What voltage if all is correct?

R

richardbrown67@yahoo.com

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Oct 31, 2010
Messages
37
1980 Johnson 70 hp 3 cyl. I'm trying to decide if my charging system is working. What voltage should I get if I have the motor at a little above idle and I put a voltmeter on the battery terminals? I've been told that is the way to check. Is that correct?
 
Joe Reeves

Joe Reeves

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 24, 2002
Messages
13,262
Re: What voltage if all is correct?

Engine NOT running.... attach a volt meter across the battery terminals. Make a note of the reading.

Start the engine and increase the throttle. Observe the reading.... it should have increased somewhat.

You could also temporarily attach a ammeter between the positive terminal of the battery and the starter solenoid large positive cable terminal. This should give you a ampere charge reading.
 
B

boobie

Supreme Mariner
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Nov 5, 2009
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20,826
Re: What voltage if all is correct?

If you hook an amp meter between the positive bat terminal and the cable make sure it's a good one. Remember, when you start the mtr the starter mtr draws a lot of amps. If you haven't got a good amp meter the best way is still to take voltage readings across the battery. With a regulated system you should see 13.8 to 14.2 volts. Unregulated 16 volts or so.
 
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