mfelthousen
Seaman
- Joined
- Jun 12, 2018
- Messages
- 68
I have a '77 Starcraft Holiday 18 I/O with a Mercruiser 120. While out last night the dash voltmeter started dancing and went into 16+ volts. At the same time my depth finder (a new-ish Humminbird) started acting up, but would return to normal when voltage stabilized. I don't think the gauge is bad in other words.
Normally I would assume a regulator is bad. I have not found it yet, and I am not seeing it suggested in any parts finder. Are these internally regulated? Parts finders are also suggesting a three wire replacement for this engine serial range, but what I have is a one-wire unit that appears to be original.
Question 1- If I get a three-wire replacement and don't set up the warning light circuit right away, is that ok in the short term?
Question 2- Were these internally regulated or do I need to keep tracing wires?
Question 3- I've read about the 20VDC and 10VAC tests, to check voltage output and diodes. What I haven't seen yet is whether that is done with the alternator disconnected from the boat wiring or if it is done in parallel.
Thanks,
Mat
Normally I would assume a regulator is bad. I have not found it yet, and I am not seeing it suggested in any parts finder. Are these internally regulated? Parts finders are also suggesting a three wire replacement for this engine serial range, but what I have is a one-wire unit that appears to be original.
Question 1- If I get a three-wire replacement and don't set up the warning light circuit right away, is that ok in the short term?
Question 2- Were these internally regulated or do I need to keep tracing wires?
Question 3- I've read about the 20VDC and 10VAC tests, to check voltage output and diodes. What I haven't seen yet is whether that is done with the alternator disconnected from the boat wiring or if it is done in parallel.
Thanks,
Mat
