Got another question, please advise

[draft raft]

Hi again,My boat is a 1999 four winns with a V4 115 horse Johnson outboard, and the alternator has always pulled 13-14 volts(according to the gauge) and Saturday I took my boat out to use it, and it was pulling 18(the highest mark on the gauge), and would only drop to 15 if the lights, or trim, or anything else was temporally used, and then when they were shut off, right back to 18?? any ideas of what this could be....last week, it was pulling almost 15, and this week 18....am I going to have to look into buying a new alternator?? God I hope not, as Money is tight,due to the economy.Thanks again in advance for any advise or info. Ps the battery is 2 years old, and the terminals are clean, and tight!

 

[crxess]

Re: Got another question, please advise

Check/clean the ground terminal at the motor.Test at the battery, engine running, with a volt meter to verify charging voltage. Could be a gauge issue. instrument ground loose.

 

[iwombat]

Re: Got another question, please advise

Sounds to me like your battery isn't acting like a proper load any more. Probably a battery terminal connection that needs cleaning.

 

[draft raft]

Re: Got another question, please advise

Thank you crxess, and iwombat, for the info, I'll check those things out. thanks again.