Alternator OR Battery??

[CAPTAL]

I have a 1987 Merc 165hp 4cyl i/o. Just today i got stuck out in the water because my battery was dead. The volts meter was reading it at 11 when i tried to start it and later when a friend came with his fully chaged battery it was still reading at about 11-12 but it started up without a problem. While the engine was running it read the same. I'm not very firmiliar with this engine does it have an alternator and what should the volts meter be reading?

 

[Walter]

Re: Alternator OR Battery??

With the engine idling at 1000 rpm you should read approx. 14.2 volts at the battery.<br /><br />From what you describe its sounds as though the alternator isn't charging. However, before you condemn it be sure to check the obvious things first. For example: Loose belt or poor battery cable connections at the battery, engine block, alternator etc...<br /><br />Walt

 

[CAPTAL]

Re: Alternator OR Battery??

do you know about how much they run for?<br /><br />Also would it be possible for me to replace the alternator myslef or should i hire an expert? <br />I'm quite a handy person but not a mechanic, it would be nice to have some hands on experience.<br /><br /> I know for sure the belt is not loose.<br /> <br />If there were poor battery cable conections would the boat have started in the first place? <br /><br /> How would i check the engine block?

 

[fone_man]

Re: Alternator OR Battery??

Remove your alt & carry to auto parts store & have then run test on it. If it is not charging, have them send out for rebuild or rebuild it yourself.<br /><br />Check out belt for proper tension as it could be slipping & not charging... most common problem. When was last time belt was replaced???

 

[clanton]

Re: Alternator OR Battery??

The orignal charging system is like an outboard, and the stator in under the crank shaft pulley. See www.wagnerproducts.com and purchase the kit from www.amarket.com. This kit converts to Delco single wire alternator.

 

[CAPTAL]

Re: Alternator OR Battery??

I'm not sure when the belt was changed (or if it ever was). I just got the boat this year and no type of contact with previous user. I'll check if the belt is wore out.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[fone_man]

Re: Alternator OR Battery??

By gosh, Clanton you are right!!! Had to pull my manual on that one... Direct Charging System... page 191 in Cylmers manual 86-94 Alpha One...<br /><br />My mistake, CAPTAL... I "ASS U ME"D on that one but I will not forget it again!!!<br /><br />Thanks for the follow-up post Clanton!!!<br /><br />

 

[CAPTAL]

Re: Alternator OR Battery??

I dont see a alternator at all all i see is the pulley and no belt from it at all.<br /><br />The srial number of my motor is #B647708.

 

[Walter]

Re: Alternator OR Battery??

Well geez...<br /><br />I can't say I've ever heard of that type charging system on an I/O... Of course, I haven't worked on anything newer than an early 80's either...so from now on, I think I'll just stick to answering questions from that era!<br /><br />Thanks Clanton for getting Captal on the right track...<br /><br />Walt

 

[CAPTAL]

Re: Alternator OR Battery??

I was reading up on the engine and the problem is the regulator.<br /><br />For this engine there is some type of alternator conversion kit. <br /><br />I read that the regulator is made very poorly and fails after a short while.

 

[clanton]

Re: Alternator OR Battery??

See my post above wagner makes the kit, amarket has the best price. 2nd method of solving this problem. You said the engine had no belt, makes me think no power steering<br />right? If no power steering, I think I could put a Delco alt where the power steering pump is located. The Head is a cast iron Ford head, should be threaded holes in front of the head, with a 7 or 8 inch bolt with spacer you may be able to mount alt directly to head and align pulley with pulley on engine. I am installing a kit now after I finish I will try to measure for the bolt and spacer size.

 

[CAPTAL]

Re: Alternator OR Battery??

I was looking online for prices the alternator conversion kit goes for $350.00 and i seen the voltage regulator for $130.<br />'m not quite positive wich one to get. I'm not even sure that voltage regulator is the one i need. <br />Also would installing it be a bad idea for a novice?

 

[clanton]

Re: Alternator OR Battery??

The hard part is getting the crankshaft pulley off, and aligning the new pulley with the old crank pulley, with dial indicater. You also need 6 inches of space in front of orginal pulley. The kit looks to be well made. There are 3 threaded holes in the head on the engine im installing the kit on. If engine did not have power steering a Delco alt would fit there. using a 6/7 inch bolt with spacer. Thers is just enough space for the belt to align, with 1/2 inch to place with. You would have to make an adjusting arm, and spacer.

 

[CAPTAL]

Re: Alternator OR Battery??

I dont have power steering. And i dont have 6" of space either. Now what can i do?

 

[petryshyn]

Re: Alternator OR Battery??

might be easier just to repair the existing charging system. . .

 

[clanton]

Re: Alternator OR Battery??

Locate 2 yellow wires from stator in front of engine, disconnect the wires from the regulator. Connect meter AC scale between the 2 wires, should be about 60 AC volts, at about 1800 rpms. Then check stator for short to ground, red lead to yellow wire, black lead to ground, tape on 2nd yellow lead, engine running meter should read 0. Stator checks OK, regulator bad.

 

[CAPTAL]

Re: Alternator OR Battery??

ok thanks for all the advice. Its the regulator. What regulator should i be looking to buy? Any installing tips?