View Full Version : Bad Battery or Connections?
I need help figuring out a problem I have with my motor. Nine times out of 10 it will start without a problem. Every now and then when I turn the key I get nothing. It won't turn over at all. I will turn the key over a few times and wait a few minutes and then all of a sudden it will turn over and start. It will then start no problem for the next 10 times and again I'll have a problem. Today for the first time I had problems getting the trim to work. It seemed like it was going REAL slow so I revved the engine a little (thinking this might charge the battery) and then the trim worked fine. The starting battery is 2 years old and had 12 volts according to the gauge. Is the battery shot and not giving enough amps? Do I have bad connections? I have checked the wiring and it seems OK. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Phil T.
04-13-2002, 08:03 PM
Take the battery to a good service station (not one with a convenience store) and have the battery load tested.
Airwave(OH)
04-14-2002, 07:57 AM
Any marina should have a LOAD TESTER. This will tell you if the battery is any good. Then make sure your connections are CLEAN & Tight.
I would check the ground connections from the battery, and all the ground connections on the outboard motor.
Phil T.
04-14-2002, 03:42 PM
Advice found in another website from a saltwater dealer's shop foreman, said to throw away those wingnuts on the battery posts. Clean the cable ends and battery posts with baking soda and a stiff brush (goggles to protect your eyes), apply some dielectric grease to the connectors, then use stainless steel nuts on the posts. Thighten with a boxend wrench, not a plier.
Okay, saltwater presents corrosion problems we freshwater anglers don't ever see, but his advice should prevent a lot of our self-inflicted troubles as well.