Johnson Outboard First timer....in trouble

[Fuggedaboudit]

First time boat owner....got a 1990 Rivera Cruiser Pontoon with a 1997 Johnson 100HP outboard. This weekend on my first time out, I ran out of gas at night and left my lights on as I paddled my way to shore. Killed my battery in the process. Got a new battery in the morning and she started right up, but the next time I shut her off, she wouldn't start without a portable charger. Got her home and used a trip charger for an hour, she worked fine the rest of the day, but I am worried about next weekend. Do these engines have alternators? I would guess that would be the problem if it does....but I know nothing about boats. Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Johnson Outboard First timer....in trouble

Your motor has an alternator. Check your owners manual for the alternator capacity.

 

[sloopy]

Re: Johnson Outboard First timer....in trouble

it should have a timin systom? is it hooked up to the batter? is it working?

 

[Fuggedaboudit]

Re: Johnson Outboard First timer....in trouble

I don't know if it has a timing system or not. Does it sound like the alternator would be the problem? The boat didn't die while running, it just wouldn't get started again once I stopped unless I used a portable battery charger.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Johnson Outboard First timer....in trouble

Alternator is bad or something is drawing the battery down when it sits. Turn everything off, then unhook either battery terminal and touch it to the post. If it gives a pretty good spark, something is draining the battery.

 

[Fuggedaboudit]

Re: Johnson Outboard First timer....in trouble

Thanks...I guess that the alternator gave up on me after many, many starting attepmts when the battery was dead. What about a starter....would putting a portable battery charger help start the boat if the starter was bad?

 

[BKool68]

Re: Johnson Outboard First timer....in trouble

The charging output of most outboards is not very high. You need to start with a well charged battery. Terminal connections must be tight. Check the voltage of the battery before starting, it should be around 12.6 volts. Start the motor and run it at mid to full throttle, if the voltage increases to over 13 volts you have a working charge system.

 

[BKool68]

Re: Johnson Outboard First timer....in trouble

Another thing to remember is to never disconnect the battery while running to check for charging. The regulator/rectifier will not live through this and you will burn up a costly part. They also do not take well to reversed polarity.