Johnson 25 - Dead battery?

[Lite Liner]

I've got a 2001 Johnson electric start. Dealer installed OMC controls, etc. Engine has less than 10 hrs on it but is now out of warranty, I think.<br />I was using a big starting battery. The ignition, lights, bilge pump and airator were hooked to this battery. I rode for about 20 min. and stopped. Then rode for about an hour and came to ramp. Engine died when idled down and then wouldn't start. It acted like a dead battery so I switched to spare battery and it fired right up. Got home and checked battery and it was at half charge. Bought two new marine deep cycle batteries. 875 MCA and 205 reserve. Went out again and rode for 20 min. Stopped for an hour and moved, running about ten min. repeated this process about 4 times. Altogether I started the motor 4-5 times with about a 10 min. run each time. Tried to start again and it wouldn't turn . I checked the battery and it was showing full charge on meter. Switched to other battery and it sounded like the starter was spinning but not engaged. Then on next click of key it started. My question is; how many times should you be able to start the motor with a battery this size if the motor fires instantly? If my hearing was correct and the starter was spinning, [I didn't take the cover off and look,] would a slight drop in voltage cause the starter gear not to engage, or do I have a bad starter. I had nothing attached to the battery but the cables. I checked to see if there was a drain on the battery with motor and key off and no drain. It just seems like it will crank if the batt. is fully charged but a slight drop in voltage and it won't crank. Whats the best way to check and see if the alt. is putting out?

 

[ezeke]

Re: Johnson 25 - Dead battery?

I think you should have your ignition switch checked. Could be loose wiring, maybe something else.<br /><br />Connect voltage meter to battery terminals, check voltage. Connect battery to motor, start motor, check voltage. This wont tell you much if the battery is fully charged, but it should at least indicate some difference.

 

[Walker]

Re: Johnson 25 - Dead battery?

First thing to do is clean the battery cables at both ends. At the battery and at the engine. And at the battery switch if you have one.

 

[Lite Liner]

Re: Johnson 25 - Dead battery?

All connections have been cleaned and checked. I would still like to know how many times a fully charged battery can start the motor. Is it possible for the engine to discharge the batt. while running?

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Johnson 25 - Dead battery?

Hello<br /> wow what a question. its kinda like asking how high is up. I have a 1983 25 on a 14ft jon that I added an electric starter cause I dont believe in recoil. anyway with no alt it usually will run 2 months between recharges starts maybe 15 20 times a week. sounds like you have other issues here. your truoble shooting will have to be done when the problem araises. I hate those. cust brings it in and all is fine everytime. try to watch the starter drive the next time this occurs. look to see is the drive enguaged in the flywheel or just spinning? good luck and keep posting