"Gene Kearns" wrote in message
...


I'm no outboard guru, but that is a pretty stupid application of
engineering if that is the way the thing works.

Since this thing is a *regulator* is should regulate the current in
the stator and thus regulate the amount of current generated..... not
drop the voltage of an unregulated power source. Bear in mind that
this is a 200hp (+-) modern engine not a 1962 10 hp model that was
never designed with electronics, etc. in mind....

IMHO, this is probably more about using undersized solid state
components that must be cooled to (1) maintain predictable design ohms
and/or (2) keep from bursting into flame....


Maybe, but since it's called a voltage regulator I suspect it regulates
voltage, not current. True, it does regulate current to the battery by
limiting the applied voltage, thus less current flow. The excess voltage
developed by the alternator has to be dropped and the power or wattage
resulting generates heat. If it didn't get hot it would not be water cooled.

Eisboch