Voltage Regulator Bad??? 2003 150???

[peterpagnott]

I have a 2003 merc 150 Saltwater. My tach went out on me the other day.after posting on this site I was told to test my voltage regulator and see what was going on. I have not tested the charging capability yet. (I get hom at night) but I have done the ohm tests that the manual says to do and my readings are not even near what the book says. What would make these things go bad this quick? (engine has about 140 hours on it) Any suggestions?<br /><br />Thanks for any input.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Voltage Regulator Bad??? 2003 150???

Switching the battery switch while the motor is running (if so equipped).<br />Connecting the battery backwards, even for a split-second.<br />Loose battery connections.<br />Corroded battery connections.<br />Crappy battery.<br />The least common cause is component failure. 99% of the time it's a bad connection someplace, usually at the battery. About the same 99% of boaters neglect their battery and/or think finger-tight wingnuts is enough. You might say "Wingnuts" are the number one cause for voltage regulator failures.

 

[peterpagnott]

Re: Voltage Regulator Bad??? 2003 150???

That's good to know. I have switched batteries numerous times while the boat was running. Do you think I may have damaged the stator too?

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Voltage Regulator Bad??? 2003 150???

Stator probably survived. There are switches available that hold the charging current while the switch is moved. The rest break current which is already flowing and needs a place to go...usually out the regulator innards.

 

[peterpagnott]

Re: Voltage Regulator Bad??? 2003 150???

Would you buy your parts from Merc? I have found the parts from botfix.com for about $60.00 cheaper.Is there a quality question here?

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Voltage Regulator Bad??? 2003 150???

hello<br /> is yours a 40 amp system ? does it have 2 voltage regulators ?