Intermittent Regulator

[egaito]

I think the regulator is shot on the port engine. While we were out yesterday, it was pushing 40v on the new volt meter. The autopilot eventually warned of over-voltage. I had to manage the output by keeping the RPM's down.

While we were sitting at No Name Harbor, I cleaned up some connections, and on the way home, I ran the engines up, and all seemed well, but a few minutes later, back up to 40v.

Is it time to rebuild the alternator or can the regulator be serviced/replaced separately?

Also, for future reference, as an "emergency" or temporary fix, can I just pull the positive or ground wire off?

 

[Avenger]

Yes, the regulator can usually be replaced seperately. No, you cannot pull a wire off unless you want to be replacing the diodes too. Better solution is to pull the belt(s) off.