Voltage readings

[bruce537]

Hello<br />Shouldn't the volt meter always show a constant voltage?<br />My voltage meter goes down to 11.8 sometimes 11.6 when trolling at slow speed but comes back up to 13.8 to 14.2 when the rpm's increase.<br />Could this be the rectifier /regulator on it's way out?<br />How do you check out a rectifier /regulator?<br />thanx<br />Crunch

 

[bruce537]

Re: Voltage readings

sorry forgot to say what it was............1998 Yamaha 225

 

[Ray Neudecker]

Re: Voltage readings

That sounds like you are pulling a lot of current and the alternater is not able to put out enough to keep up at low RPM's. Basic test of a rectifier/regulator is to rev engine and see if voltage goes to 14.3. Turn off the radio or something drawing DC and see if it goes back up. If you aren't running much else off of it, the battery may be getting weak.

 

[Arnold96]

Re: Voltage readings

What Ray said.....

 

[captain spike]

Re: Voltage readings

ditto......just put a new walmart 650 cca battery in paid $65 18 month warrenty battery doesnt drop past 12 at an idle its rite at 14-15 best money spent!!!its a type 27 or 29,also make sure all electrical connections are good and cleal.

 

[barstow]

Re: Voltage readings

To answer your first question, no.<br /><br />11.8 is not a bad voltage (esp. under load) once the surface charge has been removed. The only time you will get 14 is when charging, or no load. I would say the mag is mainly powering the motor at idle, and has enough to charge only at higher revs.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Voltage readings

11.8 on that eng is to low. something is drawing to much or the battery is failing.<br /> do you have the isolator hooked to the battery as well ?