Battery charged by motor?

J

jwb

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Jul 15, 2001
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Stupid question, perhaps, but I am not sure of the answer...Here it is...does the battery charge as you're running the motor (engine)? Have a 35 HP Evinrude.
 
P

petryshyn

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Re: Battery charged by motor?

If the engine has an electric start, chances are good it also has a charging system. Yes, it should charge the battery while running.(only while running) :)
 
J

jwb

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Re: Battery charged by motor?

Thanks... It does have an electric start. It's a 1978 35 horse Evinrude so I'm a litle suspect to it actually charging. Is there a way to verify that the recharging is working. Right now I'm running with a new battery.
 
P

petryshyn

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Re: Battery charged by motor?

What electrical tools do you have at your disposal?
 
W

Walter

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Re: Battery charged by motor?

JWB...<br /><br />Using a volt meter, check the battery voltage with your engine turned off. It should read somewhere around 12 - 12.5 volts. Then start your engine (be sure it's in water or has ear muffs and garden hose attached) and then read the battery voltage. If your engine is charging properly...it should read around 13.8 - 14.2 volts.<br /><br />Walt
 
12Footer

12Footer

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Re: Battery charged by motor?

Not sure of your engine, but some older ones didn't come with a charging circuit. Believe it or not, they were optional
 
clanton

clanton

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Re: Battery charged by motor?

Engine has charging system thats makes about 5 amps.
 
J

jwb

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Re: Battery charged by motor?

Walter,Petryshyn and 12Footer....Thanks for the information. I will do the voltage test.<br />Jim (jwb)
 
B

BBogey

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Aug 4, 2001
Messages
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Re: Battery charged by motor?

You think that's stupid? I am TOTALLY a motor moron!!! I just bought a new boat/motor. The motor is a 60HP 4-stroke merc and I too was wondering if it had a charging system, then I figured it must!!! Now, I assume it charges my "cranking" battery, is there a way to "jump this charge" over to my trolling battery???<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Signed, "embarrassed!" :eek:
 
P

petryshyn

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Re: Battery charged by motor?

The best way to charge both batteries is to install an isolator. If this is too inconvenient, just hook them in parallel (+to+ -to-) but use a toggle switch in line with a circuit breaker to separate them when the engine is not running. You could also use a common relay to do the switching for you (interfaced to the ignition switch.) Its not a good idea to hook them together and leave them together when the engine is not running. :)
 
B

BBogey

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Messages
140
Re: Battery charged by motor?

Thanks! Is an isolater a fairly easy thing to install? Is it something I could only get at a marine place, or would an auto parts store have it? (told you I didn't know squat!) :eek: <br /><br />THANKS!
 
P

petryshyn

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Re: Battery charged by motor?

Unless you have a good understanding of the electrical system, I wouldn't advise you to install an isolator. Best go with the second option with a switch and circuit breaker. . .Be careful when working with the electrical system. A wrong connection or a slip of a wrench can result in fires or even loss of life. :eek:
 
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