1999 XR6 volt meter,tach,firing

venture

Cadet
Joined
Nov 10, 2006
Messages
17
I got a 1999 150 XR6 that the volt meter reads above the lowest when the key is not turned on to pegged when keys is on and I check it with volt/ohms meter and with key on and engine running 14.37 volts I found it was a bad meter no problem. now the tach also reads very erratic at idle at times I changed the wire from one voltage regulator to the other and it stills does the same could it be a bad tach, The two yellow wires from one side of the stator were they plug to the voltage regulator are looking like they been HOT this side is were the tach was hooked up. could I have a bad voltage regulator also the spark plugs on each bank 1-3-5 and 2-4-6 you can see one side is burning better than the other ,engine seems to run o.k. but haven't had boat long. got mercury manuel coming. Need Help.......... ser 0G815652
 

j_martin

Admiral
Joined
Sep 22, 2006
Messages
7,474
Re: 1999 XR6 volt meter,tach,firing

It would be worth while to check your grounds. Just scrape them clean and put em back together. I'm talking about all the little black wires from different places that go under screws to ground them to the engine.

If one bank seems to run cleaner than the other, it is usually a temperature problem. Put your hand on the heads after a run. They should be very warm to almost uncomfortable, but not burn you. Either cold or hot is a problem.

If you have the dual regulator 40 amp system with the clear potted regulators, they are noted for their high failure rate. You can usually see extra discoloration through the potting. I think a little brown is normal. A shorted regulator theoretically can't hurt a stator, but with added stress, like extremely hot weather, or engine overheat, they can melt.

Anything can fail. If a battery connection failed, it could wipe out almost everything in the dash, from voltmeter to tachometer. It pays to keep the battery in good condition and clean.

hope it helps
John
 

venture

Cadet
Joined
Nov 10, 2006
Messages
17
Re: 1999 XR6 volt meter,tach,firing

The engine has been taking off the boat for hull repair I will check the grounds, as for one bank running cleaner than the other I have changed the complete water pump but haven't check the plugs since then and also put in new plugs, It does have a dual 40 amp system. The guy I bought the boat from which was as is battery was down and I didn't try to start it and found volt meter and tach working not wright but bought cheap for what it was trition tr-18 with this engine he had it since 2001 wasn't in the water 15 to 20 times in 6yrs. Thanks....
 

j_martin

Admiral
Joined
Sep 22, 2006
Messages
7,474
Re: 1999 XR6 volt meter,tach,firing

Sounds like the battery wasn't maintained. A jump start on a badly sulfated battery would do the damage you described to the tach and voltmeter.

Good news is that the ignition would not be hurt.

I would disconnect the regulators (yellow wires) one at a time and make sure the other one works. A bad battery can pop them.

You mention hull repairs. The remains of a few soft stumps can cause all kinds of cooling issues with these motors. I would check the poppit and thermostats. If they are clear and seem to be working properly, (you can test the t-stats) and it still heats up unevenly, I'd pull the heads and the exhaust cover and make sure all the little water passages are clear.

Good luck with the project
John
 
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