Guys:

This is a bit of a repeat post, but I have a photo of the issue in question now. The motor is a 1989 80 HP (3 cylinder). Voltage gauge on dash reading 17 volts.

Please see photo: Is this the rectifier or the voltage regulator? Second, in the photo you'll see a black wire (on left side of unit, with a terminal ring) that's hanging freely...should this be grounded/attached? Basically, why are we seeing 17 volts?
Thanks to those that responded to my earlier post and to this one!!!

. Click image for larger version. 

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