Johnson 112 SPL running at 17 volts

[petryshyn]

Re: Johnson 112 SPL running at 17 volts

Sorry StriperChaser, just kidding around...<br /><br />>if they replaced a regulator and you have 17V at the batteries, you got trouble.<br />>did you pay for the regulator replacement? How much? that will tell us if it actually was a reg they replaced......Clanton suspected it only has a rectifier by his last post......he's usually right!<br /><br /><br />

 

[StriperChaser]

Re: Johnson 112 SPL running at 17 volts

The dealer did'nt charge me for the "voltage regulator / rectifier", saying it was covered under my extended warranty contract. They had it listed but at a charge of $ 00. I'm sure somewhere in the charges for replacing the wiring harness, that was not covered, they made up for the cost. The engine model is a 1996 Johnson J112TSLED, if that helps. Trent above stated this was normal operation for a rectifier and said; They make a upgrade kit to convert to a regulator/rectifier combination. Is that something I should check into or is this normal operation for that engine ? Would the extra batteries, linked through the Perko switch have anything to do with the problem ? It has to be throwing a lot of amps through the wiring system when all are fully charged.<br />I just want to be sure my battery set up has nothing to do with the problem. My extended warranty runs out in May. I just don't want that harness to give me problems again.

 

[petryshyn]

Re: Johnson 112 SPL running at 17 volts

Hi:<br />Before we render an opinion why the harness failed, we would have to know which wires failed and how.<br />>Were they burnt from solenoid to rectifier? >Was the rectifier shorted?<br /><br />A reverse polarity at the batteries could cause burnt wires and shorted rectifier.(just an example).<br /><br />It would be safer to charge the troller batteries with a charger on shore. Only have the starting system battery charged by the O/B. Seems charging systems on most O/B are quite fragile. I'd also price out the add-on regulator you mentioned. It'll be easier on the battery, stator and any connected electronics.

 

[StriperChaser]

Re: Johnson 112 SPL running at 17 volts

The dealer strung a new harness above the deck, determined there was a problem and insisted the whole harness needed to be replaced at a cost of almost $400. I had suggested, finding and replacing only the burned wire but they refused, saying they would not warranty the work if I had another problem if done that way. So in the end, since they could not remove the old harness from under the floor, they never really determined where the problem actually was. They just knew, the engine would start. I do charge all my batteries on shore, but found it easier to charge all at once rather than charging the trolling motor batteries seperate. I put them on an automatic charger that drops to a trickle charge after a full charge has been reached. Due to lights, gauges, tilt and other items that I could not isolate from the main wiring harness, I found it worked better to wire my electronics and trolling motor through a seperate feed, then use to the Perko switch to isolate the cranking battery so I would be able to start the motor at the end of a long fishing day. Charging the batteries while with the O/B while running the lake was just an added benefit. When the motor was putting out 17 volts at WOT, I tried breaking the connection between the cranking battery and the trolling motor batteries and saw no change. Only after I used power with the trolling motor did the voltage output drop. I'll check into the add on voltage regulator, maybe that is the best solution. Thanks for all the help you guys have rendered. It has been quite a lesson in electronics, but way over my head.

 

[petryshyn]

Re: Johnson 112 SPL running at 17 volts

If I were you, I would be sure to have the system battery and troller batteries isolated when operating the engine. If all batteries are in parallel and low in charge, they will draw maximum current from the charging system for a long period of time. This will cause the rectifier and stator to heat up and fail over time. These whimpy charging systems have a low duty cycle....If you can get an add-on regulator for a resonable price, I would.<br /><br />good luck!!

 

[StriperChaser]

Re: Johnson 112 SPL running at 17 volts

schematic,<br />Thanks for all your help and advice. One last question, please. If I were able to find and add the voltage regulator, would that protect my charging system and stator with my present set up? You may have solved the original problem and this one. There have been a few times that I have run all three batteries to abosolute minimum levels and was barely able to start the engine. By then it was dark and I probably never saw the voltage gauge. I'm sure it was really drawing lots of current. I'll isolate the trolling motor batteries until I can get more info on a regulator, if you think that will solve the problem. Thanks again. <br /><br />Budman www.StriperChaser.com

 

[petryshyn]

Re: Johnson 112 SPL running at 17 volts

Sorry man, adding the reg won't solve the combined battery issue. Even with the regulator, the stator will be outputing its maximum with 3 low batteries. The regulator will only address the over-charging of the system battery and over-voltaging of your electronics. Still worth it in my books, especially on long runs.<br />> I still recommend that you split the batteries with a switch, and only combine them in parallel for charging with a battery charger on shore.<br /><br />my .01 cents worth.....

 

[StriperChaser]

Re: Johnson 112 SPL running at 17 volts

One more last question, really this time, do you think having a permanent common ground between all batteries would be a problem if the positive circuit was broken while the motor was running? Or should I completely isolate the cranking battery, both ground and positive?

 

[petryshyn]

Re: Johnson 112 SPL running at 17 volts