Matching the resistance of the original pot may be very important. If you change the pot out to one of lesser resistance, it may drive the regulation into a range of current that the rest of the circuits can't bear, i.e. let out the magic smoke.
Mex's suggestion of measuring the resistance of the pot while in circuit is the best course. There is no problem finding a replacement that matches the original and, if replacing with a multi-turn pot, it will help to focus the voltage to a specific range. You could try changing the original pot's resistance to get a few more .1 of volts but that may also let out the smoke. This depends on the circuit design and the components within them. My assumption would be that the most voltage present with the original is at the maximum operating range. I've been right before, though.
