yes, it could be a surge protector, never seen one on a boat, but OK.
That is why I just ask the original posters for pictures, or a better discription of what they are looking for, instead of just guessing.

So many times, posters ask a question and just pick an answer that sounds good to them, and run with it. But it may not be anywhere close to the right answer.

 

[Alpheus]

Re: External Voltage Regulator

I have one on my boat but its not in the bilge area, its installed behind my circuit breaker panel. I thought it was a surge protector for the AC side but its connected between the AC converter and the DC accessories...