quick check for a charging system ?

[starcraft240]

i have a 1987 88hp johnson v4 i was wondering if there was a way too check a charging system i checked at the battery and the meter showed 12 volts with the engine running or not. how long does the engine have to run before it begins to charge?

 

[ezeke]

Re: quick check for a charging system ?

Put your DC voltmeter's contacts directly on the battery terminals with the motor off, then with the motor running at over 1000 RPM read it again at the battery.

A healthy battery will read 12.7 volts wwith the engine off, and the reading should rise to well above 13 volts with the engine running.