Is it worth it to replace the voltage regulator?

[nola mike]

Took the boat out for the first time this season, went about 50 miles. On the way out my voltage spiked to 18v for a minute before settling to 14.2. after a while it dropped to battery voltage (12.7) before getting back to 14.2. on the way home it charged for a while before again dropping to 12.6 for the rest of the trip. I have a spare alternator from the 3.7 that I'm going to swap in, but didn't know how much of a chore it would be to replace the regulator on this unit. It's likely the original from an '89 4.3l.

 

[Scott06]

Its not that hard to do im sure you can find some you tube videos . if i had a spare one id swap it on Vs reworking. If you do tear into it id recommend replacing all wear items in there vs just replacing the one component

 

[dubs283]

im with scott on this, replace it with the other one and rebuild the current faulty one. keep reman for replacement til the other one fails, then rebuild that one

 

[bruceb58]

Buy a new modern alternator that has a built in regulator.