Voltmeter accuracy?

[Grand Larsony]

I've got a voltage gauge on my dash that reads like 18v. Haven't yet checked it with a multimeter (it's hard to get to). Been like this for a while now, no big deal.

Anyhow, depending on what I find with the multimeter, might there be an adjustment on the back that allows me to recalibrate the gauge so it's accurate (vs. the actual voltage)?

 

[rallyart]

Re: Voltmeter accuracy?

There is usually no adjustment unless you pull the needle off and put it back on correctly. If you are at 18 volts you will boil your battery dry quickly. You can easily read the voltage at the alternator output post, positive, to the engine block, negative, or across the battery while the boat is running. 14.7 is fine when charging. 18 is not.