82 Evinrude - 70hp; Murders Batteries

[kiddynomite]

I have an 82 Evinrude, 70hp, that was working great until yesterday. I cleaned the carbs out and put it all back together and took it out; when I turned it over it cranked right up and then cut off. When I tried again it was dead; no click from solenoid, no nothing.

I took it home and tested the battery and it was dead. The battery took a charge and in 30 minutes was full power so I tried again with the same results. Something is draining the battery super quickly and I'm at loss... Any suggestions?

 

[fireman57]

Re: 82 Evinrude - 70hp; Murders Batteries

How old is the battery? After three or so years they don't seem to hold the charge they used to. Put a meter on your batter and see what the discharge rate is. If it shows it is discharging then you have to use the meter and check anything that uses juice. I would start at the ignition and check those posts first, then lights, etc.. Make sure that your battery connection is clean and get rid of wingnuts if that is what you are using and put a nut and washer on it. Also remove and clean your ground well.

 

[jtexas]

Re: 82 Evinrude - 70hp; Murders Batteries

What test did you use to determine that the battery was dead? How did you determine that it was "full power" in 30 minutes? A good battery takes longer than 30 minutes to recharge from "dead" to fully charged.

Either the battery has a dead cell, or else fireman is right about the connections - from the battery to the solenoid to the starter, and from the battery to engine block ground. Polish 'em with sandpaper until they shine.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 82 Evinrude - 70hp; Murders Batteries

To prove or disprove a battery issue, try the battery out of your car. If it functions normally, you either fixed a bad battery cable connection or the first battery is junk. Because your charger says its fully charged, the battery may not hold a charge.

 

[kiddynomite]

Re: 82 Evinrude - 70hp; Murders Batteries

well, this was an easy fix but a hard one to find. the stern light / bow light switch shorted and was killing the battery the second you tried to turn it over.

 

[jtexas]

Re: 82 Evinrude - 70hp; Murders Batteries

It was killing the battery in an instant, without blowing any fuses, or burning up any wires? that's amazing!

 

[rndn]

Re: 82 Evinrude - 70hp; Murders Batteries

A "dead battery" cannot be fully charged in 30 minutes period. Either it wasn't dead to begin with or it was not fully charged.