Evinrude 135 - Battery problems

[michael.klein]

I have an Evinrude 135 and the battery seems to constantly "drain" - or lack enough "juice" to start the engine. Just today everything seemed fine, I anchored with the engine off for about 30 – 45 minutes – then I was stuck until the lake patrol came to give me a boost. (Boosting from a car or another battery seems to quickly solve the problem). Overall this makes the boating experience pretty stressful…<br /><br />I purchased a new battery - the entry level size for "starting" power. Long story short - I ended up taking it back and exchanging it for the largest marine deep cycle battery. Initially I thought the first battery I purchased was bad - but I'm getting the same problem with the large deep cycle battery.<br /><br />Could this second battery be "bad" as well? Is there something faulty with the engine that could "suck" this power? I have disconnected all other power sources to the battery to eliminate any shorts on the lights/etc.<br /><br />Any ideas on what could be wrong? And if so, what would be the best way to troubleshoot?<br /><br />Thanks!<br />Michael Klein

 

[JB]

Re: Evinrude 135 - Battery problems

Where do you connect the jumper cords when you jump it, Michael?<br /><br />Deep cycle batteries are not intended to start outboards, they run low current loads. You need a starting battery or a dual purpose battery.<br /><br />You can troubleshoot the starting circuits in "Outboard wont start" in the Engine FAQs forum.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Evinrude 135 - Battery problems

Start the engine and check battery voltage. If its 13 volts or higher the charging system is working. If its 12.6 or lower its not. A bad rectifier/regulator can drain the battery. As mentioned, a deep cycle battery is not intended for starting service. Before you buy another however, make sure your battery cables, terminals, and connections are clean and tight. Disconnect them and check. Don't just give them a tug as that proves nothing. Any corrosion anywhere -- even where the cable enters the terminals creates resistance to current flow. The engine may pop off but that one start quickly creates heat and the resulting high resistance gives you the idea you have a dead battery.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Evinrude 135 - Battery problems

with the key, switch off, disconect the neg. battery cable, use volt meter and test from neg battery terminal to cable end, there should not be any flow. if there is something is draining your battery.

 

[michael.klein]

Re: Evinrude 135 - Battery problems

Thanks for the tips. I will try your recommendations..<br /><br />What should the deep cycle battery be used for? <br /><br />When I boosted the battery - I placed the cables on the battery itself....<br /><br />Do you have recommendations on a brand/size of a starter battery?<br /><br />I will also read the FAQs.

 

[ezeke]

Re: Evinrude 135 - Battery problems

Check this out: Iboats Battery Ad <br /><br />I believe that Optima batteries are from Johnson Controls, one of the world's largest manufacturers. I'm sure that they would not mislead Iboats, nor would Iboats have any reason to mislead customers:<br /><br />"Although you can use a deep cycle battery in any application, starting batteries can only be used for starting applications."<br /><br />The problem with starting batteries is that they cannot hold up to deep discharging over many cyles. <br /><br />For the occasional boater who uses one primary battery for everything from the tilt and trim to the radio, I am convinced that a more powerful deep cycle marine dual purpose battery is a much better choice. I believe that this is especially true when using unregulated chargers in the 5-12 amp range.