OMC Voltage Regulator Melted

[davepnc]

HI all ,New to This forum But not to boating But I recently purchased my first I/O (always had Outboards) A 1982 Renken 995 with 3.0 140 HP OMC with stringer 400 outdrive. Here's the problem I noticed when I bought the boat that the Black sealer on the circuit board of the external voltage regulator had melted and run down on the waterpump pulley.I bought a new one but am concerned about installing.It mounts on the waterpump housing right up front(gets hot here)?.The new one has the same black stuff on the back and is kind of soft to the touch.Did the old one short out ?or maybe there was some sort of recall Do I need to relocate or install a heat shield?I removed the old one before I ran The engine the first time so I don't even Know If It worked. Any Help would be appreciated By the way This forum has been a huge asset to restoring this boat thank Dave

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: OMC Voltage Regulator Melted

A bad battery can cause a voltage regulator to cook, especially if the battery has a shorted out cell, some VR's seem to be able to take more stress than others, I learned the hard way. I don't believe the engine temp will hurt it, more than likely it was run with shorted cell in the battery. Good luck with your OMC there seems to be fewer and fewer people whom even respond to OMC questions, unless it's just to say something negative.

 

[davepnc]

Re: OMC Voltage Regulator Melted

Thanks I didn't think of the Battery It's only a 1 and 1/2 years old but won't hold a charge.I'll load test it this weekend and see what happens you may be right Thanks

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: OMC Voltage Regulator Melted

Welcome to Iboats Dave! Good to see more people from this area.

 

[davepnc]

Re: OMC Voltage Regulator Melted

Hi Gary thanks for the welcome!Maybe I'll see on Norman Some day if I ever get the boat done

 

[davepnc]

Re: OMC Voltage Regulator Melted

Checked Battery today 12.65 Volts dropped to about 11.2 on 12 second load test with my cheap battery checker.Seems ok but I think i'll bring it somewhere and have it checked with a better tester to make sure.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: OMC Voltage Regulator Melted

the biggest regulator cooker is them dang wingnuts. toss them and use stainless locknuts on the battery posts.
bad connections tended to wipe out regulators, the looper 200 and 225 jonnyrudes were famous for lighting on fire with a loose battery cable.

 

[JustJason]

Re: OMC Voltage Regulator Melted

i'll 2nd that... toss the wingnuts.

 

[davepnc]

Re: OMC Voltage Regulator Melted

Thanks for the response the wing nuts will be removed and i am replacing the ground wire to block as well as other wiring. Presently i'm Rebuilding the seats and engine cover.I'm ordering carpet this weekend thanks again Dave