discharging batteries

[bullet85]

I recently bought a boat with a 1993 175 johnson,
when running down the lake with full charge on the batteries it will shut off like somone turned the key off and then just as quickly turn back on.
after about a 10 min ride then stopping for about an hour to fish the batteries where dead, original owner says it is a bad rectifyer.
Any ideas?

Thanks in advance bullet85

 

[HighTrim]

Re: discharging batteries

There may be any number of problems. I would definately start by testing the rectifier. DO NOT run it until you do this. Running with a faulty rectifier is will cause all kinds of problems. Does your tach still work? Have you checked the voltage on the battery when running? When dead? What is it charging at? Have you had the battery load tested?

 

[bullet85]

Re: discharging batteries

Tach does work, have not been able to check any voltage.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: discharging batteries

A cheap digital multi meter is a good investment. About 15 bucks
it should be 12.6 with engine off and come up to 13.2 to 14.6 or so with the engine about 2000 rpm or so.
HT is correct about checking the voltage and rectifier first.

 

[fishmen111]

Re: discharging batteries

You really need to check voltage. Fully charged, tach working, 10 minute ride, dead battery. I think you are dealing with more than one issue. A bad rectifier will prevent the battery from charging, but unless you have a 2000 watt stereo in there, not that quick. I think you have some bad connections and possibly a dead battery cell or direct short. The rectifier is probably bad, but you need to find out what fried it. Do you know that your batteries are actually dead? With the boat cutting out under way, you could have a neutral safety switch or emergency lanyard switch going south or with loose wiring. Just a thought.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: discharging batteries

It's not likely the neutral safety switch. That prevents the starter from engaging in gear. Has nothing to do with the ignition. Kill switch - yes.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: discharging batteries

whe you say batteries were dead, did the motor just do nothing or did it try to turn, and not start???