Alternator

[propless]

How many volts should an alternator be displaying on a gauge?
Any quick test to "test" the alternator, or is it simplier to take it off and have tested -
thanks folks!

[jetblue]

Your alternator should be producing 13.8 to 14.2 volts. On whatever gauge you have, it should be in that ballpark. The easy test is to take your little amp/volt tester that we all have in our toolbox, and do a simple output test at the battery. With the engine running, you should see 14 volts +/-.2 .Check it bofore you start it and see what increase you get.

[cougar27mtr]

A good way to test an alternator without pulling it off is to; Start the boat, with the boat running pull the negative battery cable off the boat. If the boat stays running the alternator is working. You should have 13.5-14 volts from the alternator.
cougar27mtr

[396_WAYS_TO_SPIT]

I would agree about the volts, but if you dont have amps then you are doing anything. You can go to autozone and they can put a load test on your alternator for you while its in the boat. It will tell you what the volts are and amps. Make sure the battery is fully charged (12.45 volts) or it will give a false reading.You need volts and amps to have a good alternator. Take my word for it because I am a diagnostic specialist for autozone and I do this every day at work.Your amps need to be @ 80% of the maximum voltage. Like if you have an 100 amp alternator then the amps should be about 80. The other guys are right about the volts.