I messed up...Optimax

[CalicoJack]

I was at the dock at idle and stupidly turned the port engine battery switch to the off position while the engine was idleing. Now it seems I am getting no charge from the engine although it runs fine. Starboard engine was charging at 14.2 all night and Port engine was stuck at 11.9-12.0 (brand new battery).

What did I do and how do I fix it?

2005 Optimax 225

I know to NEVER turm the switch off with the engine running but I wasn't focused and it happened, like closing your trunk with the keys in it, it happened in slow motion.

 

[CharlieB]

Re: I messed up...Optimax

Start looking at the rectifier. Leave the battery switch OFF, disconnect all the wires and test each yellow to the red then reverse your leads and test again.

If the rectifier is good, you will have a reading one direction only from each yellow to red. if reading both directions or no reading at all, then replace the rectifier.

Charge the battery before retesting running voltage, and don't make the same mistake again of turning the battery switch while running. Even switching from 1 to Both batteries disconnects the engine for a heartbeat, plenty long enough to take out a rectifier.

 

[bassboattech]

Re: I messed up...Optimax

sorry you had that happen but optimax motors have a alternator with a built in regulator, this is located under the black plastic cover under the cowling, youll need to ck alternator output from the alternater, also first ck all your fuses. hope this helps

 

[CalicoJack]

Re: I messed up...Optimax

Just checked voltage at the alternator. Voltage went up from 12.1 with engine off to 12.3 with engine on at 2000 rpm. Just to check my methods I also checked the Starboard engine and Voltage went up from 12.2 to 14.2-14.3 at 2000 rpm. Same thing at the gauges. Looks like it is indeed a bad alternator.

The good news is I believe I have one month left on the 4 year warranty. Anyway to check that online? If not I will call a Merc service center on Monday. Otherwise I will do it myself, looks to be a pretty straight forward swap.

Thanks to all for the help.