Is it charging???

[MAXXIE]

1985 Force 85HP outboard. When this engine is running, is it charging the battery? For some reason, PeP Boys guy thinks over charging, ???, a 2 year old battery was dry as a bone inside. I was trying to charge it at home & by the time I got to the lake...Dead. That's when I took it to get tested, it was at 13V, but no out put. Anyway, he asked if I had checked the water in the battery. I had no idea I still had to do that... I thought all battery's were sealed & didn't think to check water in it. Now I'm having no problems, filled it with distilled water, sat over night, put on trickle charge & in less than 1/2 hour it was good as new. This will never happen again. My question is: Does this engine charge the battery while running? I'm afraid to turn it off while fishing different spots on the lake in fear of draining it out. I know I need to install a meter or gauge soon. Thanks for any advice, MAXX

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Is it charging???

Starts to put out enough to begin the charge at about 1000rpms. Max charge rate at WOT is 7 amps.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Is it charging???

That engine uses an UN-regulated charging system at about 16 volts. AC voltage at about 16 volts is simply rectified to DC at the same voltage. Under sustained running it will boil out some water. Thus: You still need to regularly check the water level in the battery

 

[MAXXIE]

Re: Is it charging???

Cool, Thanks, I will check it from now on. Atleast I don't really need to worry about getting stuck now... well, I mean that atleast I know the motor is in fact charging while running.

 

[Jiggz]

Re: Is it charging???

Remember, if you get stuck out there due to a dead battery there is always that short starting rope you can use to pull-start the motor.

 

[afarrens]

Re: Is it charging???

Cool, Thanks, I will check it from now on. Atleast I don't really need to worry about getting stuck now... well, I mean that atleast I know the motor is in fact charging while running.

Be careful - the motor is only maintaining the battery, if you are running any type of accessories it will more then likely be drawing more amps then the motor is able to maintain, unless the draw is SUPER low. A standard new car stereo is drawing 6-9 amp's per hour, more if your cranking the volume up...

there is about 200 other factors that can come into play also - type of battery, storage conditions, condition of stator, deep cycle vs starting...

the good thing about the 85force is once you get it running the battery is not needed, as the motor is self sustaining. so if you got a bad battery, get the motor running and don't quit till your home!

 

[emoney]

Re: Is it charging???

2 batt's is a grand idea as some things put more drain on than others. Radios/stereos, for example, are notorious for "gettin stuck on the other side of the lake", which is why I always get my music from a "D" powered boom box, lol. Some fishfinders can really suck juice too. Having them 2 batt's and a 3 way switch is simplest and safest. I've yet to get stuck since.

**edit** Oops....just saw afarrens' post....so, I'll change mine to, "See above ^^"

 

[afarrens]

Re: Is it charging???

2 batt's is a grand idea as some things put more drain on than others. Radios/stereos, for example, are notorious for "gettin stuck on the other side of the lake", which is why I always get my music from a "D" powered boom box, lol. Some fishfinders can really suck juice too. Having them 2 batt's and a 3 way switch is simplest and safest. I've yet to get stuck since.

**edit** Oops....just saw afarrens' post....so, I'll change mine to, "See above ^^"

each time i go out, i NEED something else, however i now carry two of the essentials -
1 extra boat plug (how i would lose one in the water i have no idea, but i'd rather have an extra just in case)
1 extra battery
2 spare gas tanks (one 3gl, and one 1gl)
2 spare spark plugs
1 spare tire
1 spare skier down flag
10 spare fuses
100 ft extra rope
1 spare anchor
1 spare kids life vest
2 extra adult PFD's
1 spare fishing pole
1 spare bilge pump new in package

Sadly everything is extra NOW because I learned the hard way that I should always have extra on hand incase i needed it. Or someone else did and i was unable to help.