Could I use isolator to charge AGM battery

[TnTommy]

I have a 2000 evinrude 50hp can I put in an isolator to charge my second battery it is an AGM type?

 

[jimmbo]

Unless it is a Regulated Charging System, and back then, a lot of Outboards had Unregulated Systems, I wouldn't recommend any Battery other than a Flooded Wet Cell.

 

[stresspoint]

defiantly not if it were me , as posted AGM requires regulated charging.
although it will keep the AGM charged , the life of the battery will be shortened and the charging system on the motor may get damaged ??.
AGM battery's are basically the same as wet cell but are a little more fieky how they need charging ,

 

[Scott Danforth]

you can use a DC to DC smart battery charger.

 

[TnTommy]

Are there any other ways to use motor to charge the AGM battery, I have been just putting it on a charger when I get back home but I plan on docking it next spring and don’t want to carry battery back and forth

 

[Scott Danforth]

a half-way decent DC to DC smart charger is about $175. probably less during a black friday deal. Physically the size of a sandwich.

a DC to DC charger is effectively a DC to AC inverter, then a AC to DC charger all in a single box. you can get a separate inverter and a regulated output battery charger for your AGM battery. but the two items would be physically larger and cost you more.

as indicated above. you can hook it up to the unregulated motor voltage output. it will charge it. it will also cook the battery.

 

[TnTommy]

Ok thanks I’ll check into dc to dc charger

 

[alldodge]

There are true AGM's like Odyssey, Lifeline, Trojan and there are others like Duracell, Mercruiser, Quicksilver, West Marine, Diehard which are AGM's but not much more then an improved lead acid.

Odyssey needs a AGM charger, the Duracell works fine with a LA charger. Can find this info on the charger documentation

 

[saltchuckmatt]

a half-way decent DC to DC smart charger is about $175. probably less during a black friday deal. Physically the size of a sandwich.

a DC to DC charger is effectively a DC to AC inverter, then a AC to DC charger all in a single box. you can get a separate inverter and a regulated output battery charger for your AGM battery. but the two items would be physically larger and cost you more.

as indicated above. you can hook it up to the unregulated motor voltage output. it will charge it. it will also cook the battery.

Interesting. My van has a 3000 what inverter...and I'm cooking alternators. I was told by one person that I need a DC to DC charger. I just learned more in your paragraphs then about 5 techs that I've talked to.

Makes better sense now. I also have 2 gp 31 AGM lifeline batteries for a boat Im rigging and it might be my last fishing boat, Im running a 115 E-tec.

Sounds like I won't be using those batteries. Better do some more reading.

To the op....better stick to good old time tested batteries I guess or get the gizmo!

 

[dingbat]

Ok thanks I’ll check into dc to dc charger

Don't throw in the towel so quickly......my 1996 Evinrude is fully regulated.
Looks like your is as well from the parts list.

Interesting. My van has a 3000 what inverter...and I'm cooking alternators. I was told by one person that I need a DC to DC charger.

A 3000 W inverter is drawing more power than the alternator can output, typically 600-1400W
A DC-DC convertor isn't going to solve that problem

 

[Mc Tool]

You could fit a regulator to any charging system that doesnt have one .
I use US made Motobatt AGM batteries on my quads and motorbikes . Standard charging systems , and I have just worked out one of them is knocking on 20 years old, and still working fine .

 

[jimmbo]

Looking at the Parts Listing for 2000, it appears there is only one 50hp Evinrude that year. It does show a Rectifier-Regulator. Maybe because it is a Fuel Injected Motor.

 

[TnTommy]

Looking at the Parts Listing for 2000, it appears there is only one 50hp Evinrude that year. It does show a Rectifier-Regulator. Maybe because it is a Fuel Injected Motor.

So with it being regulated could I just use an isolator

 

[jimmbo]

When you say Isolator, I am assuming you mean an Isolation Transformer to Isolate the Charger from the Earth Ground?

 

[dingbat]

When you say Isolator, I am assuming you mean an Isolation Transformer to Isolate the Charger from the Earth Ground?

More than likely he is looking at an automatic charge relay.

Blue seas add a battery

Mini Add-A-Battery Kit - 65A - Blue Sea Systems

Simplifies switching and automates charging for a complete two battery bank solution.

www.bluesea.com

 

[TnTommy]

battery isolator that switches between charging starting battery and secondary battery

 

[dingbat]

battery isolator that switches between charging starting battery and secondary battery

Dependent upon rpm, your motor is putting out 5-50 amps per hour of run time.

Given the small output and the use of a AGM, I would go with a charge relay over an isolator

 

[TnTommy]

Ok thanks

 

[saltchuckmatt]

Don't throw in the towel so quickly......my 1996 Evinrude is fully regulated.
Looks like your is as well from the parts list.

A 3000 W inverter is drawing more power than the alternator can output, typically 600-1400W
A DC-DC convertor isn't going to solve that problem

From what I understand it depends what alternator you have. Manufacturer says it's capable of drawing 170 amps...and that's easily attainable. Also, your talking about if you use it to full capacity which when I don't I'm ok. But, I did pick that wattage for a reason and I'm seeing a so called expert next week.

That being said, lots of good info here and your never to old to learn.

Not sure the advantages of using a non, wet, lead acid battery are worth it.