Recharging Definitions

[Ken Barber]

I am a non-mechanic, and need some help to understand why my 1989 140 Rude does not charge well. With a fresh battery, the voltmeter will read just under 12 volts recharging, just touching the yellow mark on the voltmeter, and never getting into the green. last time I launched, it read only about 9, and from reading other posts, I learned that the battery probably was low, allowing only 9 volts to be charging into it at that time. That reading scared me as I had the family on board, and did not want to get stuck. I turned off the depth finder, and when I ran above 3000 RPM that day, it again went to just around 12 volts, but still no higher.

I now understand that I need to recharge my battery between every day trip or I probably will get stuck. It appears to be charging but never quite enough.

So, I undrestand that the regulator, rectifier and stator are all part of the charging system. I also have read about testing each one. Which is the most likely culprit? I have a lead on a stator for a good price, and was thinking of just buying it and having a local mechanic install it. Will that solve the problem?

Thanks for you help!

 

[F_R]

Re: Recharging Definitions

By far, the most likely cause of not charging is a blown rectifier. But they blow for a reason. If you don't find the cause, you will just blow another one.

A battery reading only 9 volts either is completely discharged, or it has a dead cell. Take it to an auto parts / battery store. Most of them will load test it for free.

You normally shouldn't have to be recharging it between trips, unless you have a serious electric load on it, such as a trolling motor.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Recharging Definitions

find the problem before throwing parts at it. look in the faq forum, for rectifier testing.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Recharging Definitions

If you have ever hooked your battery up backwards, even for a split second, then your rectifier is toast. Causing sparks can blow it too.

 

[ezeke]

Re: Recharging Definitions

You really cannot test the regulated rectifier on your 1989 140. You can look at the tachometer to make sure that it is working and you can check the voltage at the battery to see that it is rising when the motor is running vs. not running.

A failing battery can cook your rectifier. Bad battery cables or a corroded ground can also cause the failure and/or cause the charger to fail to do its job.

 

[Ken Barber]

Re: Recharging Definitions

Thanks all for your help.

OK, so since my tach works fine, I imagine my regulator/rectifier is working properly.

I think my first step is to check all the connections, as it does charge, just not in the 13-14 volt range. Sounds like a loose connection or corrosion on the ground might inhibit the full charging, right?

Other than this problem, this old Evinrude runs like a bull and starts every time!

Any other hints are always appreciated.

Thanks

Ken