How to install a voltage regulator

[skippy2235]

This is my first boat.
55 hp 1969 Johnson.
I just replaced the entire wirring harnes (engine side).
and power pack, and rectifier.

The model number for the engine is 55ESL69A
This has no voltage regulator. I want to install a voltage regulator.
Would a vintage car style work? I found this web site that list hundreds of models of cars and part numbers and styles of regulator, I think one should work.
hXXp://www.russellsnewoldparts.com/VOLTAGEREGULATORS.html
What would the wiring be?
Is it possiable?
Any Ideas.
TIA
Dave

 

[Vic.S]

Re: How to install a voltage regulator

No a car type wont work. Different principle. Car types control the field strength but in modern outboards with a stator coil under the flywheel the field is derived from the flywheel magnets.

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: How to install a voltage regulator

Is there a reason you need a voltage regulator?

 

[skippy2235]

Re: How to install a voltage regulator

I guess I dont NEED it, just wanted to see a constant 13.5 -14 volts and not have it vary or have the voltage go past 14.

 

[Daviet]

Re: How to install a voltage regulator

I think I remember reading on an older post that there was an option available on those unregulated motors that would install a voltage regulator. Maybe try a search and see if it turns up anything. I am sure someone will come along and ansewer the question for you.

 

[skippy2235]

Re: How to install a voltage regulator

I think I may be over thinking this.
Instead of adding a voltage regulator to the stator / rectifier maybe just add one at the battery like a lm7812 ic, (yes I know the LM7812 is only rated for 1 amp just using an example here).
There has to be an IC chip that would take clean rectified current / 18 volts and regulate it down to 14 volts at 10 amps.
any ideas?

 

[petryshyn]

Re: How to install a voltage regulator

its not going to happen easily or on the cheap. a 7812 would never live.
If you are serious about it, try a 18-5827 sierra. Its 10 amps and air cooled.

 

[petryshyn]

Re: How to install a voltage regulator

another option would be to install a Lo/High charge switch on the cheap. It would cut the charge rate by half for when your load demands are small. It would consist of a toggle switch and a diode.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: How to install a voltage regulator

Sure, an IC could do it, but you must use a heat sink, or it will fry. You can probably find a fixed regulator for 14 VDC output. You will obviously need to protect it from water, salt, etc. I would put the IC in a small plastic project box and use an aluminum heat sink on the outside.

 

[Vic.S]

Re: How to install a voltage regulator

Some outboards do have a separate rectifier and regulator. One of those regulators would do the trick.
I think have seen them listed for some OMC models although most have either a non regulated rectifier or a water cooled rectifier/regulator.

If not for OMC models then perhaps other makes. That might be worth investigating.

There will be quite a bit of heat to dissipate.

A switch is to disconnect the battery from the charging circuit is not a good idea because doing that can create a voltage surge that may damage the rectifier diodes.
I'm not sure what Petryshyn has in mind

 

[skippy2235]

Re: How to install a voltage regulator

See this is the feedback I wanted. Great info

I like the 18-5827 sierra idea. I little costy but gives me 10 amps without me searching for an IC that would take 18V in and give me 14V out, at 10 amps.
I remember looking for something simular about 2 years ago and did not find anything.

As for the heat sink, yea I knew that.

What about taking qty 14 of the 7812 IC chips and hooking them up with the input parrall and the output in parrell, in one long row, all connected to one large heatsink.

 

[petryshyn]

Re: How to install a voltage regulator

The problem is that you will be dealing with a lot more than 18 volts at WOT.
That means that the 7812 will have to drop 30-40 volts causing high heat and low current capability because of it. You also could not just parallel them as they would not share the load evenly without a bias resistor between the outputs. Again, these resistors must be large to take the heat. Now you know why the sierra replacement regulator/rectifier is as pricey as it is ........

cheers

 

[skippy2235]

Re: How to install a voltage regulator

Thanks for that explaination, I did not know that it would get to 40V. Looks like siera is the way to go. I will be getting one.
Do you have any wiring tips as to colors and/or connections?
Dave

 

[skippy2235]

Re: How to install a voltage regulator

OK I just bought the 18-5827 sierra voltage regulator it has 4 wires. My current has 3 wires. Anyone know how to wire this up?

 

[boobie]

Re: How to install a voltage regulator

If all else fails try a part # 173640 reglator kit from BRP. These were made for your situation. Evin or John dlr.

 

[skippy2235]

Re: How to install a voltage regulator

This is great info, found a good used one. NOW back to the original question.
How would I wire the Siera or this one?

 

[skippy2235]

Re: How to install a voltage regulator

Ok I know this has been a long running thread, But I need to post my results.
I fianly installed the voltage regulator 18-5827 sierra voltage regulator.
This unit has 4 wires, 2) yellow. 1) red 1) grey.
Yellow wires connect to the same wires as the original rectifier does, and the grey is for the tach.
I installed this and a added a new tach to the boat, last week. I tested it today.
This is the way to go. never went above 14 volts and charged great, also tach worked great. Easy install and done right, THANKS FOR ALL THE HELP.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: How to install a voltage regulator

Thanks for posting your solution. Most don't come back and post what they have found, especially 3 months later...
I'm glad it worked. Most batteries now and days are sealed up or gel maintenance-free types and don't really like running at 16-19 volts. Back in 1969, you'd just pop off the lid and top off the battery with water every few runs after the electrolyte boiled off.....