High Voltage

[reelthrill]

Time before last on the water the high voltage screen popped up on my depthfinder.Reading on the dash was 16+ volts.Thought maybe the battery was going so I switched to #2 battery.Same reading.I cut everything electrical on(bilge,stereo,lights)No drop in volts.(it would drop when using tilt switch)To make a long story short,I changed #1 battery out.Seemed to be fine running under the hose.Voltage even when rev'ed up was under 15V in all battery switch positions.Took it to the coast this weekend. It ran fine for awhile then shoots up to over 16 volts(battery #1-#2 and both)Was 3 1/2 miles off shore when this happened.Limped in at about 5 MPH.When back in the sound,I gassed it up on plane and it ran,w/proper volts,for about 6 miles then high voltage again.Can the voltage regulators stick??? Anyone have any ideas as to what might be the problem???I appreciate any advice or comments.<br /> Thanks<br /> reelthrill

 

[reelthrill]

Re: High Voltage

Sorry!!! Its a 1993 Mercury 175 XL.Puts out 40 amps.

 

[JB]

Re: High Voltage

Howdy, Reelthrill.<br /><br />Your batteries were and are fine. Your voltage regulator is allowing "too much" voltage from the alternator/rectifier. <br /><br />Your FF is also too voltage sensitive. A good unit should be rated to 20 volts without freaking out.<br /><br />Good luck.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . . <br />JB

 

[sonnie]

Re: High Voltage

when that happens you should try to switch on heavy loads like lights. even when you are not using the motor (like while you are waiting for the fish to bite). switching off equipment will enable faster charging of the battery.

 

[reelthrill]

Re: High Voltage

Thanks guys.JB,my FF operates at up to 20 volts.Thats why I'm concerned when the HV screen pops up.The meter on the dash only reads to 16-V but when it surges up,it pegs the meter.I realize its probably the voltage regulator(s) itself, but would like to be relatively sure before dropping 300 buckaroos on them.I was hoping someone had experienced the same problem on a similar motor.Sonnie,I had thought about trimming up & down all the way in (to shore)because it was the only thing using up enough power to drop the voltage somewhat.I'm kind of reluctant to use up my battery power while not running because I'm normally 8+ miles offshore.Even with 2 batterys its scary(especially with my luck) to be depending on one if I happen to drain the other This motor has never acted up before,so I'm hoping whatever it is can be repaired. Anyway,thanks for the replys.I'll figure it out sooner or later!!!<br /> Later,<br /> reelthrill