1990 Evinrude 120 Charging System

[alpineswampman]

I have a question about the charging system on my '90 Evinrude 120. My volt meter is reading the max it goes at WOT after runnig for about 15 minutes. If i hit the horn or trim buttons, it drops to 13 volts or so but as soon as I let off it goes back up. What can I check? I read that these enignes don't have a voltage regulator and will over charge the battery(which is what i think is happening). What can I do to avoid\correct this?<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Brett

 

[JB]

Re: 1990 Evinrude 120 Charging System

Hey, Brett. What is the reading at WOT?? Starter batteries will handle as much as 14.6 volts charging voltage with no damage. The voltage dropping to 13volts when you add load, such as horn, is a good sign, not a bad one. It's sort of like the cold water pressure in the shower dropping when someone flushes a !@#$%^ toilet while you are showering. . . EEEK!! Normal operation.<br /><br />Red Sky....<br />JB

 

[alpineswampman]

Re: 1990 Evinrude 120 Charging System

The max reading on my volt guage is 16 volts. It takes a few minutes to get to this voltage after startup and only goes that high at WOT. I am thinking that it is overcharging and that is why if I put a load on it (horn or trim) it drops to 13 but then goes back up. I don't want to kill my battery or tach.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Brett

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 1990 Evinrude 120 Charging System

You might want to check your regulator. It's most likely bad. When you change it think about venting the block to prevent future problems. Have it checked out before the regulator and/or the wiring catches fire.<br /><br />Good luck!