OMC 175HP I/O Voltager Regulator Melted

[tohair]

Boat starts and runs well. During the winter months, I notice the external voltage regulator on the front of the engine above the water pump is dripping (now cooled) melted black plastic. I saw another post from 2005 regarding this problem but it was inconclusive. Steps for diagnosis? I am new to the forum...thanks in advance for any help. The engine is a Ford 302. The alternator is a Prestolite ALK6222-10G if that is of any help.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: OMC 175HP I/O Voltager Regulator Melted

Instead of buying a new OMC regulator(expensive)buy a new one wire alternator.

 

[WizeOne]

Re: OMC 175HP I/O Voltager Regulator Melted

I suppose it could just be a bad VR but I would look for a starter/alternator repair shop in your area. They would know for sure and if your marine alternator would need rebuilding, they would do the best. However, they probably would not have that VR, if that is all that it is.

You are not going to get an el cheapo rebuilt alternator at your local discount autoparts store.

 

[tohair]

Re: OMC 175HP I/O Voltager Regulator Melted

My goal this morning will be to
1) make sure the wiring from the battery is in good shape and the connections are clean and tight
2) make sure that the voltage regulator is wired in correctly in the first place.
Any other suggestions are welcome

thanks

 

[danond]

Re: OMC 175HP I/O Voltager Regulator Melted

I agree with Bruce. Get a one wire alternator and save all the trouble.

 

[tohair]

Re: OMC 175HP I/O Voltager Regulator Melted

Hi everybody

I inspected the wiring from the bat to the alternator. All is in good condition. I placed the battery for a day in one of my other vehicles and it appears to be fine. I went to my local marine used parts dealer and bought a replacement voltage regulator for $25. I installed it and all appears to work well. Going out to test things on the water. Local marine mechanic I talked with says the regulator melting is consistent with it just "failing". I am skeptical of things that just fail without cause. We will see. I will get back to you. I figured the $25 was my cheapest route to troubleshooting.

 

[tohair]

Re: OMC 175HP I/O Voltager Regulator Melted

Boat running great. I replaced the voltage regualtor with a used one for $25 and runs very nice. Thanks all for help.