Outboard charger

[River Rider]

I have a 1985 Evinrude 30 horse with an electric start. I was wondering if there were anyway to put a chargin system on it so that it can maintain the starting battery. I hope to keep one battery on the boat, and then have one to pack on and off as I see fit. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[jevery]

Re: Outboard charger

Edit, You're not after a trickle charger. You're wanting to charge off the engine while running? Correct?

 

[River Rider]

Re: Outboard charger

Yeah I am looking for a way to charge off the engine. Like an alternator on a truck. I don't know if they are called generators, charges or what on an outboard, so any info helps. Sorry i was not more clear.

 

[JB]

Re: Outboard charger

That outboard should have an alternator and charging system River Rider.

I suspect it is broke. You will need a Service Manual to troubleshoot it.

Manuals here: www.outboardbooks.com

Good luck.

 

[River Rider]

Re: Outboard charger

I thought it should but this is my first ourboard with an electric start and this new. Well new to me. So thanks for the help. I will let you know if I find out what may be the problem. Or if you maybe have an idea what would cause the motor not to charge the battery.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Outboard charger

Bad stator, rectifier, etc. can cause the problem. Gotta troubleshoot it to find out.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Outboard charger

With the motor running at about 1500 rpm voltage at the battery should be about 14 volts.Full output is only about 4 or 5 amps So it isn't going to maintain a trolling motor battery. Your battery should last for many many starts without charging.Ours used to last for a couple of weeks of everyday operation,and running lights at night.And that was with just a group 24 car battery.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Outboard charger

All you need for troubleshooting is an inexpensive multi-tester (volt, ohm, milliamp meter) from Home Depot, Lowes etc. They can be obtained for about $10. With the engine off, set the meter to DC volts and then put the test leads on the battery terminals. The battery should read about 12.6 volts if it is fully charged. Then start the engine and set the throttle to a fast idle (about 1500 RPM). Now measure battery voltage again. If the voltage is higher with the engine running you have a charging system and it is working. If voltage stays the same you either don't have a charging system or it is not working. To see if you have a charging system, there should be a small red wire in addition to the large battery cable on the starter solenoid. Check the large post on the solenoid that has the battery cable coming from the POS post on the battery. If there is no small red wire there you don't have a charging system.