Bad alternator

jran

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 29, 2012
Messages
34
I have a 1989 17' sea ray with a 3.0 mercruiser and a 21" pitch prop...It runs fantastic. At 4500 rpm's i'm hitting 42 mph with no problem......My problem was ... I was cruising along and my boat just litterally shut off....I mean like I turned the key off. Alternator was putting out 9 volts instead of the 12plus needed to charge battery.I was told by my mechanic that it WAS the alternator that caused my problem plus having to be towed in......Is this true? Can a bad alternator shut the boat right down??????
 

achris

More fish than mountain goat
Joined
May 19, 2004
Messages
27,468
Re: Bad alternator

If the battery goes low enough to shut the ignition system down, then yes....

Before you condemn the alternator, check that all the wiring is in place, and no terminal lugs have corroded loose. If that checks out ok, then take the alternator to a shop and have them check it. It's far better to have your alternator repair than to buy a cheap replacement...

Chris...
 
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