battery not being charged, 1977 Evinrude 55 hp

[103Control]

Hello,
Last night the battery ran down while cruising around with the navigation and dash lights on. It would not start again after I tied up. I jumped it and the lights would brighten as RPMs RPMs went up but when I put a amp meter between the positive post and the positive cable I got zero amp of charge current.
I'm I'm thinking of changing the rectifier first off unless someone knows a better part to start on ?
Thanks,
AL

 

[DJ]

Re: battery not being charged, 1977 Evinrude 55 hp

A volt reading is a better indicator.

Check the battery voltage with the engine -OFF.

Check again, while running.

The voltage, when running should be higher than your first check. If so, it's charging.

Remember, you're going to get 6 amps-MAYBE-at wide open throttle.

A good battery with solid connections is a must, including the engine ground and positive, at the solonoid.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: battery not being charged, 1977 Evinrude 55 hp

At idle the voltage may read 12.6V or less. Take the reading at 1500 rpm or so. If its higher than 13V its charging. As was mentioned, this engine has very low output. If you run lights and other accessories for long periods at slow speeds you can expect the battery to lose its charge. The battery itself may also be on its way to battery heaven.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: battery not being charged, 1977 Evinrude 55 hp

rectifier.

 

[DJ]

Re: battery not being charged, 1977 Evinrude 55 hp

I'm cheap. I tend to do some checking before throwing part$$$ at it.

 

[Rancherlee]

Re: battery not being charged, 1977 Evinrude 55 hp

If I troll with mine and the Nav lights on It will run my battery down also after a few hours. These old 55hp twins just didn't have much for a charging circut. Check it with a volt meter like others have stated, then check it with you Nav lights/radio/interior lights on just like when you were crusing and see what you got. Out of habit if I used my radio alot or fished with the nav lights on I toss the charger on it for an hour or so when I have the charger out to charge my trolling motor batteries.

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: battery not being charged, 1977 Evinrude 55 hp

Sounds like you have something else draining current, or your battery is about gone. With a good strong battery to start with, you should be able burn running lights(1 small bulb forward, 1 aft) from now 'til Christmas, even with no charge.

 

[103Control]

Re: battery not being charged, 1977 Evinrude 55 hp

Thank you for the tips folks, much apprieciated. All the connections are good and tight not to mention covered with liquid rubber tape to fend off the Atlantic. The battery I bought last year at this time, but you never know, I'll see if it took a good charge here on shore last night.
Boy Wonder and I are going to pull her out today to fine tune a number of things here at home being the halfway point of the season up here anyways so I try it with the voltmeter at different RPMs. I just might cut one into the dash after .
The digital meter I used to check amps to the battery did show a "not running" drain on it of 0.010 - 0.014 amps but It will start up fine even after five days of waiting on the hook.
I've seen new rectifiers on eBay for $17-32 and most online places are at $24 and my local marine store will sell one for me cheap IF I need one for $53 because I a regular!.
And I agree, Siberian Huskies Rule.
Thanks again, AL