Constant Electrical Problems Battery Drainng

We have a Rinker Captiva 1996
We did have a leakage prob as we forgot to put the plug n once.
But we have one over everything and some thing STILL drains the battery.
We have put in 2 new batteries and have lost half a summer on it already.
Last summer we drove it fine but the battery nver reall seem to charge up to where it should be.

Engine - Mercruiser 4.3L V6 190 HP
Electrical problems
Voltage Gauge only shows about 11 volts
Installed and rebuit alternator
New Starter
New Fuel Pump
New Battery

HELP!

Re: Constant Electrical Problems Battery Drainng

boat questions, non-engine

Re: Constant Electrical Problems Battery Drainng

volts should be 14 atleast. you either have so dirty corroded connection not letting it charge, or some equipment that is draining the battery. remove pos cable at battery, rig a test light between battery pos cable and pos post. if the light glows even slightly something is draining the battery, start pulling fuses until the light goes out. thats what is draining your battery. this can be done at night so you can see the test light better.

Re: Constant Electrical Problems Battery Drainng

If you're only getting 11 volts, there's a problem with that alternator. It's isn't a draining problem you have, it's a not-charging problem. It's defective or it isn't connected correctly.

Something just hit me. Your starter might be what is connected incorrectly. The charging lead from the alternator attaches to the battery cable there. If you have it connected to the wrong post on the solenoid, it won't charge. Just pump the power into the starter that will spin incessantly anytime the motor is running. The solenoid won't engage it to the flywheel, it'll just spin, and you'll never know it til the starter wears out way too prematurely. There will be three connections to the same post on the solenoid. The battery positive cable, a red one that supplies power to the wiring harness, and the orange lead from the alternator. The only thing on the other large post will be the starter motor.

Re: Constant Electrical Problems Battery Drainng

I would get that alternator checked out and tested first and foremost. If it is only throwing 11v then get that fixed up before going any further.

Re: Constant Electrical Problems Battery Drainng

Ayuh,........

If the Alt. isn't running at 13.6 volts,........ It's Not working.......

After you get That fixed,..... Then you can look for a Draining Issue,...If there Is 1.......