FORCE outboard does not recharge cranling battery

[wiggler]

I've got a 40hp Force outboard and it does not appear to be charging. Ordinarily, it's not a big problem 'cause I charge-n-go. But I'm 'fixin to go off for a few days and recharging means lugging the battery. I'm just too lazy to do that (besides I already have to lug the trolling battery). Is there an easy way to test to see if it is charging (and I might need a new battery). I don't know too much about how a charging system on a boat motor works. <br /><br />Any thoughts, help would be appreciated.

 

[Don S]

Re: FORCE outboard does not recharge cranling battery

Put a DVM (Digital Volt Meter) on the battery and check the voltage. Start the motor and raise the rpm up to about 2000 and see if the voltage increases, if not, you have a charging problem.

 

[wiggler]

Re: FORCE outboard does not recharge cranling battery

ahh, that sounds simple enough. I figured just running without a battery wasn't a good test because, I believe in my outboard naivety, it runs off a magneto. I went ahead and ordered a Clymer manual in anticipation. Good choice? I probably should have one on hand anyway.<br /><br />Many Thanks,

 

[Don S]

Re: FORCE outboard does not recharge cranling battery

Don't waste your time with a Clymer manual. See your Mercury dealer and have them order you an OEM manual. Take the serial number of your engine with you. They made 40's for a lot of years, and they all weren't the same.

 

[BrettNC]

Re: FORCE outboard does not recharge cranling battery

Don is absolutley right about the Clymer manual. In one instance it took me two extra weeks to finish a project because the Clymer manual was blatantly wrong.