Mercruiser Charging System

jasmo123

Cadet
Joined
Aug 7, 2008
Messages
22
Hello, I have enjoyed reading the forums here and have gathered lots of valuable information about my boat and engine.
I have a 1997 Mercruiser 3.0LX Alpha I S/N 0K--- Electronic ignition. I recently found my volt gauge under the panel and cut a new hole to mount it. Now I am getting worried. The volt gauge shows almost 16 volts when the engine is running. Shows a little over twelve when not running. My question is how much voltage is too much? I am going to check probably today with a Digital Volt meter to see exactly what the voltage is. Also, if my connections are good could a weak battery cause this high voltage situation? (I ran the battery dead a few weeks back and recharged but it never would show a green eye anymore, but starts the engine fine) The boat runs great so what damage might I do if I keep running this way? Is there an adjustable regulator? Sorry so many questions but this has been bugging me. Thanks.
 

tysonnathan

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 2, 2008
Messages
246
Re: Mercruiser Charging System

should be b/t 13 and 14. check it with the digital guage to be sure it is an accurate reading. if the reading is correct, could be a bad voltage regulator, which is easy to replace. constantly overcharging will kill the batry...
 

jasmo123

Cadet
Joined
Aug 7, 2008
Messages
22
Re: Mercruiser Charging System

Well, I had a chance to check the voltage at the battery this evening with the engine running. The voltage at the battery is 14.65 volts with a digital volt meter. I checked the Mercruiser manual and it says the voltage should be between 13.9 and 14.7 volts. So I guess my boat volt gauge is just reading high. No too worried about the gauge as long as the voltage at the battery is ok. I wonder if anyone knows if these gauges are adjustable? I do not know what brand gauges they are but I will investigate this the next time I have a chance. Good Boating to ALL!! :D
 
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