'72 500 Thunderbolt stator output.

[WoodOnWater]

During a run the other day, I noticed my system voltage was running about 16V at at 5000 RPM. At 3000 RPM, it was indication 14V. I was uncomfortable with the 16V, so I calledit a day and motored in at reduced power. Reading the forum, it sounds like this is normal and caution should be used with maintenance free batteries. I also read that some are running a voltage regulator to keep voltage levels to a more acceptable level.

Can anyone recommend a product to use and expertise on properly wiring it?

 

[Maxz695]

Re: '72 500 Thunderbolt stator output.

My 40 Hp ran this way and never had n issue with 16 volts at 5K RPM. Above that I would be worried

 

[WoodOnWater]

Re: '72 500 Thunderbolt stator output.

Additionally, I had some high battery usage as I was dealing with some self-induced carburetor issues. Would a battery that was accepting a high charge rate cause a higher than normal voltage indication? A charged battery has higher internal resistance than one that is accepting a high charge. Would this be a possibility?

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: '72 500 Thunderbolt stator output.

Not how it works. Your motor puts out a relatively constant charge at a given RPM. High voltage/low current OR low voltage/high current. When the battery is discharged, the stator voltage is lower because it is outputting more current to charge the battery. Once the battery is charged to the proper level, the stator current output decreases but the voltage then increases.

The unregulated charge systems will always output high voltages at high RPM's.