charging system

[docf76]

I have a 1979 115hp outboard, how can I tell if it is charging the battery? I have put a volt meter on the battery at a fast idle and it reads 12.5 to 13 volts. If this is not enough what do I check? I have a new battery but it seems to drain fast with nothing running when I use the boat. Thanks

 

[Silvertip]

Re: charging system

What makes you think its draining if you are not running anything? The battery is not required to run the engine, only to start it. Does it fail to spin the engine? After how long? If the battery is new, something is indeed running, the regulator/rectifier has shorted allowing current flow through it, or you have bad battery cable connections. A bad new battery is not unheard of as well. 12.5 - 13V indicates the charging system is not working.

 

[docf76]

Re: charging system

When I charge the battery it spins the motor and starts it real good. What I mean is when I run my depth finder or radio when the motor is running it still seems to drain it. I always unhook the battery when it is parked. Where are the regulator/rectifier and can they be tested. The battery connections are clean all the way to the starting selonoid. Can the charging system be fixed if it is not working? Thanks

 

[Laddies]

Re: charging system

When starting the engine you should see a voltage increase at the battery as soon as the engine starts

 

[Dead Eye]

Re: charging system

I had the same readings at the battery when running. TRy to raise the RPMs [carefully not too high] check to see if volts increase. I had to change my rectifier and my readings went up at the battery.<br /> Dead Eye