volts on a 3.0l

[jamerson62]

This fall I was getting ready to take the boat out with a few friends and have a good time. Boat was idling normal but when I went to about 3/4 throttle the volts started bouncing all over the place. Dropping as low as 8 and as high as 16. I even switched the depth finder to view the volts, again same thing. The engine even stalled out a few times, from the fuel pump not pushing enough fuel to the carb. My buddy, who is a mechanic, said it's the voltage regulator. Does anyone know where the voltage regulator on a 1987 3.0 is? I plan on replacing the part in the spring but would like to get a heads up of what I am looking at.

 

[Don S]

Re: volts on a 3.0l

The regulator is built into the alternator.
The fuel pump on a 3.0L is mechanical, not electric.

 

[Bondo]

Re: volts on a 3.0l

The regulator is built into the Alternator.
The fuel pump on a 3.0L is mechanical, not electric.

Ayuh,... Fixed that for ya,....

 

[Don S]

Re: volts on a 3.0l

Thanks, at least you knew what I meant to say.

 

[achris]

Re: volts on a 3.0l

...My buddy, who is a mechanic, said it's the voltage regulator. ...

A loose belt will also do that, or worn brushes, or out of round slip-rings, or a bad bearing causing the alternator to 'pole'....

Your buddy is just guessing. You need to pull the alternator off and strip it down and diagnose it properly. If you feel like throwing parts at it and hoping for the best, just buy a new alternator and be done with it. It'll save you a lot of time and probably end up cheaper that way.

BTW....

I MIGHT NOT BE THE FASTEST ON THE LAKE, BUT I CAN OUT DRIVE YOUR *** ANY DAY!

I seriously doubt it!