Testing/fixing alternator output, 1995 Force 120

[spoon059]

I've got a 95 Force 120 outboard in my boat. I've had battery problems that I assumed were related to age, but today i noticed that my volt gauge is only showing around 12 volts. Can anyone tell me where on the engine I can check alternator output and where to start looking if I'm not getting a sufficient charge?

Thanks all!

 

[Redbarron%%]

The two yellow wires from the stator are the alternator output. These have AC on them and they go to the rectifier / regulator where they are changed to DC and "regulated" to give approx 14 volt DC out.
The regulator has two yellow wires and one or two red wires for output and a gray wire to the tach.
Sometimes the current flow in the yellow and red wires heat up the bullet connectors and they don't make good connection and limit charging current and sometimes the rectifier / regulator fails.
Of course the stator can also go bad, but there are the places to look

 

[jerryjerry05]

Testing the output.
Not running.
Hook meter to positive lead at the battery.
Remember the reading.
Start the motor watch the meter, it should go up if the motors charging.
It might need to get past 2000 rpm's for a few seconds.

The older 94 and before Prestolite would charge at low rpm's.
The Mercury ignition might need the boost in rpm's??

CDI ignition call and they can tell you how your system works.
Post their reply's.

 

[spoon059]

Awesome, thanks to both of you. The boat is stored up at the lake right now, I'll check as soon as we go back up! Really appreciate the quick responses! Have a great day!!!