I have a dumb question

[mudcatwilly]

I am a first time boat owner and I am learning as I go, so I thought I would ask a dumb question. I have a 1990 Suzuki DT85 (85 hp) 2-stroke outboard. Does this motor have an alternator that charges my cranking battery when the motor is running? If someone response with a yes, I will follow it up with another dumb question.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: I have a dumb question

OK -- if you think that's a dumb question I'll give you a dumb answer. YES! d I'll bet you really have two more questions. 1) Where is it? and 2) How do I know its working? How close was I?
The answer to 1 is its under the flywheel. Called a stator.
The answer to 2 is if your boat has a voltmeter it will read something higher than 13 volts at 1500 RPM or more. If you don't have a voltmeter, you can measure battery voltage with the engine running at 1500 RPM or more. Again 13V or higher says its working. Next Question!!!

 

[mudcatwilly]

Re: I have a dumb question

Thanks. Ok next dumb question. What is a flywheel and where can I find it? Since my motor has an alternator, does that mean I can install an onboard battery charger? I am a civil engineer. I am quite handy with designing structures, but I don't know a lick about motors. Two moving parts is too many for me d

 

[Silvertip]

Re: I have a dumb question

Since your motor has already has a charging system that keeps the starting battery charged when running (just like your car) you don't need an on board charger. If you have a separate trolling motor battery, that's what the on-board charger is for. It is a separate battery charger that runs off house current at the dock. Generally the charging system on an outboard does not have enough output to fully charge a trolling motor battery that's substantially discharged. You'd have to run wide open for hours to do the job. The flywheel is the big round thingy at the top of the engine. It has teeth around it that the starter pinion engages to spin the engine for starting. Again, just like your car.