Coil voltage regulator - replace?

[superbenk]

I've noticed what appears to be the sticky glue used to seal up the voltage regulator on my OMC 140 occasionally drips onto the harmonic balancer:

I've also been fighting with some stuttering at higher RPMs which I've brought up in other threads. I've recently replaced a lot of the electrical components & most recently the fuel pump & added a water separator/filter inline. We're heading up to the Finger Lakes in NY after next week & taking the boat, so I'm doing everything I can to get it sorted out and working for our vacation. Can this part cause running troubles? Should I replace it considering it's dripped like I said?

The engine runs great in the driveway & as far as I know, all the electrical works great, but it's seemed to do that before only to find that it still has problems when we finally get to the lake.

 

[Don S]

Re: Coil voltage regulator - replace?

I doubt it's a "Coil Voltage Regulator" since coils don't have regulators. They have a ballast resistor or a resistor wire in the system, but no regulator.
Trace the wires, I would bet that is the voltage regulator for your Alternator.
Have you had any voltage issues? High or low? High voltage could burn up points and coils and cause running problems.

 

[superbenk]

Re: Coil voltage regulator - replace?

Ah, right you are. Learned something new! No, I haven't had any voltage issues that I've noticed. Always runs between ~11-14v.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Coil voltage regulator - replace?

That is indeed the voltage regulator for the alternator.

 

[wire2]

Re: Coil voltage regulator - replace?

A lot of electronic modules for cars and boats are "potted" with a clear urethane to keep the humidity out.
It softens with heat, and may eventually ooze out if there's excessive heat produced.
That's probably a sign that the regulator is on the way out. Might want to keep a spare handy.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Coil voltage regulator - replace?

That's if you can even find those anymore. Better to switch to a completely different alternator when it does go out...one with a built in regulator.

 

[theswissguy]

Re: Coil voltage regulator - replace?

I had the same situation, grey fluid dropping out of the regulator. Finally noticed that something must be wrong when the alternator wouldn't charge the battery at low rpm's with the effect that the motor (ignition) would run off the battery, which in turn drained the battery until the motor died.

Had to change the regulator, now everything is back to normal.