Electrical question

[TVZ]

My 1970's vintage OMC Cobra unexpectedly had a dead battery recently. I put a tester in series with the battery, and found that with everything off, there was a slight current. Am I right in understanding that this is a problem? I tried disconnecting the switches for the lights, prop tilt, pump, and blower; the drain remained. I see that there are two wires connected to the alternator. I pulled on them to disconnect, but they did not come loose. Can I pull harder? (Do they simply pull off?) I wondered if that is the source for the battery drain. And/or maybe the alternator is not working. How do I test that? Any suggestions? THANKS.

 

[southkogs]

Welcome aboard TVZ - if it's a 70's model OMC it's not a Cobra, it's a Stringer. There's probably a few different ways to drain the battery, and it sounds like something's pulling on it. How early 70's is it? If it's electric shift it's possible you're having problems in your lower unit even.

The alternator wires will all have nuts or couplers under the boots. You won't be able to just pull them.

Do you have a manual for the boat?

 

[TVZ]

Thanks, Southkogs! And sorry! I found the manual and it's an '86 2.5 liter OMC Cobra--a Rinker boat. It does not have electric shift. Do any other likely suspects for draining the battery come to mind?

 

[bruceb58]

Pull off the main wire from the alternator to see if that is your issue.

 

[southkogs]

Dunno' if the voltage regulator is in the Alternator on that one or not, but put that in the short list after you do Bruce's test.

 

[bruceb58]

It's in the alternator.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Test light.
Hook it to the ground and the ground lug.
The light will glow.
Start unhooking fuses one at a time.
When the light goes out you found the problem.
Lots of times the depth finder even shut off it will draw.
Also the radio if it's digital it will draw too.
To stop this problem. Put in a battery switch.

 

[TVZ]

Thnx everyone! The problem magically disappeared when I bought a new battery. Now I'm on to the next problem...