I've got something really strange happening, and have no idea what to do. Here's everything that I know. The tach most of the time reads what I believe is about 3 times what I "hear" the rpm to be. Occasionally it reads right. Other times, it jumps from pegged high to normal rpm. The volts at the battery read 14, and at the fishfinder, 12.5 when the engine is off. After running a while, it seems to stay steady at about 10. The battery is a new battery. The motor runs fine when you start it, then disconnect from the battery. When I run the engine, it doesn't matter if it's running 900rpm or 2500 rpm, the voltage jumps ALL around...18, 12, 0. And when I say it jumps, it's like 6 different readings every second. Now, I'm a good mechanical guy, but lack a little when it comes to the understanding of the electrical part. I know in a vehicle, the alternator should put out a steady voltage (14-ish?). I've checked all the connections under the cowling and all appears good. Engine runs fine, albeit at idle a little "jumpy" but it's always done that. Any ideas? Regulator? Rectifier? Stator? Out of those three, all I know for sure is the stator produces the electricity. Help!
