Checking for a charge?

[gpfishingdude]

I installed the new rectifier on the 50 horse motor and would like to find out if the motor is charging the battery now. My controls are simply neutral-forward-reverse. It is nearly impossible for me to get to the battery with the boat in the water to test the voltage. Will I be able to check this with the muffs on in the drive way or would I have to rev the engine too much to see if it is charging? Keeping in mind that if I try to check it at the dock it would be in gear if I try to rev it up.

 

[kazek]

Re: Checking for a charge?

you did not specyfied the year of engine.try running 2 wires from battery to your voltometer.see if it vorks.panell voltometer is an option or just go with teleflex gauge

 

[BonairII]

Re: Checking for a charge?

Just put a multimeter on the pos and neg terminals of the battery while it's running. Should show 14+ volts( i think).

 

[oldman570]

Re: Checking for a charge?

Just put a multimeter on the pos and neg terminals of the battery while it's running. Should show 14+ volts( i think).

Yes it should show 14v on DC scale and should drop back to less than 13V+ when the recitifier shuts down as the barrrey charges. If it runs more than 16V+ or less than 12V+ you still have trouble with the charging system. Turning on added accessories, lights, raido, etc, will make it charge longer before dropping back lower.IMO2
Oldman570

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Checking for a charge?

You can check it on the flusher device. Rev it from idle to 1200 or so and watch the voltage rise. You can also check voltage at any electric gauge (gas, tach etc). If that motor uses a std rectifier (not voltage regulator), the charging voltage will be the same at a given RPM, once the battery is fully charged.

 

[gpfishingdude]

Re: Checking for a charge?

Thanks! I will look for a digital type volt meter today. This old boat didn't have any gauges when I bought it but I can see where it would be handy to install a set. I like the idea of running a pair of temporary wires to hook the meter to so I can sit by the throttle while I do the checking. Thanks for all of the info. on what the voltage should be too.