High Voltage

[Oldskipper]

My 1989 Mercury Black Max is putting out 18 volts and needs a new regulator that is very expensive. I know that voltage can blow out electronics, the tack and gauges. My question is can or will this voltage affect the motor itself, ie solenoids, the starter, the trim motor, or other components of the motor's circuits? So far I have not had anything affected on the motor itself. Thanks.

 

[dingbat]

My 1989 Mercury Black Max is putting out 18 volts and needs a new regulator that is very expensive. I know that voltage can blow out electronics, the tack and gauges. My question is can or will this voltage affect the motor itself, ie solenoids, the starter, the trim motor, or other components of the motor's circuits? So far I have not had anything affected on the motor itself. Thanks.

The motor operates off battery power, not the charging system.

Batteries will not last long being charged at 18 volts

 

[Chris1956]

It is not great for the battery. Starter and trim motors will likely not object.

The CDI unit is not connected to the charging system, so that's OK.

You should replace it. C/O Sierra and CDI electronics and perhaps GLM for replacement voltage regulators.

 

[Oldskipper]

It is not great for the battery. Starter and trim motors will likely not object.

The CDI unit is not connected to the charging system, so that's OK.

You should replace it. C/O Sierra and CDI electronics and perhaps GLM for replacement voltage regulators.

Thanks, that specific info is helpful. The new regulator is $657 and my mechanic wants $200 to replace it. It looks like I could do the job. The CDI unit is $450-$500 and is not water cooled like the OEM unit. Youtube has a video and thread with a CDI unit that only lasted one year.

 

[Chris1956]

That was the 40A model right? Merc switched to twin 20A VRs after a while.

Replacement is simple. They bolt to the block, so it is unclear to me if they were considered water cooled.

Does Sierra have anything? Try the ebasicpower web site.

 

[flashback]

Don't know if your using the the meter in the helm for your measurement but sometimes they can go bad and you get a wrong reading..