Re: batteries not charging 800 stringer
I have a 79 Tiara with 0mc 200 hp. It has the ARCO one wire alternator with two new batteries. Battery voltage with key off 12.4. with engine running 12.8 or 12.9. Voltage with key on at alternator 12.4 and with engine running 14.3 volts. Where do I go from here ? Sorry but I'm more than a bit challenged when it comes to electricity. Reading taken with DVM. Thanks for your help. bill roberts
Bill, have you had your batteries tested. try removing the bridge between the two (or use your AB switch if you have it) and see if the voltages change on one of them. It is possible you have a dead cell in one of the batteries and it is drawing down the other battery. Yes, there are situations where a battery is DOA. fully charged battery = 12.6 v, it will be about 11.4v if one cell is dead.
If they are fine (you only have 12.4 v so if nothing else you have to charge them) you should look for corrosion/loose connections.
Take off the connections, sand surfaces. check for loose connections and corrosion. if you battery cables are corroded (green & swolen, may want to replace them)
