1999 25hp at high rpm Volt Gauge is 18V!!

[dfwbmw]

I have a 1999 Suntracker Pontoon with a 25 HP mercury outboard. The volt meter on the dash has over the last six months slowly crep up. It is now reading 18 volts at WOT (About 50000 rpm). I comes back down to about 15 at idle. It has a new battery that is fully charged. I replaced the rectifier/regulator trying to trouble shoot this problem, it remained the same and started up even more. Battery cables are tight and clean. Rectifier grounds good. Tack is not jumping around like somebody told me was a sign of over volting. So what up with it? Bad gauge? What is the best test procedure? Looking at the book and not much help. I was thinking of putting a volt meter on the battery next time I go fishing and see what it says at high rpm. Thanks

 

[Laddies]

Re: 1999 25hp at high rpm Volt Gauge is 18V!!

Ck your voltmeter first if it is reading the correct voltage then ck for loose connections or a battery thats going bad there is no reg. on that system and if it's over charging it would boil the batt dry

 

[dfwbmw]

Re: 1999 25hp at high rpm Volt Gauge is 18V!!

I check some stuff on it this morning. Probably not a big deal but the negative battery lead is grounded to the engine via the starter motor bolt. Unlike what the book says connected to the starter solenoid bolt. Also the actualy started solenoid is attached with rubber washers to prevent it from grounding. Like it is shock resistant with these bumpers on it. Is that Normal? Thanks