voltage problem o a 1984 140hp johnson any help much appreciated.

[jimineecricket]

I have a J140TLCRD I beleive to be a 1984 140 Johoson. I notice this year the volt meter seems to be running a bit high. I put in a new battery Optima last spring. Everything is charged up and in good condtion. I cleaned and tightend all my connections. On the battery and termal block on the engine. What is happening is I am running 14 to 15 volts at idle and 16-17 volts at 1500-5500 rpms. I also see the voltage going up and down alot "Bouncing" I would call it from 15-16.5 volts as I am cruising at 20-30mph. My tach is working fine. Anyhow I am thinking its the regulator rectifier and not the stator. I have no real tools to test it but a cheapy multi meter. It seems my regulator cost like 200 plus dollars and stator is more. I am hoping some one has seen this before and dirrect me in if its the regulator or stator. Last year I remeber it ran at a steady 14 volts. Thanks for your help Jim

[ChampioNman]

If you have wing nuts on the cranker change them to stainless hex nuts with stainless lock washers. I would trust your multi meter over an indash gauge. OR if you have the option on your fish finder set it to voltage and read it there. But it does sound like your regulator isn't regulating properly. At rest with out running your battery voltage should be around 12.6 volts with the motor running the charge should be in the 13 volt range and no more than 14 volts.

[jimineecricket]

I did use my fish finder as well as my indash meter and I am at 14 idle and 16+ above 1500. I have nuts on the battery terminals. With the engine off I get 12.6 on the fishfinder volt meter. So I am thinking it must be the regulator????? I just hate throwing out 250 bucks if I aint sure. But around here 2 hours at the boat shop and its paid for so at least if I replace it I know that is new. The motor has very little run time around 100 hours and is in very good condition. Runs great looks good and I got a matching 15 johnny too :) but age is upon it as it is a 1984.