Dead Battery

[ForceHeadache]

I bought a new starting battery at the beginning of summer and it died on the lake this weekend after only about 40 hours on the water. I have an 85hp Force motor that should have been recharging the battery - any ideas as to why it would have died already? The only accessories I have hooked up to it are the horn, lights and small radio.<br /><br />2nd question - Should I be charging this battery on a charger at the house after bringing the boat back in from the lake, and if so, can I leave it in the boat with everything hooked up to it while charging?

 

[revertmastec]

Re: Dead Battery

I always charge my battery with a charger the night before, if it has been sitting for a week or so. My understanding is that a outboard will keep a fully charged battery charged while you are running but they are not designed to bring a battery back from beyond. Check your voltage with the motor running you should be getting around 13.8 ti 14.2 volts. If you are not I would check for a bad rectifier. Good Luck And I leave everything connected while I am Charging my battery.

 

[ForceHeadache]

Re: Dead Battery

Okay - thanks. Any idea why the battery might have died after 40 hours and not much pull on it? I checked the cells and water/acid were fine.<br /><br />By the way - what part of PA are you from? I grew up around Pittsburgh. Also, I have a 1985 16' Bayliner Capri with 85hp Force O/B motor on it. What is your boat?

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Dead Battery

Engine charging system probably not working. Charge battery on an external charger, start engine and measure across battery terminal while running at idle. Should get ~ 14 to 14.5 VDC, if not something's not working (rectifier, stator, etc).