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Voltmeter reading too high?

C

Cobalt 75'

New member
Let me start by saying i have never seen my voltmeter read a full 14 volts since ive owned it, but i recently took the alternator apart and filed down the brushes, and removed the external voltage regulator from the block to clean the contacts. I then started the boat and to my surprise the voltmeter seemed to be moving up! The dash also has an ammemeter which also showed a slight charge. Sadly, as the engine ran in idle, the voltmeter began to rise again, farther and farther until it disappeared! Fearing the worst, i quickly shut it down... would anyone know why this is happening or if this is something normal? I am using a deep cell battery on an old 75' Cobalt, the prestolite alternator has the external voltage regulator, and its got a 5.0L Chevy Motor in it(if this info helps)
 
Before you do anything else, get a digital volt/ohm meter and test the out put of the alternator at the batteries. You built in meter may not be working correctly.
 
I really appreciate your help "Docksidemarineservices", i noticed you had helped me on the other post i had about my engine. I will try to get ahold of a digital volt meter and check it out. Thanks again.
 
Are you reffering to an electro mechanical type regulator with relay inside? If so, they are pretty fussy with tinkering internally. You may have changed a gap, stretched the spring etc when you cleaned the contacts. There is a proper test/adjustment proceedure for those. Is this the type you have?
 
Here is the one instance where i would spend money to go with a modern alt.

Yea guy's don't fall outta ya chairs clutching your chests, the Chief did say he would spend the money to change out something instead of fixing it for nothing.

Original poster you will have a pm in a second. I type with 2 fingers a peck away at the keyboard be patient.
 
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