Charging system 1986 Evinrude XP150

[tahammes]

When the engine runs at a low rpm the volt gauge shows between 15-16 volts. When running at 3000 or higher it shows about 14-14.5 volts. Also at low speed my tach will move up and down without changing engine speed. Do I have a stator or rectifier possibly going bad? All the electrical connections seem tight

 

[ezeke]

Re: Charging system 1986 Evinrude XP150

What is the battery voltage with everything turned off?

 

[tahammes]

Re: Charging system 1986 Evinrude XP150

With the master switch on and all electronics off the gauge reads 13-14 volts. The Battery is new.

 

[MCM]

Re: Charging system 1986 Evinrude XP150

What does it read at the battery terminal using a digital volt meter (DVM)?

 

[ezeke]

Re: Charging system 1986 Evinrude XP150

Next time you start the motor, feel the terminals at the battery and see if they are hot. Sometimes the cables will corrode just inside the shielding and you can't see it.

 

[tahammes]

Re: Charging system 1986 Evinrude XP150

MCM, I didn't check the battery using a volt meter. I'll check that tonight.

 

[tahammes]

Re: Charging system 1986 Evinrude XP150

Ezeke, I have a service manual. I looked at the wires coming from the stator. Everything looks OK there but I didn't check the battery cables. I'l let you know what I find.

 

[tahammes]

Re: Charging system 1986 Evinrude XP150

MCM, I checked the battery with a volt meter. It's at 13.24 Volts and 819 CCA. I also checked the cables. They look in excellent condition. Ezeke said I should start the engine and see if the cables get hot. Unfortunately here in WI it's getting dark by the time I had a chance to check it. any help is great. Thanks

 

[MCM]

Re: Charging system 1986 Evinrude XP150

Todd, 13.24 is right in the ball park, a good battery should show about 12.9 or so. Definately check the cables for corrosion etc. and heat as ezeke said. how many/what extras or acc's. are you running off of that battery? also what type of connectors do have at the battery? if they're wing nut replace them with brass or stainless nuts w/lock washers

 

[tahammes]

Re: Charging system 1986 Evinrude XP150

MCM, All the electonics, livewell pumps and bilge pump runn off that battery. It is a dual post battery with wing nuts. I change the nuts to Stainless Steel. Thanks for your help. If I find anything else I'll let you know.

 

[tahammes]

Re: Charging system 1986 Evinrude XP150

MCM, I had the boat out Sat 12 Nov. I changed the the wing nuts on the Battery to Stainless Steel. I checked the cables and they were not hot. The symptoms are still there. But only at low speed. When running on plane the volt meter goes down to 14 and the tach doesn't flucuate. Checked the battery again and it till reads good.

 

[MCM]

Re: Charging system 1986 Evinrude XP150

As long as it doesn't spike to over 15.5-16 volts it should be fine I think.

 

[tahammes]

Re: Charging system 1986 Evinrude XP150

MCM, Thanks for all your help. I think Im done boating for the year. We're suppossed to get 3-5 inches of snow today.