2000 Johnson Voltage Guage

[VanillaGorilla]

Hey guys. I have a 2000 Johnson 130HP 2-stroke on my boat. When running on the water, the voltage guage will sometimes jump to 14, 15, and occassionally 16 volts. Seems a bit high ... but maybe that is normal for a marine engine/battery. Anyway, this past weekend I had the battery fail ... dead cell. The battery was 3 years old. My questions are: Is this the normal lifespan (3 yrs) for a marine battery? Should I be concerned about the high voltage reading? Is there a chance the higher voltage output is what killed the battery? Thanks for your time and advice!

 

[wilde1j]

Re: 2000 Johnson Voltage Guage

I've been using Delco Voyager and typically getting 5+ yrs. Three years for a battery is not too good. BTW, my batteries are typically still usable at 5 yrs, I just start getting concerned they may not have much time left.

 

[VanillaGorilla]

Re: 2000 Johnson Voltage Guage

Can anyone tell me if I should be concerned about the higher voltage reading? Could it be what killed my battery? Thanks guys.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: 2000 Johnson Voltage Guage

I too, wonder that, as my 91' 70 rude as of late has been reading up to 18 Volts at full out. Am I due for a rectifier or is this a battery concern. Battery is 1 year old and have had no problems with it that I know of. I notice it's more prominent when I charge the battery the night before I go out.... Fishfinder never goes out on overvoltage and have had no problems that I know of. Whatda ya think?? Sorry to jump in on the post, but it seemed to fit in with the original problem that was described..

 

[ob]

Re: 2000 Johnson Voltage Guage

First thing I would do is to verify the higher voltage reading with another volt meter.If same I would suspect the reg/rec.My last volt meter was reading low before I changed it.<br /><br />Yes 16 volt charging will shorten the battery life.

 

[angus63]

Re: 2000 Johnson Voltage Guage

Motor is regulated to 14.75 volts. Drawing any higher is a concern.

 

[VanillaGorilla]

Re: 2000 Johnson Voltage Guage

Damn ... maybe I need to get this to a mechanic.

 

[VanillaGorilla]

Re: 2000 Johnson Voltage Guage

Angus63 ... do you know if going over 14.75 will potentially damage the battery?

 

[seahorse5]

Re: 2000 Johnson Voltage Guage

use a digital voltmeter at the battery terminals to determine if the dash gauge is accurate.<br /><br />Many times a high voltage reading is a bad gauge. Turn the key to ON and see what it reads. If it is not at 12 volts, you know it is out of calibration, assuming you have a charged battery.<br /><br />For an average recreational boater, 3 years is about the standard life span for a boat battery. Those who clean and seal the terminals often, use distilled water, charge it occasionally thru the winter, and keep an eye on all maintenance issues will get a longer life out of a battery.