1989 johnson 225- how do I check if the engine is charging the battery?

[suttonc]

First, thanks to all of you knowledgable boaters out there who help all of us out with our problems!<br /><br />I feel that the engine is not charging my batteries. How do I check if the motor is putting out enough power to charge my batteries? Could I have a short in my wires? Thanks in advance for any responses!

 

[Moving Target]

Re: 1989 johnson 225- how do I check if the engine is charging the battery?

Do you have a volt meter? If so, It sould read higher (13-14v) with the motor running as opposed to 12v or less with engine off.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1989 johnson 225- how do I check if the engine is charging the battery?

Sutton.... Ditto on "Moving Target's" post. The alternative is to purchase a tool, a gauge which has a cupped track on the back of it which should be available at any automotive or tool type store. With the engine running, one would simply lay the gauge track over the positive cable at the battery and it would indicate the charge rate.<br /><br />The volt gauge that Moving Target speaks of is the better route to go though.

 

[suttonc]

Re: 1989 johnson 225- how do I check if the engine is charging the battery?

Thanks guys! If it does read below 12 what should my next step be?

 

[Moving Target]

Re: 1989 johnson 225- how do I check if the engine is charging the battery?

Then you would need to trouble shoot the charging system. Why don't you check it first, then come back and let us know. And get a service manual if you don't already have one.

 

[suttonc]

Re: 1989 johnson 225- how do I check if the engine is charging the battery?

checked the battery when running. The battery is only putting out 12.07. I have a manual, but sometimes for a do-it-yourselfer, this information seems like it is in a different language. Checked all leads and no corrosion. What next? Thanks.

 

[DSL DOC]

Re: 1989 johnson 225- how do I check if the engine is charging the battery?

hi guys as a heavy truck and auto mechanic by profession i would like to add something just because the reading say would be 13-14.6v doesnt mean it is charging you need to check the amps also. to do that you need and ammeter that goes higher than the typical or any for that fact voltmeter over 10 amps not steppin on toes cause i dont know much about boats but principals of wrenching are same so please dont read into this i love you all ) and thanks for puttin up with my dumb questions

 

[clanton]

Re: 1989 johnson 225- how do I check if the engine is charging the battery?

If you are checking the voltage output at 1500/2000 rpms, it is not charging much. This engine has a 35 amp system with water cooled regulator. Lots of things to check. The first is to verify that the magnets are still glued to the flywheel, and not broken. Flywheel good, check stator ohms at the 2 yellow wires disconnected from regulator, should be 0.17 +- 0.05, then check yellow wire for short to ground. If all of this checks and wires and connectors are good, replace the regulator. You could also check the stator output with a peak reading meter, should be about 18 volts at idle between the two yellow wires. If the regulator or stator is bad the tach should not be working.

 

[Solittle]

Re: 1989 johnson 225- how do I check if the engine is charging the battery?

No need for two seperate posts on the same subject. If you think we may have missed your post go to it and enter a reply to your own post (like "bump" or something). That will put it to the top of the list.

 

[suttonc]

Re: 1989 johnson 225- how do I check if the engine is charging the battery?

Thanks guys for all of the info. Sorry for posting two topics SoLittle. I just like my questions to be seen so i can fix my problems, get out on the water, and play! Happy Memorial Day weekend to all of you! Thanks

 

[suttonc]

Re: 1989 johnson 225- how do I check if the engine is charging the battery?

Clanton, this maybe a stupid question, but what does short to ground mean?

 

[suttonc]

Re: 1989 johnson 225- how do I check if the engine is charging the battery?

Hey guys- I just replaced my voltage regulator. The old one was completely burnt out. I peeled away the silicone coating and it was black and crusty. I appreciate all of the help.<br /><br />One problem though. I orederd a CDI part and it is a little different. The wires are reversed. On the old part, that I removed, the positive wire was first(red), then one yellow, one yellow/gray, the gray and then the purple. On the new part the red is first, gray, purple, a short yellow and then a longer yellow. <br /><br />My question is: which yellow wire attatches to the first lead (the one the yellow wire was connected to in the begining). Does the first wire in the new series connect to the first area or does the longer wire connect to the first screw? Any ideas? Familar with these parts? Thanks.