Battery Charging Help

[aladiaz]

I have a 2001 Mercury 225 EFI. I have an A/B switch installed to switch between my 2 batteries. However, I am constantly having to recharge my batteries when I get home. I think the batteries are not being charged while the engine is running but I'm not sure how to check this. I know that my motor has a 60amp belt driven alternator but I don't know how it charges the batteries. Is there a cable coming from the alternator that I need to connect to the A/B switch? Does my engine have a regulator? Do I need one? <br /><br />I basically need to know how I should wire my batteries and A/B switch so both batteries can be charged while running.<br /><br />Thanks in advance for your help!<br /><br />-Alain

 

[Das_ Boot]

Re: Battery Charging Help

Im confused as to why you would need an AB switch and extra battery if you have an alternater on your motor. You shouldnt have need of an extra battery... Unless the problem is a bad regulator preventing charging... I belive it would be part of the generator with that motor... So you see, you may want to hook up an amp tester to see if its putting out enough amps... Fix the charging problem and you will have no need for an AB switch or extra battery...

 

[aladiaz]

Re: Battery Charging Help

One is a house battery and the other is for starting. The A/B switch gives me the option to switch batteries if the starting battery dies or lets me use both at the same time,if necessary. <br /><br />I'm sure this is a dumb question but...how does the alternator charge the battery - through what cable? Is it a reverse charge through the same positive cable that goes from the engine to the battery? You mentioned a regulator...where is the regulator located on the engine?<br /><br />Thanks for your help.

 

[Das_ Boot]

Re: Battery Charging Help

Its a reverse charge so to speak. As I said before I believe the regulator is in the alternater with that modle. The pupose of the regulator is to determine what to do with the energy the generator produces. It will send some juice to your electrical system and anything else will go to recharging the battery if it needs it. The battery is only needed for the primary start. After that its up to the alternator to supply energy needed. If the alternator is not working, then the regulator takes the energy from the battery. Its kind of like a check vale system. The positive and negative cables are used to power up the starter. then the same cables are used to recharge while the motor is running. But that only works if the alternater is working properly. If your battery is being drained, then it sounds as if the regulator is doing its job. Now if only the alternator would do its job, you would be fine...Still if its charging properly you would have no need for the AB switch. I would do an Amp test, it will tell you all you need to know as to whats wrong with the charge.

 

[aladiaz]

Re: Battery Charging Help

Thank you for all the information. You've been very helpful. I will definitely check the amps.