25hp Electric charging battery?

[83walleye]

89 Johnson 25hp electric start motor - how can I tell if it is charging the battery while running? Should there be a regulater or alternater or something I can see to tell if charging?

If I'm not careful, I'll have a week of Mondays...

[Valv]

Measure the voltage at the battery cables, it should be around 13volts/14volts.

If you have a charger (called rectifier) you won't be able to "see" if it's charging, it's an electronic device, usually a square 2.5" x 2.5" x 1" thick part on middle top side of motor, but older models might be different.

[83walleye]

Looks like my output is less than that. This being the case, what's involved in installing the "rectifier", if that's what we're talking about?

[BobT]

This is what I've heard.

If you're looking for something to maintain your battery charge, you may be disappointed.

Most marine mechanics I have talked to indicate that the old rectifier type system are not very good. Just to recharge your battery after startup requires full throttle running for a rather extended time because the output current is so low.

They say it's best just to have a good battery.

Bob