johnson outboard battery charging

[Wreck Rider]

My buddy and I recently bought a 17' bow-rider with 85 hp Johnson Powershift-II, V4 (model 85ESL75) for getting to scuba sites here in Ontario. The battery was pretty much dead so we replaced it but now neither of us knows if we have to charge it or if the engine will charge the battery, like in a car. Probably everyone else out there knows the answer, could you share please?<br />

 

[Bradster941]

Re: johnson outboard battery charging

Assuming your charging system is working correctly, yes, it does have a charging circuit.

 

[miloman]

Re: johnson outboard battery charging

bradster is right re this matter bring a voltage meter to check the battery after a while to see how many amps you have that will answer the question as to wether it is working or not

 

[smokinjoefission]

Re: johnson outboard battery charging

hi wreck rider,<br /><br />Buy a cheap voltmeter from Radio Shack or Canadian Tire. Check your battery voltage with the engine off, it should be around 12 - 13 volts.<br /><br />Fire up your motor (in water or with the hose attached) then check the batter again. If your charging circuit is working, you should get a reading of 13 volts or more (up to about 14.5), as your motor is generating electricity while running and feeding it into the charging circuit.<br /><br />This is what I've done for my cars in the past, and it worked for my boat too.<br /><br />SJF

 

[Wreck Rider]

Re: johnson outboard battery charging

Thanks for all the good information guys! I can borrow a voltmeter and check this weekend whether the charging circuit is up to snuff.