40 HP Evinrude - won't start after using running lights

[BlackHawk99]

We have a 1992ish 40 HP Evinrude mated to a pontoon boat. The boat runs great all day long and you can sit for hours with the radio on and she'll always start right back up.

Then...into the evenings... We'll go out for a ride and idle along with the running lights on and the stereo. It does great the whole time. Then, the next morning, you go to start it and the battery is completely dead.

A quick jump, and she's good to go. The battery will again support the radio for hours on end without the motor running.

So far we have replaced the battery. That didn't seem to correct the issue.

Next, I'm thinking the stator. What do you guys think?

 

[freddyray21]

Re: 40 HP Evinrude - won't start after using running lights

Is it only if you use the lights? If it is running all day and still starting all day it might be something in the lights. It's easy to check the charging system. When running take a volt meter and see what the voltage is at the battery. Should be north of 13 volts around 14 maybe.

 

[freddyray21]

Re: 40 HP Evinrude - won't start after using running lights

also check to see if when the lights are on the voltage when running drops. The lights may be drawing too much voltage or the recitifer/regulator may not be keeping up.

 

[BlackHawk99]

Re: 40 HP Evinrude - won't start after using running lights

Thank you for the speedy response!

We just took the boat out of the water for the season over the weekend. But, in the spring I'll perform the test you described.

Is the regulator integrated into the stator? Or, is it a stand alone item?

 

[freddyray21]

Re: 40 HP Evinrude - won't start after using running lights

It is seperate.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: 40 HP Evinrude - won't start after using running lights

So...put the lights on a separate circuit with separate battery. Or keep two batteries on hand...one for day one, one for day two...charging in between.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 40 HP Evinrude - won't start after using running lights

i have a toon, 50 johnny. i use 2 batteries, one for the engine, one for the accessories (deep cycle). also installing led lights, will cut the usage tremendously.