Charging Coil Voltage

[Julian Porter]

I have a Mariner outboard with a plug which I assume is from a regulator connected to the charging coil. I measured the voltage as only about 7 Volts. I was expecting something more like 14 Volts like you would get from a car battery charger. Is there something wrong with the coil or am I misunderstanding?

[Dennis]

Hello Julian

I suggest that you try connecting the charging leads to a battery and then measure the volts with the engine at tickover and at full revs. You should get something like 12.6 volts at tickover rising to 14-15 volts at full revs depending on the state of your battery.

I have a Honda 5 with charging coil, it is a very rudimentary system there is no regulator. Heaven only knows what the voltage reading would be in an "open circuit" like you are suggesting.