1995 Johnson 175 electrical drain

I'm having trouble with my engine battery draining after 4-5 days. I've isolated each lead and determined that the current draw is coming from the engine. I keep my boat in the water and had some excessive corrosion on the anodes. I had the voltage regulator replaced, but the drain is still happening. The corrosion has stopped though. What could be the problem?<br /><br />Thanks.

Re: 1995 Johnson 175 electrical drain

ptfish-<br />I've heard of the key switch staying engaged, even when it's turned to the "OFF" position. This in turn keeps power to the ignition (switch) to 12 volt positive (purple wire). However, if nothing is being used on the engine I would think that the only thing could drain the battery in this case would be the gauges.<br /><br />-Good luck<br />andy

Re: 1995 Johnson 175 electrical drain

Disconnect one battery cable, and hook a volt meter in series with that cable, and the battery. Note the voltage reading, if any. Disconnect one component at a time until you find the drain.

Re: 1995 Johnson 175 electrical drain

ptfish, i had a bad key switch witch did the same thing. thought i would never find it. until one day i notice the fuel gauge was staying on. built in tanks.

Re: 1995 Johnson 175 electrical drain

Thanks guys. I've checked the key switch and gauges and even replaced the regulator (which is good). The drain seems to be coming from within the engine.

Re: 1995 Johnson 175 electrical drain

Disconnect the red lead from the regulator and see if the drain goes away, then try the trim system. Unless there is an internal leakage inside the starter solenoid, there is no other way for current to go unless there is a crimped or partially shorted wire, as long as the keyswitch is working OK.

Re: 1995 Johnson 175 electrical drain

ptfish, your original post mentioned corrosion on the anodes, which leads to a couple of thoughts. What condition are the cables in? they may appear to be good from outside but thats not saying they're not corroded internally. How old is the battery? as they age they can lose the ability to hold/maintain a charge.<br /><br />Is this battery drain happening as a result of running the motor or is the voltage loss a result of being idle for a few days or a combination of both?<br /><br />With the motor running test the voltage at the battery, you should get a reading of at least 13.5 volts. If not you may still have a problem in the charging circuit/system

Re: 1995 Johnson 175 electrical drain

Are you using volt, amp. meter on these check's ? If not, you are groping in the dark.