Totally baffled

[pddgm]

We were out for a boat ride and all of a sudden the gauges all started acting eradicate and then the engine shut down. I have a 2001 Mercury 115 hp on a deck boat. After I checked the oil level and then check the cables on the battery it started and ran fine. My question is will a deep cycle battery cause problems if used for a starting battery, it was in boat when i bought it and the first time out no problems...

 

[QBhoy]

Check she is putting out a charge to the battery. Rectifier can cause total or intermittent charging failure.

 

[roscoe]

no, the deep cycle battery didn't cause that.

 

[jimmbo]

A bad Battery or loose/corroded connections can cause gauges to read Wonky. Even though Deep Cycle Batteries aren't the Go to Battery of Choice for Starting, it shouldn't cause issues like you are Describing

 

[pddgm]

Ok, thanks....will check cables and make sure they are clean, did put in a different battery and hooked up the motor to the garden hose, motor started and ran fine, no gauge needles jumping even when using trim, etc....What is the best way to check to be sure the motor is charging, I have a multimeter....

 

[pddgm]

Ok, watched a video on how to check the rectifier, so will get that done tomorrow.....