Starting battery problem

[chipzinger]

Just installed a new dual purpose battery in a boat I purchased, first day boat started fine<br />on muffs couple days later I tried to start again and nothing. Took a voltage reading at the battery terminals and got a reading of 12.4 volts<br />I'm kind of stumped 12.4 volts seems like enough voltage to start the motor. does it sound like there is a drain on my battery somewhere? A outboard engine book I was looking at said that a reading of 12.4 volts is 50% to 75% charged does that seem correct? Anyway is there a easy test I can do to see if there is a load on my battery when it is sitting?

 

[Charger183]

Re: Starting battery problem

Try this: Take the Negitive lead off the battery and place a multi-meter in 10 AMPS position between the battery post and the ground lead. If no indication, reverse the meter leads. If still no indication than go to a lower amp setting on the meter. If still no reading, reconnect the ground and set the meter to Volts. Read the battery volts as you switch on the starter. If the reading goes from 12.4? to below 7 you have a bad cell and need to replace the battery.

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: Starting battery problem

A voltage reading on a battery doing nothing doesn't tell much, as Hooligan says you need to see how it reacts to a load. I'm surprised now that you get nothing, (not even a click?) I would almost suspect a bad connection, check the battery cables again and make sure they are tight.<br />ps...how do you know the new battery had a full charge to start with?

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Starting battery problem

Take it to your local auto parts store and they should be able to load test it. You could have gotton a bad battery from the get go. It happens more than you think... As Bob said, remove ALL the connections from the battery to the starter and clean them up real good.( Sandpaper or the like). Never assume they are good. Make sure the ground at the engine is good and clean, also.

 

[chipzinger]

Re: Starting battery problem

Thanks I'll do that... appreciate your help!

 

[chipzinger]

Re: Starting battery problem

What do you mean when you say the ground lead?

 

[cuzner]

Re: Starting battery problem

If its possible try pulling the battery from your car and see if it turns the engine in your boat over. If it does'nt chances are you have a wiring problem on the boat. If your not getting anything at all,and all your wires are clean and hooked up properly I'd look to the ignition wires(where the key goes) when you turn key on are you getting any power to your accesories? I'm no pro,but thats where I would start.<br /><br /> Jim

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: Starting battery problem

Ground lead is the black or negative wire, one end attaches to the - post on the battery and the other end typically attaches to the engine block. So what he is saying is take the ground (negative) wire off the battery and hook one wire from the meter to it and hook the other to the negative post so you are putting the meter in series or in the ground line.

 

[Dave Abrahamson]

Re: Starting battery problem

Originally posted by Boatin Bob:<br /> So what he is saying is take the ground (negative) wire off the battery and hook one wire from the meter to it and hook the other to the negative post so you are putting the meter in series or in the ground line.

Don't crank the motor like that or you'll let all the smoke out of the meter wires and possibly the meter itself

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: Starting battery problem

Good one Dave...I think Hooligan and I assumed that was a given about the starter but you know what they say when you assume!

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Starting battery problem

Most motors have a neutral interlock switch. If motor is not in neutral the starter will not get power from the solenoid. It is possible that you are not in neutral or your interlock switch needs adjusting. What kind of motor is this?