Charging Voltage

[Killer of the Deep]

I have a 97 Johnson V-4 115. My batteries keep going dead. I Checked the batteries with the motor running and I did not see a increase in Voltage. What would the voltage be if my regulator was working? Is the Regulator what charges my batteries?

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Charging Voltage

13.5 VDC + or > across the battery terminals. Regulator and/or stator, poor terminations, etc. can be the cause. If no or low stator AC voltage, the stator is NFG.
Jim

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Charging Voltage

Test your rectifier. They are usually the first to go. Especially if you have ever hooked the battery up backwards, even for a split second.

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: Charging Voltage

Also, you may not see any voltage increase at idle, only at a bit higher RPM.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Charging Voltage

you have a rectifier/voltage regulator to charge the battery...I agree w/bpile...even at idle you should see some charging voltage on the battery and the rectifier is the prime suspect...tach usually goes out at the same time. Have a ohm meter? Test the rectifier.

If you have wing nut connections to the battery...make sure they are good and tight...use pliers...that sort of thing can smoke the rectifier.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Charging Voltage

Better yet, take the wing nuts and throw them as far as you can and replace with SS hex nuts, washers and tighten with a socket.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Charging Voltage

Thanks !! Actually you don't have to throw the wing nuts that far.Give them to someone you dislike,and leave it at that.They should never have been put on a marine battery PERIOD

DHP
or the battery should come with pliers (?)

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Charging Voltage

Sorry Killer,I do get off topic sometimes.

Put a volt meter on your battery.You'll see 11.5 to 12.6 or something.Crank and start the motor,you'll see the voltage drop,then return to where it was.

Rev the motor slightly,and the voltage will go up some.If not,yes you have a problem.

DHP