1997 90 SPL battery issues

[jonnysteals]

I have an 1997 evinrude 90 spl 2 stroke that i have to premix the gas(no auto mixing with seperate oil tank). I have an issue with the battery draining. My temporary solution was to add a battery switch to turn the battery off. I completely rewired all the lights and center console. With every electronic disconnected from the battery except for the outboard leads the battery dies. So this isolates it to the outboard itself. As soon as I connect the outboard connections to the battery the battery charge drops a .01. I start the motor and disconnect the motor from tha battery and it stays runnign fine. This means that the motors charging mechanism is functioning correctly. I replaced the starter solonid and its still draning battery's.


Anyhting to look for would be great. I love this boat except for this electrical issue. If I can not figure this out soon I am going to start pulling fuses one by one to try and isolate the problem. They problem with that method of detection is well its time consuming becuase the battery drains over time and not noticible instanly. Thanks in advance for all they help

 

[wilde1j]

Re: 1997 90 SPL battery issues

The motor obviously doesn't need a battery to run. However, disconnecting the battery from a running motor has about a 100% chance of destroying the rectifier. If it was charging, it sure isn't now.

 

[jonnysteals]

Re: 1997 90 SPL battery issues

The motor obviously doesn't need a battery to run. However, disconnecting the battery from a running motor has about a 100% chance of destroying the rectifier. If it was charging, it sure isn't now.

I only did that once just to see if it would stay running. Usuaully I kill the motor then kill the battery. Im guessing the rectifier is the alternator of the outboard.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: 1997 90 SPL battery issues

It's part of it. Only takes a second to fry the rectifier. If it still works, it's a miracle.

The battery getting drained means you have a short somewhere. Start playing detective with a voltmeter.

 

[jonnysteals]

Re: 1997 90 SPL battery issues

It's part of it. Only takes a second to fry the rectifier. If it still works, it's a miracle.

The battery getting drained means you have a short somewhere. Start playing detective with a voltmeter.

Yea I am an boat motor electrical dummy so I may have to ask stupid questions. My question is how could that be causing my battery to drain. I understand that I may have screwed up my charging system but at this point that is more of a secondary problem. I want to find out whats drainign my battery than about the battery recharging itself. Firgure I will takle one problem at a time for now. Thanks again