newb of all newb questions

[Stachi]

Re: newb of all newb questions

It cranks about a 1/4 turn and then I just hear a fast clicking. When I turn the battery selector guy (1/all/2/off) to 1 (volt meter at 8 volts which is the lowest it will display) all the lights dim and not much happens and when I turn to 2 (volt meter around 10 volts) the lights get a lot brighter but it still barely or doesn't crank so my first step tonight is to get the batteries tested.

We did have the boat plugged into the dock and it still did the same thing. The volt meter didn't change either, shouldn't it have?

This is just one of the issues. When it did run it ran pretty crappy so we're thinking the carb is gunked up pretty bad.

When you pay someone to winterize and de-winterize (word?) shouldn't they be checking all this stuff for you?

Find your batteries... clean the terminals and posts... and then charge them ...that clicking noise from the starter motor is a result of low voltage. A good battery should read 12 -13 volts with engine off, not 8 volts. After it starts and is running, check the battery terminals with a voltmeter...you should see something over 14 volts if your alternator is functioning properly....report back with your results...welcome to iboats

 

[Fireman431]

Re: newb of all newb questions

New batteries every season or two seems like an unnecessary expense. If I had to get a new battery as often as every three years I'd think I had some problem with my boat's electrical system. I wouldn't trust any mechanic that recommended replacing the battery each season; I'd think he was trying to milk me.
It's reasonable to check the battery once (or more) each season.

I agree (somewhat) that batteries every other year are an unnecessary expense. However, I have my own school of thought:

2 batteries - 1 for starting only and one under the center console that maintains all electrical (gps, fishfinder, lights, stereo, etc).

At the end of the season, the electrical/console battery gets sold via Craigslist for 40-50 bucks. I move the starting battery under the console to power the electronics and I get a new starting battery for 75.00.

This ensures me...every year...that I have a hot starting battery when I'm 25+ miles offshore. For roughly $25.00 per year. That's cheap enough insurance for me.

If I were to boat in narrow, frequently travelled waterways, I would keep the batteries 3-5 years. 25+ miles out in the middle of nowhere, I want a hot battery. Sometimes, I even bring the jumpbox with me....just in case