Voltage Regulator Problem

[Oldskipper]

I have a 1989 Black Max 135 HP. So its an old motor. A new voltage regulator is $650. My regulator was putting out 18 volts and now when I put my volt meter on it registers just 12.8 volts (the motor is running). With the motor stopped my battery puts out 12.9 volts.
Now, I am wondering if the it regulator is dead and if my motor is just running off of the battery. The motor runs fine, my gauges and lights work. And the battery runs down very little. Life is good. Can anyone comment on the likelihood that I am running only off the battery, and since this seems to work, if this is okay. (I don't take long trips in the boat). THANKS.

 

[Chris1956]

Your motor does not use any battery power for the ignition. It only uses battery power for the starter and any accessories, gauges trim, etc. So as long as the motor is running, it will run until the fuel runs out.

VRs can go bad. See if you can see any burn marks on the circuit board. A lot of times the potting is clear. VRs are avail aftermarket by Sierra and CDI.

 

[Oldskipper]

Your motor does not use any battery power for the ignition. It only uses battery power for the starter and any accessories, gauges trim, etc. So as long as the motor is running, it will run until the fuel runs out.

VRs can go bad. See if you can see any burn marks on the circuit board. A lot of times the potting is clear. VRs are avail aftermarket by Sierra and CDI.

Thanks Chris, I understand your reply. Please clarify this for me: Do you think my VR might be entirely dead because with the motor running the battery is not charging -- it registers only 12.8 volts (battery voltage)? And is a working VR required for ignition? Or will my motor always run if the VR is shot? Thanks again.

 

[Chris1956]

The VR has no role in the ign system. The only issue is whether she has enough battery voltage to turn the starter. Pull start should work, even with a dead battery.

If the VR is not charging, it can be wires broken or corroded, bad stator or bad VR. No way to tell from here.

 

[Oldskipper]

The VR has no role in the ign system. The only issue is whether she has enough battery voltage to turn the starter. Pull start should work, even with a dead battery.

If the VR is not charging, it can be wires broken or corroded, bad stator or bad VR. No way to tell from here.

Hey, thanks again. I pulled the wiring diagram for my motor and learned that the stator is the key to the ignition system. My motor runs fine so I assume my stator is working okay. The bad economic outlook has killed my willingness to spend money on a new regulator ($650 + Install) or a new motor. So, I will run the boat as is and make sure my battery is 100%. Below is a link to an interesting set of aticles on this topic. Thanks again.

Will An Outboard Run With A Bad Stator? Signs & Symptoms! - Born Again Boating

Making sure that your outboard is running and reliable. Makes all the difference in your experience out on the water. Having a bad stator is going to take away from that experience! Will An Outboard Run With A Bad Stator? Yes, certain outboards will run with a bad stator, but not very well. No...

www.bornagainboating.com