Merc 470 voltage reg symptoms?

[nola mike]

Noticed that, especially right at startup, my voltage meter is in the 16v range. Eventually it will fall to around 14. No other symptoms. Is this a sign of an early failing voltage reg, or am i being paranoid? any way to check? thanks!

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Merc 470 voltage reg symptoms?

If this is after the boat has set a long time or the battery is low i would say its normal.
May be time to get the battery tested..
At least it is charging...

 

[nola mike]

Re: Merc 470 voltage reg symptoms?

yeah, it's usually after the boat has been sitting for a few days. i was hoping it was normal, but the 470 police on the board have scared me into paranoia
just want to know when i should start looking at an alt kit...

 

[q5ka]

Re: Merc 470 voltage reg symptoms?

There are two times to start looking for the conversion kit...
Now or after it fails. It does not seem like there are any signs before failure. It just stops working. If you are looking to add a bit of dependability and relax the mind, get a three wire kit now and install this winter or some low weekend you cant go anywhere. Then again, your current setup can last a long time or burn out tomorrow. I agree that your symptoms would point me towards a battery.

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Merc 470 voltage reg symptoms?

Those charging numbers, are just fine!

Remember...the starter pulls a lot of amps, and the voltage regulator is initally reacting to the 'missing' battery amps from the engine start. Then it settles down....

I have a 470, and a 3.0L...and they both show this range.

I have a single wire alternator conversion kit, that I have never had the need to install. I just felt that it would be better to have around...for when (not if) the regulator goes south!

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Merc 470 voltage reg symptoms?

I would measure this again with a multimeter...hopefully one that has a max hold feature. The high voltage spike is not good news...especially to any electronics that may be on when this happens.

I really doubt it is the battery.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Merc 470 voltage reg symptoms?

am i being paranoid? any way to check? thanks!

Probably. It happens if you read too many "470" posts here. Sounds like your system is OK. I keep a good solid state maintenance charger on my battery all the time to keep it fully charged winter and summer (turns itself on and off as needed). Here is my 470 plan: I know exactly what i am going to get (3 wire low mount from Breezeworks), and the day mine fails I am going to order it, until then I am not going to worry about it.