What am I doing wrong?

Joined
Aug 13, 2009
Messages
8
Trying to test to see if battery is charging. Motor not running battery has 12.7 volts when running the meter is jumping all over the place. What do i need to have meter set on to get stable reading? This is 1979 150 evinrude
 

Daviet

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Sep 24, 2008
Messages
8,958
Re: What am I doing wrong?

My meter has different scales, I use the 0 to 16 volt scale. Any volt meter that goes to 16 volts will work.
Make sure you are using a DC volt meter.
 

tx1961whaler

Vice Admiral
Joined
May 31, 2008
Messages
5,197
Re: What am I doing wrong?

If it still jumps around, check the meter's cables and the meter's battery.
 

HighTrim

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jun 21, 2007
Messages
10,486
Re: What am I doing wrong?

Be sure that the area that you are resting the probe is clean and freee of corrosion, and ensure that the meters battery is charged.
 

Daveboy

Cadet
Joined
Aug 4, 2010
Messages
16
Re: What am I doing wrong?

Hey Taffe,
as Tom would say......... "it's not unusual"

I am sure one of these "bright sparks" will help you out.

only posted a couple of times myself, the info available from these guys is superb, hope to be able to return the compliment one day soon.
Fairly new to this boating lark, although learning very quickly, my boat almost sunk a few months ago, bought the boat from new 2008 Q4 SF, thing has sat in my garage for over a year, then put it in the local marina, thought I had an automatic bilge pumb, Whoops ! I have now, loads of mold and and water damage to the carpet and seats, tried every possible shelf product with no luck, then the boys at my local Orlando Bass pro took over, fantastic job the boat lucks like new again, I have the name of the chemical cleaning product somewhere.

anyway good luck.

Scouse Dave.
 

Sixmark

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 11, 2010
Messages
890
Re: What am I doing wrong?

Just got to thinking, what if he has one of the wild rectifier problems, then even on the 16volt scale he would have issues, as alot of us know, some of them would charge well over 16 if bad.
 

jonesg

Admiral
Joined
Feb 22, 2008
Messages
7,198
Re: What am I doing wrong?

Disconnect battery, clean posts and clamps, don't use wingnuts, use lcoknuts and star washers.

Clean terminals at starter, test 12v supply cable for corrosion, they can corrode internally.

Use dialectric grease on alll 12v connections or liquid electrical tape.
 
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