2004 Mercury Optimax -225HP

[cheeseburger]

Hello,

My battery is being drained when I go out...fortunately I installed a backup battery switch to utilize one of my trolling motor batteries in case my cranking battery goes out. Cranking battery has been load tested, and comes back fine.

I need to check my voltage next time the engine is running but I don't believe I am getting the 13.5 or more VDC I should be getting when the engine is started and running. If memory serves, it only stays at 12.5 which should have been a clue a lot earlier. ;-)

Things are looking towards the Voltage Regulator it seems? Have Multi-meter - will test. I am familiar with how to test diodes, run continuity tests, check for voltage, etc.

What I need to know now is where the voltage regulator(s) and rectifier (s) are in the Optimax? Any tips on what output voltage I should be seeing or troubleshooting would be nice as well.

I ordered a manual but will take a few days to get in.

Thanks much.

 

[cheeseburger]

Re: 2004 Mercury Optimax -225HP

bump

 

[hkeiner]

Re: 2004 Mercury Optimax -225HP

While you are waiting for your manual, you can see a parts diagram for your particular motor on the Doug Russell Marine website. It will show the location of the regulator and other parts you may be interested in.

http://www.dougrussell.com/partscatalog/collections/index.cfm?fuseaction=collectdetails&colid=01

 

[cheeseburger]

Re: 2004 Mercury Optimax -225HP

Thanks, I checked it out though and was unable to find the voltage regulator. The diagrams appear to only be illustratrated parts break downs of the parts themselves, not an overall picture of where things are located.

 

[hkeiner]

Re: 2004 Mercury Optimax -225HP

I would think that seeing what the regulator looks like and what the neigboring parts look like would guide you to the part. I don't physically have a 225 Opti to check and perhaps the regulator is hidden from plain view. Perhaps you can follow the wiring coming from under the flywheel (stator) to the regulator.

 

[cheeseburger]

Re: 2004 Mercury Optimax -225HP

Thanks that actually may help but I couldn't seem to find the Regulator in the parts list...I like you're idea, I will trace it...now the question is, how do I perform resistance checks on it..I have no documentation on that...I did find some documentation online that shows there are 4 wires, Black, Gray, Purple and Red...but it doesn't show the proper resistance checks...it is a belt driven 60Amp system...the documentation I found online only shows the resistance check for the 40Amp Integral system...

 

[cheeseburger]

Re: 2004 Mercury Optimax -225HP

One thing I forgot to mention is my battery went dead a while back before I put my battery switch in..not knowing you shouldn't do this with an Optimax....my cranking battery went dead so I disconnected it and connected one of my trolling motor batteries up to start the engine...after the engine was started I disconnected the battery..and of course the engine died...I read somewhere this fries your regulator...anyone care to shed light on this? My guess is this is my problem.

Thanks

 

[hkeiner]

Re: 2004 Mercury Optimax -225HP

I have always understood that disconnecting the cable from the battery while the motor is running is a bad thing to do. I have never tried this myself, to prove this to be true or to detemine which electrical parts are likely to be damaged.

 

[cheeseburger]

Re: 2004 Mercury Optimax -225HP

bump

 

[cheeseburger]

Re: 2004 Mercury Optimax -225HP

Well, figured out why I couldn't find the voltage regulator on the Illustrated Parts Breakdown *or* in my engine itself - it is built into the alternator - duh.
;-)

Go figure - no replaceable parts.

Now the question is, where can I get a good deal/warranty on an alternator for a 225 Optimax - Year 2004 - SN OT833137

Thanks

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: 2004 Mercury Optimax -225HP

Here is you $200 savings for the year!! Go to www.promarineusa.com and order the 3201M. Their price 324.95vs OEM 588.00

Alternator
3201M
Electrical
12v 50amp alternator for 225hp/250hp 3.0L V6 engines. Serpentine Pulley Delco style unit with oval plug w/ two terminals.

Will not interchange with Nippon Denso units.
$324.95