Magneto to charge battery.. can I add rectifier?

[Intermediate Mariner]

Hi,

I am working on a 1962 Evinrude Lark 40hp.

It has a magneto and no generator (does have option but I do not have one).

I have been trying to figure out the magneto details. I have seen conflicting stories such as it will trickle charge the battery at full throttle. Have also seen that it will not charge and you have to recharge battery periodically.

What is the real scoop on this motor? Does the magneto chrgae the battery and if so through what wire does the current run? Does it have one ignition coil and one charging coil (it does have 2 coils)?

Also is it true that the magneto puts off raw AC current? If so couldn't one add a rectifier and then run that back to the battery for a charge?

Thanks alot for any help or input. This is my first outboard tear-down and first one without a generator.

Thanks again.

Shawn T
Wichita, KS
PS: If you say "get a generator" I am with you!! Just don't have a couple extra hundred for this right now but will be adding it next year hopefully.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Magneto to charge battery.. can I add rectifier?

The magneto provides voltage for the ignition only. DO NOT attempt to hook up a battery to any portion of that magneto as it will blow the coils apart, weld the points together, etc ($$$$$).

To charge the battery, you would need the generator, genrator belt, voltage regulator, various wiring, and a ammeter.

Cheaper to simply have a extra battery just in case it is needed. Your present battery simply provides power to energize the electric starter. After starting, there is no voltage draw as the engine runs on the magneto.

 

[bktheking]

Re: Magneto to charge battery.. can I add rectifier?

Someone on here posted that he made a car alternator fit on one, pretty slick but not cheap, maybe he can help you out. As an alternative you could look at putting a solar charger somewhere on your boat to trickle charge the battery or do as JR says and get a spare battery.

 

[Intermediate Mariner]

Re: Magneto to charge battery.. can I add rectifier?

WOW, the solar charger, now thats a green idea! They are working on those nano solar panels that really produce the juice - but ehy will be a "boatload" of cash!

 

[bktheking]

Re: Magneto to charge battery.. can I add rectifier?

So they will the same price as everything else for a boat

 

[14ftgrumman]

Re: Magneto to charge battery.. can I add rectifier?

A boat is a hole in the water into which you pour money.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Magneto to charge battery.. can I add rectifier?

So I sold my boat many years ago and got married..... really see no difference in the money part you speak of.