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Volt Meter Differnt

Posted: Tue Aug 11, 2020 9:50 am
by TADTOOMUCH
I installed two new series 27 batteries and two new voltage regulators in my F32. Upon initial start of engines both volt meters showed 14.4 volts and then I shut them down assuming all was well. I have an on shore smart charger and they charged over night. The next day I started the engines and the port volt meter read 13.5 volts and the starboard read 12.5 volts. I took the boat for a 1 hour ride and nothing changed in readings much maybe went up a half volt. Is this normal or is something wrong with the voltage regulator on the one reading 12.5 volts. Is it because that side does not need to charge yet or does the voltage regulator need to be adjusted to 13.5 volts? Any suggestions or should I just not worry about it. I know both voltage regulators are working because they are not charging over 14.4volts and they drop back but they are not the same.

Re: Volt Meter Differnt

Posted: Tue Aug 11, 2020 9:37 pm
by prowlersfish
12.5 is not charging A charged battery voltage is 12.6 running your voltage should be 13.5-14.5 . Volt meters on the dash can read lower then real voltage due to the long wire run . Why did you change the regulators ?



Was the generator running and battery charger on by any chance ?

Re: Volt Meter Differnt

Posted: Wed Aug 12, 2020 7:21 am
by TADTOOMUCH
I changed the regulators because one of them showed a failure based on test with a meter and the other had melted the material inside. I also had a similar issue with the ignition module that had melted all the material inside it. My new voltage regulators do have an adjustable rheostat on the back that the others did not. Checking the voltages with the meter when I get back to the boat to see real voltages.

I don't have a genny and it was reading 12.5 while running and not on shore power so the charger was not on.

Re: Volt Meter Differnt

Posted: Wed Aug 12, 2020 11:56 am
by prowlersfish
Try the adjustments , use a volt meter at the battery . I would shoot for 14.0 volts .