Johnson Outboard Charging system test

jchaulk

Cadet
Joined
May 11, 2007
Messages
8
I have a 1970 Johnson 60 HP and I was hoping someone could tell me if there is an easy test of the charging system to know if it is actaully charging my battery?
 

rickdb1boat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 23, 2002
Messages
11,195
Re: Johnson Outboard Charging system test

Take a voltage reading at the battery with the engine not running. Then with the engine running at fast idle, take another reading. You should see a change. But as Dhadley said, if your tach. works, it's charging..
 

jchaulk

Cadet
Joined
May 11, 2007
Messages
8
Re: Johnson Outboard Charging system test

I do not have a tach. Should I install one? Unfortunately I have no gages at all.

Thanks for the info on the voltage test.
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: Johnson Outboard Charging system test

If all you are going to use the tach for is to see if the charging system is working, you'd be better off installing a voltmeter. It's a heck of a lot cheaper. A tach is helpful in determining whether the engine is running at its maximum recommended wide open throttle RPM so its helpful in determining whether or not you have the best prop for the engine and boat combination.
 
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