what volts

[nas 632]

I have a johnson seahorse 1982 50hp outboard can anyone tell me when the engine is running what voltage reading i should be getting coming back to the battery for charging, i don't think it is charging the engine at all.<br /><br />Cheers...

 

[superiorfisherman]

Re: what volts

Most smaller outboards dont have a very big charging system. and the voltage will very deping on the state of charge of the battery. But I would assume at least 12.75 - 14 volts. Make sure your battery is fully charged and check it with a volt meter then start it up and check it again and see it it has gone up. Do not try and use these little charging systems to charge a battery you'll blow a fusse or worse there just meant to maintain the battery and run small things like nav. lights ect.

 

[oldboat1]

Re: what volts

I've had good success using a "state-of-charge" meter both to check the charge of the battery and to see if it's getting a charge from the alternator. If the gauge shows, say, 70% charged at rest but moves up to 100% with the engine running, the alternator is working. If there is no change, chances are you will need to replace the rectifier (about a $40 part available at NAPA).

 

[nas 632]

Re: what volts

Thanks for your help...<br /><br />Cheers...