No fun today

[185utopia210]

Fired up the boat at home before heading out and thot it turned over slow, but it started and I thot must be my imagination. Uh no, wouldn't start on the river and a friendly cottager hooked up a battery charger and after 15 min we had ignition! Anyway, boat got shut off on the water and again not enuf juice to start. I got a ride to a marina and bought a new battery(ugh) and once more on way. Where is the alternator and how do I know if its working?

 

[Dr Honda]

On the 210 engine... the "Alternator" is just part of the stator under the flywheel.

The easy way to know if it's working, is to put a meter on the battery, and start the engine. You should be seeing 13 to 14 volts at 3000 RPM.

If you don't get a rise in the voltage... there is a fuse on the engine for the charging. Check that.

If it's OK... then you will want to check the regulator, and the stator with a meter. Replace the one that doesn't check.

 

[185utopia210]

Thx so much, I'll let you know what the verdict is!

 

[185utopia210]

The new battery checkout at 12.5 v no difference when running, just gotta find the fuse and regulator to check them, lol. should the value on the regulator be the same, i.e.increasing when revved?
I wonder if this has relation to the tach not working the last couple times out, if the regulator is pooched?

 

[Dr Honda]

........
I wonder if this has relation to the tach not working the last couple times out, if the regulator is pooched?

Yes... it could be. I'll have to check your engine wiring... but I think the tach comes off the regulator.


****EDIT*****


Yes... the gray wire for the tach signal, comes from the regulator.

But... use a meter to check the windings in the stator... but it's more likely that the regulator gave up.

 

[185utopia210]

Yes... the gray wire for the tach signal, comes from the regulator.

But... use a meter to check the windings in the stator... but it's more likely that the regulator gave up.

Nice! but where the heck is the regulator?

 

[Dr Honda]

Nice! but where the heck is the regulator?

Starboard side of the engine. Just to the rear of the ignition computer.


You really should have the manual while working on these engines. it will help you out with the basics.

 

[Murph_13]

Doc's got ya covered.

I have the same boat/motor...I had to replace the regulator on mine last year and yes the loss of tachometer is directly related, but rule out the stator as Doc suggests.

I went with a CDI regulator and was surprised that O'Rielly Auto had this part in stock at a good price, just an fyi if you have an O'Rielly Auto or similar in your area (Canadian Tire?).

 

[185utopia210]

Starboard side of the engine. Just to the rear of the ignition computer.


You really should have the manual while working on these engines. it will help you out with the basics.

Good idea, I've got the owners manual but it doesn't really show much, just generic info. what kind of manual you perfer?

 

[Dr Honda]

You need the mercury manual.

If you want a hardcopy... you can find them on ebay. Generally under $40. If you want a digital copy... you can join this forum as a premium member, and download it. (Just join for one month, and get when you need)


Here's the cheapest one on ebay right now.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercury-Mar...anuals_Literature&hash=item2c71437903&vxp=mtr

 

[185utopia210]

You need the mercury manual.

If you want a hardcopy... you can find them on ebay. Generally under $40. If you want a digital copy... you can join this forum as a premium member, and download it. (Just join for one month, and get when you need)


Here's the cheapest one on ebay right now.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercury-Mar...anuals_Literature&hash=item2c71437903&vxp=mtr

If that will work for my engine, and I upgrade to a newer utopia with the revised fuel and oil injection will that also cover it?