Charging at 15 to 16 volts?

[Patrick S/V Shangra-La]

I have a 2000 Catalina 320 with the Yanmar 27 and an original alternator. It used to charge at 14 to 15 volts then drop down to about 12 or 13 volts.At 15 to 16 volts I figure the voltage regulator is done. Do the alternators for these things have a voltage regulator built in like a car, or do I have to get a separate regulator.

I've looked around and can't seem to find a separate regulator. I don't want to buy an alternator if I only need the regulator.

Any one have some advice? I would appreciate it.

 

[JohnShannon]

Look at the alternator. If all you have is one big red wire coming out of it, then the regulator is integrated. If in addition to the big red wire you have some smaller wires then that could be a (disintegrated) or stand alone regulator.

 

[Alex Dare]

internal

If it's painted the same color as the rest of the Yanmar then you have the stock internally regulated alternator. You'll need to either send it out or replace the diode/regulator pack yourself. Either way it'll have to come apart but not a big job.

 

[Patrick S/V Shangra-La]

Thanks for the help

I'm ok with some stuff, but I have no idea how to replace a regulator/diod pack....Oh well I guess it's time to learn how to do some thing else on the boat.