I am running a 1996 88hp spl Johnson which I obtained about a year ago.
My battery went dead and I was given a used dual purpose 29 series deep cycle battery. When I turn the key, the voltage guage shows 11 volts, but still turns the motor just fine (although maybe a bit slow at first). The meter then goes to 12volts and stays there until about 5 minutes into the cruise. Then it jumps up to 16.5 volts! I have not tested the regulator but the tach is working just fine. Assuming I should be concerned about the high voltage, do you think this "new" battery could be the problem? I have a new regulator on the shelf as a spare part but I don't want to put it on if there's a chance the battery will blow it.
My battery went dead and I was given a used dual purpose 29 series deep cycle battery. When I turn the key, the voltage guage shows 11 volts, but still turns the motor just fine (although maybe a bit slow at first). The meter then goes to 12volts and stays there until about 5 minutes into the cruise. Then it jumps up to 16.5 volts! I have not tested the regulator but the tach is working just fine. Assuming I should be concerned about the high voltage, do you think this "new" battery could be the problem? I have a new regulator on the shelf as a spare part but I don't want to put it on if there's a chance the battery will blow it.