Non Regulated Rectifier Maximum Voltage

[R H Cotton]

I just replaced the non regulated rectifier on my 1996 Evinrude 88hp. I am getting a voltage reading of 16.5 volts with a voltmeter at the battery with the engine running at 3000 rpms. Is this okay?

 

[hoeser]

Re: Non Regulated Rectifier Maximum Voltage

That seems excessive to me. I would think anything over 14.5 or 15V at the most would be detrimental to any on board electronics.

 

[ezeke]

Re: Non Regulated Rectifier Maximum Voltage

The voltage will depend on what battery you have. Generally the larger the battery, the more in line the voltage will be because the battery acts as a regulator. You should not use automobile batteries with unregulated rectifiers.

 

[F_R]

Re: Non Regulated Rectifier Maximum Voltage

16.5 is normal on unregulated systems. I didn't say it is desireable nor OK. Just normal. Some electronics may have a problem with it. Most don't because the mfr's know that they are going to be put in that environment, and if it matters to their circuitry they build in their own regulator.

 

[Marc III]

Re: Non Regulated Rectifier Maximum Voltage

In an older post it was recommended to use a large deep cycle battery as the starting battery and it would help some.