charging system on 1150 thunderbolt ignition

[olsoncsb]

How can i check to make sure my system is charging my battery while it is running

 

[kenneymc]

Re: charging system on 1150 thunderbolt ignition

Take a multimeter. Set it to vdc. Measure the battery with the motor not running (S/B 12-13vdc). Red lead to Positive, black lead to negative. Then crank the motor and make same measurement, it should be a higher voltage if it is operating properly.

 

[Clams Canino]

Re: charging system on 1150 thunderbolt ignition

To clarify.<br /><br />During cranking, the battery will read much LOWER due to the pull of the starter.<br /><br />RUN the motor (out on the water) up to 4200 RPM cruising speed and measure it then.<br /><br />Or do this: Start with a fully charged battery. If it goes dead under normal use, you're not charging. <br /><br />Most likely the rectifier to blame.<br /><br />-W

 

[olsoncsb]

Re: charging system on 1150 thunderbolt ignition

can I check it with a multimeter at the battery while the engine is running. will this tell me if it is work properly or not?

 

[kenneymc]

Re: charging system on 1150 thunderbolt ignition

YES! It will not hurt anything. Take the 2 measurements (motor off/motor idling) and compare them. If readings are the same, it is not charging. If the one with the motor running is higher, then some sort of charging is going on.

 

[kenneymc]

Re: charging system on 1150 thunderbolt ignition

These are readings I got on my 76 115 hp. It was not charging when I got it, so I replaced the rectifier. BTW, I also ended up having my batteries tested. They were all bad, so I ended up buying new ones.<br /><br />New rectifier arrived today and installed. Charging system now seems to be functioning. These are the various readings I got on my Fluke multimeter. Please tell me if you know if these are normal. It shows that I atleast have some sort of charging going on.<br /><br />Battery w/motor off = 13.33vdc<br /><br />Battery at idle = 14.35vdc / 5.6amps<br /><br />Battery motor idled up some = 14.90vdc / 6amps<br /><br />Readings at rectifier/ motor idling:<br />non + =8.3vac / .7amps<br />other non + = 8.3vac / .7amps<br />+ = 14.35vdc / 5.65 amps

 

[randycc58]

Re: charging system on 1150 thunderbolt ignition

they look pretty good. time to go fishing