Whatever it is, it looks like it needs to be serviced.....
Those are your batteries connected to it?

 

Do you have any additional photos, is that a cover which opens or more of a vent hood. It looks like something (from what is shown) where can could connect a quick start or a hot shot battery jumper?

 

That's the only picture I took...and I agree, they both certainly look like they need to be replaced. Luckily everything else in the engine room looks better. :grin:

As I mentioned there are two of them, this one is zip-tied to a post in between and just forward of the engines...the other one is sitting loose laying in front of the starboard engine.

I just need to know what they are so I can replace if needed but at the very least mount them better.

-Brian

 

I would open it up and look inside. Have you traced the battery cables both ways? I imagine they come straight from the battery to this "thing" and then from said "thing" to you charging system or the engine. Trace it out, open it and see what it looks like internally and post the results and I am sure you will receive an answer.

 

I won't be back to the boat till this weekend, but I will open it up, trace it out and let you know what I find.

-Brian

 

So after having to remove one of my engines to replace the y-pipe I was able to trace the cables and this unit is attached to the alternator. So, with that in mind, does anyone know what it might be?

-Brian

 

Now that the season is just about over I've had more time to look into this item. It is indeed attached to the alternator and a local alternator shop is telling me that it's a voltage regulator and that it's not needed. Is there any way to tell if the alternators I have need this or not? While I'm not currently having any issues, I would prefer to remove it if it's not needed...especially considering the condition.

Thanks,

Brian

 

Brian,

It does look like an old style external regulator. If you have replaced your alternators with ones which have a built in regulator then you should be ok. If they are the original alternators then the answer is no. The old style alternator produced unregulated voltage/amps which would wreak havoc with your electrical system and create a fire hazard.

-John

 

John,

I don't believe either of the alternators are original, but is there any way to tell if they have built in regulators? Do I need to remove both and take them to an alternator shop or is there some other way to check?

Thanks,

Brian

 

Brian,

Unless there is a visible tag on them, I would just take them to your alternator shop to have them inspected. If they do have internal regulators, they can be verified for output and then you will have piece of mind in removing the old regulators from the circuit. You could do a simple test yourself by checking the voltage at the old regulator but having them inspected for operating output and voltage control is what I would do. That way if you have a bearing going bad or output too low.....you won't have to deal with it when it is really becomes a problem.

-John

 

John,

I agree...I'm going to pull them both right after I winterize and bring them down to my local alternator shop.

Thanks again for the help!

Brian