Re: battery keeps going dead!
recently hooked up a new radio so im assuming thats why.
i ran new power and ground wires, ground straight to the battery(neg) and power to the battery but before the perko switch. anything wrong with this that would cause battery to die???????
NO, sounds like a coincidence, don't think it's the new radio.
no amp, brand new battery
last used the boat 6 days ago but not for that long
had problems once before that and bought new battery
thinking problem might be the alternator ?
with the perko switch off, what could be drawing power from the batt? i know the bilge could but how would i check that. i have a multitester??????
I would first check to see that the alternator is putting out and keeping the battery charged while running. By what you are stating, it sounds like your alternator is dead.
Charge the battery back up. Once that's done, put the muffs on and start the engine.
Let it warm up a bit and then take a reading directly off the battery terminals.
You should be getting between 13.5 - 14.5 VDC.
If you are still only reading the 12 Volts like the boats not running than your alternator is dead and needs to be replaced.
i have a i/o ... a 260hp 5.7 mercruiser, not an outboard
i tested the battery with a multitester, seems thats not the problem, read above 13
i do not charge the battery between outings, never had a problem b4
when i turn the key i get nothing. i get a single click and nothing, seemed like the battery but now i dont know,
If the battery is fully charged up and all you get is a click when you try to start it..........
Then it's time to check/change the starter/selinoid. It's getting weak and it's taking more to turn over the engine. Check the wires going to it to see if any are loose also.
If you've done all the above and both the alternator and starter are good then...........
You've stated that the only thing that's hooked directly to the battery is the bilge pump correct?
And everything else is going thru the perko switch?
Then turn the perko switch off, disconnect the bilge pump positive wire from the battery and do a current draw test with your multimeter. It shouldn't be drawing anything when it's not running.
If it is, you've found the culprit.
On a side note........
On my boat.......the only thing connected directly to the battery is the tilt/trim pump.
That's so I can raise/lower the drive while trailering/launching.
Everything else is thru the perco switch. Bilge pump included.
All bets are off on the side note if you store your boat in a slip.
