Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 30, 2014 19:28:56 GMT -6
I have a 1996 190 WA with a 125HP Mercury outboard. The batteries will not charge. The voltage prior to starting is 12.35V and when running drops to 12.22V. Increasing speed doesn't raise voltage. The stator reads ok so I purchased a new regulator/rectifier. Still no change when reading the voltage at the batteries. I have a two battery system with a selector switch. The wiring appears to be ok. Any suggestions.
Thanks Vince
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yolo
Ensign
Posts: 626
Location: Back to Manasquan Inlet, NJ
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Post by yolo on Aug 1, 2014 9:46:16 GMT -6
Have the batteries gone dead? Also what kind of batteries do you have?
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Post by Deleted on Aug 3, 2014 5:27:49 GMT -6
I replaced the original batteries with Die Hard Marine cranking batteries and they also went dead one time. That's when I replaced the regulator/rectifier and the voltage still doesn't increase when the motor is running or revved. The tach is also not working, so from what I read that too can indicated a bad regulator. No change on the tach when the regulator was replaced. I've cleaned all battery connections and checked all fuses. All the wiring on the power head looks ok, but I will recheck. Maybe the new regulator is also bad. The old regulator reads like it's shorted in both directions the new regular doesn't read like I thought it would though. It reads like it has a capacitor. It reads good in one direction only once then it reads like an open circuit until I ground the lead and then it reads in one direction, but it doesn't read in the opposite direction. It seems like a simple circuit, but I'm at a loss on why I don't see a higher voltage at the batteries when the motor is running.I'm open to all suggestions.
Vince
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Post by freezerfiller on Aug 3, 2014 9:53:50 GMT -6
I don't know about Mercs, but Johnsons have a fuse under the cowling that when blown, does the exact same thing you are describing - (tach out and no charge)
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 4, 2014 19:26:32 GMT -6
The fuse checks out ok, but maybe there an open wire in that circuit. Thanks for the tip. It's a very puzzling problem.
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yolo
Ensign
Posts: 626
Location: Back to Manasquan Inlet, NJ
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Post by yolo on Aug 5, 2014 9:43:17 GMT -6
This is weird, im guessing if you chaged the regulator rectifier that you checked the alternator.
I would call merc support directly at 920-929-5040, the customer service reps on the phones over there are great and should be able to walk you right through the trobule shooting. They also send over the scematics for you if you ask them.
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Post by CaptWoody on Aug 7, 2014 18:37:35 GMT -6
It sounds like a bad regulator. Is there any chance you incorrectly switched that battery switch with the motor running? An open circuit to the batteries while the engine is running will blow the regulator.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 12, 2014 5:15:43 GMT -6
The battery switch is in a well near the transom and I never touch that switch. I bought the boat 3 years ago and I've left the switch in the original position which I believe keeps the two batteries in parallel. I haven't checked the bullet connector under the cowl. Possibly there's bad connection, that's my next step.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 12, 2014 5:20:48 GMT -6
To Yolo
Thanks for the merc phone number I will give them a call.It's an outboard so there is no alternator, the voltage comes from the stator and that checks out ok.
Vince
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Post by freezerfiller on Aug 12, 2014 6:06:25 GMT -6
It sounds like a bad regulator. Is there any chance you incorrectly switched that battery switch with the motor running? An open circuit to the batteries while the engine is running will blow the regulator. Interesting. I always used to check to see if my alternator/stator was charging by cranking it up and taking off one of the battery terminals... If it kept running, I was good, if it died, it wasn't charging. I never knew this could blow the regulator. I guess I was just lucky. Anyway, I have a voltmeter now
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yolo
Ensign
Posts: 626
Location: Back to Manasquan Inlet, NJ
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Post by yolo on Aug 12, 2014 10:21:56 GMT -6
10-4.........the newer four strokes have actual alternator now.
You are doing all this testing with a muti meter right? From what you are saying im guessing yes but just want to make sure. Some use the guage and dont realize that it could be the guage (really saying this for people who are trying to figure out down the road and read this).
Freezerfiller- it can (stress the word can based on my expierence)........thats why you will hear some say its not ok to swtich the batteries while the motor is running, if you accidently switch it to off there is a possibility you can (stressed again) blow the regulator.
That said lol, and my reason for stressing the can word....i have run things (many cars trucks and boats) in the past with the motor running and everything electronic in the car bolted to the alternator lol. I try not to now with all the computers in them but theres always that one time.
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Post by freezerfiller on Aug 12, 2014 11:15:13 GMT -6
Not trying to derail the thread, but back in my younger days I had a 1969 Impala that I smacked a deer with going way to fast. I made a deal with a buddy that he could have the body if he would help me pull the engine and tranny. Since I was transplanting the motor and tranny into my new to me 78 Malibu, I decided to leave the recently purchased battery at home before making the 40 minute drive to my buddys house, so I cranked it up, removed the battery, and wrapped the positive terminal in duct tape. Everything was going great until I stopped down a dirt road to pee about halfway there and yep, turned the ignition off. A farmer eventually came by and let me borrow the battery out of his tractor to get cranked again. So there's another reason not to disconnect your battery!
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yolo
Ensign
Posts: 626
Location: Back to Manasquan Inlet, NJ
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Post by yolo on Aug 12, 2014 11:57:00 GMT -6
LOLOLOL that is definatly a good one. Ive got a 69 Chevelle and have rigged up twice, but after a similar incident to yours i put some masking tape over the ignition any time i have to do it to triple remind me.
Cant tell you how many friends i have went out in the middle of the night to help becuase of bad alternators. I go out and get them running then they call me a half hour later becuae they stopped at a diner or 7-11 for some food and "forgot" i told them the car would not start again if they shut it off.
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tcrab90
Sailor
Sea Pro 2002 SV2100 - - 140hp Suzuki
Posts: 35
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Post by tcrab90 on Aug 27, 2014 20:12:23 GMT -6
Not sure if mine is the same issue but my 2002 Suzuki 140hp was running fine until a couple weeks ago when the motor would not start due to dead battery. Wal-mart battery was about 2 years old so I figured it was time for a new one. Bought a new Wal-mart battery last week. Went to first fishing spot without issue. Tried to go to next spot but motor would not start (brand new battery was dead). I hooked up my trolling motor battery to see what it would do and the Suzuki motor started right up. Is there something draining the battery or is it the alternator (dummy me but I am not even sure this motor has an alternator). I have my center console dash items, bilge pump, and on-board battery charger hooked up to this main battery. Any pointers/advice would be appreciated.
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Post by freezerfiller on Aug 27, 2014 21:18:11 GMT -6
Do you have a voltmeter on your dash or on your electronics? If not get a cheap multimeter, you will need it. You should be getting around 14v when running if your charging system is working. Check all your connections.
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tcrab90
Sailor
Sea Pro 2002 SV2100 - - 140hp Suzuki
Posts: 35
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Post by tcrab90 on Aug 28, 2014 19:56:07 GMT -6
Yes, there is a voltmeter on my dash of center console. I will check it this weekend. If I am not getting around 14v when running the motor, does that possibly mean the alternator is bad?
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Post by freezerfiller on Aug 29, 2014 5:53:48 GMT -6
I wish I knew more about Suzuki, but if it has an alternator, it would be suspect. Then again, there could be a breaker or fuse in the charging circuit, or it might have an external regulator that is fried. You might bounce this off a Suzuki forum for more accurate info. But if you are getting 13.5 - 14+ volts, it's charging.
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tcrab90
Sailor
Sea Pro 2002 SV2100 - - 140hp Suzuki
Posts: 35
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Post by tcrab90 on Aug 29, 2014 22:17:36 GMT -6
Good point. I will find the Suzuki forum for more info. Thanks.
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Post by acdaddy0 on Aug 30, 2014 9:12:11 GMT -6
Do the four strokes have an alternator? Haven't worked on one. The ignition on an OMC is powered by the stator only, and not the battery. Stator also has a charging coil supplying power to regulator for trickle charging battery. Once started, the motor will run without a battery.
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Post by acdaddy0 on Aug 30, 2014 9:20:23 GMT -6
Yes, there is a voltmeter on my dash of center console. I will check it this weekend. If I am not getting around 14v when running the motor, does that possibly mean the alternator is bad? Turn key to on before starting motor, note voltage level and once started and running at speed the voltage should be higher (13.5 to 14.5 or so) if it stays the same as key on motor off, then it's not charging.
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