High Charging Voltage??

[Downrigger]

My 1992 Force 150 will charge at about 14 volts until the battery seems to reach full charge or when I run for a period of time at higher RPM. Then it creeps up to just under 16V and stays there at higher RPM. I've checked the 12V system when running at higher RPM with both my portable GPS plugged in and with a good multimeter. They both read about 15.8V<br /><br />After running for several hours I've even checked the batteries to see if they are getting hot and they are not and the water is not decreasing in the cells. There doesn't seem to be any negative consequences with this. Ran the boat all season like this last year.<br /><br />I read somewhere in the owner's or shop manual that when the batteries get to full charge the charging system discharges to ground to prevent overcharging the batteries. That may take the place of a voltage reg. When it sees under 12V at the batteries it begins charging them again.<br /><br />I know that if I have to crank the engine a few times to get it to start in cold weather the on-board meter stays longer in the 13-14 V area and sooner or later slowly creeps back to just less than 16V once the batteries re-charge.<br /><br />It only started doing this when I replaced the batteries last year. I had one bad battery that would not hold a charge and the meter stayed at 13-15V all the time. Coincidence, I don't think so. Matybe it's supposed to work this way?<br /><br />Downrigger

 

[roscoe]

Re: High Charging Voltage??

Welcome to iboats Downrigger.<br /><br />Your symptoms are not out of the ordinary, especially with Force motors of that era.<br /><br />The battery is an important part of your voltage regulating system with your motor. <br /><br />Sometimes the high voltage readings can be traced to a bad battery, perhaps having a weak cell. Many people have been able to continue using the battery without problems. Others have had the battery fail, and the mistakenly blame the high voltage for "burning up" their battery. More than likely, the bad battery was causing the high voltage condition.<br /><br />Return and replace the battery if you wish.<br />Probably only a heavy load test will show the battery as bad.<br />Some stores will exchange it without even testing it ( like a Walmart that doesn't have an auto service center).<br /><br />Or keep a close eye on it, and the water level, it may be ok.<br /><br />Happy boating