1980 evinrude 115 charging system

[sbooy42]

Engine doesnt seem to be charging battery or atleast is not able to keep up...

Its on a pontoon and I get about 3-4 days of use before I have to switch to one of the extra batteries that I keep on board.. or pull battery and charge after every few outings

Only componets that are constantly on are the radio and fish finder, but the bilge pumps (yes its a pontoon) do kick on occasionally and we use the lights once in a while...

The volt meter on the console is broke and getting replaced but the only way I know its getting low is the fish finder will read low voltage...

The issue doesnt really bother me but this is the summer of fixing little things and this is on my list..So I'm looking for diagnoses advice

Thanks

 

[cdn-pk]

Re: 1980 evinrude 115 charging system

Do you have access to a DC volt meter. someone will correct me but i think you have a 6 amp charging system. it would be good to know the voltage at the battery terminals when the motor is off and then when it is running.

Also do you have a tach? is it still reading right? might just be your rectifier.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1980 evinrude 115 charging system

If you have power trim, your engine will have a 10 amp stator. Follow cdn-pk's, suggestion and put your household voltmeter on the pontoon starting battery. If it never gets above 12.5 volts after running it for 15 minutes, likely the rectifier is not working and it is not charging the battery. The engine makes it's own power to fire the ignition when running, so the occasionaly starting, running the trim and normal accessories are the only draw on the battery when the engine is running.