Does my Merc 500 charge the starting battery?

[badllama]

First time I've owned an outboard. Was wondering if this mid-70's Merc 500 charges the starting battery as the motor is running or do I need to recharge the battery each evening as I return from the water?

What if I use a deep cycle battery as both starting/trolling motor? Will the Merc motor recharge the deep cycle as it runs?

 

[RLT III]

Re: Does my Merc 500 charge the starting battery?

I think so but someone would know better then me but one thing I can tell you is don't try to run a troll motor and think your going to crank the motor with the same batt it will never happen.You need a starting batt and a deep cycle for the troller and charge it when get it to the house

 

[crem1]

Re: Does my Merc 500 charge the starting battery?

It does not charge the battery, but generates electricity to run itself once it gets started

 

[badllama]

Re: Does my Merc 500 charge the starting battery?

Thanks for the info. So I'll need to have a different battery for trolling and must charge them both at the end of each day. Not what I had hoped for but I'm sure it's not that big a deal. I've been spoiled by I/O's in the past that'll charge both batteries. LOL!

 

[gunner1]

Re: Does my Merc 500 charge the starting battery?

Thanks for the info. So I'll need to have a different battery for trolling and must charge them both at the end of each day. Not what I had hoped for but I'm sure it's not that big a deal. I've been spoiled by I/O's in the past that'll charge both batteries. LOL!

I don't think you have to worry about charging your starting battery every day. As long as the motor starts quickly and you don't change spots often, I would think that a quality starting battery would be good for a couple of days easy.

 

[Laddies]

Re: Does my Merc 500 charge the starting battery?

The majority on 500 Mercury engines that were electric start in the 70s had alternators. If you check there should be a winding under the flywheel with 2 yellow wires going to the rectifier, a serial number would help.