2004 250xs voltage problem

[todd250]

I have a 2004 250xs, and today while I was idling thru some shallow water I trimmed the motor up. While I was trimming up the motor I heard a beep. I switched my 997SI to the voltage menu and it read 13.7 volts while idling and as I started trimming the motor up the voltage dropped down to 11.2 volts and the beep came back. When I got home I disconnected all the connections on the battery and under the cowling and cleaned them. I then decided to check the tightness of the red wire on the alternator and accidently touched some other metal and threw a spark. ( I know I should have left the battery disconnected but got stupid) I cranked the motor up and now it is only reading 11 to 11.2 volts and the beep stays on. I checked the fuse holder with the 4 fuses in it (3 yellow and one brown) and none looked blown. Any help would be appreciated. By the way I have a almost new Optima battery with 1000 cranking amps.

[EuropeanAM]

Check the large red lead (at the alternator). It has a "fusable link" built into it... odds are pretty high that you "blew" the fusable link.

If the lead is disconnected at the starter solenoid and alternator, you can check it for continuity.

As an alternative, disconnect it from the alternator. Check the LEAD for battery voltage. None present- bad lead. Of course.... remember to disconnect the battery FIRST... and reconnect before testing voltage.

[todd250]

Don, do you think my alternator has gone bad also? I don't know why my voltage would drop so much while trimming the engine while the motor is running. Maybe the Optima battery is the problem (less than 5 months old). All fittings have been cleaned and are tight..

[EuropeanAM]

You could also check the alternator at the same time.... quite easily.

At the large output lead on the alternator- (RED)....

With the engine running, you should have 12.5V-14.7VDC. If the voltage is substantially higher (like 20-26VDC)... disconnect the large red cable and check it as described in the earlier post. There is a fusable link in the center of that red cable (it's sortof hidden)... and if it fails, you'll have no connection to the battery, resulting in very high voltage.

The possibility still remains that there is a problem in the alternator, of course... but check this first (it's one of the most common problems).

Battery issue is definitely a possibility. Have it load tested (in a fully charged state) to confirm it's capacity. If you can test it at 32 degrees F... it should have a capacity of 1000 CA or higher.

For information on some "get the job done right" batteries- see:
http://www.bbcboards.net...st-in

[todd250]

Don, the fuse is blown and nobody is open. That part would probaly have to be ordered anyway. Part #878231A6 for the fuse (kind of expensive for wire and fuse). I will try to locate one Monday and put it on. Also if the alternator is bad can it be rebuilt?

[EuropeanAM]

I've got the fusable link lead in stock- give me a call Monday am.

Alternator CAN be rebuilt (though I personally recommend replacing them rather than rebuilding).

Incidentally, most common causes of blowing this fuse link are:

1. Reverse polarity- battery cables or battery charger hooked up backwards.
2. Lightning: Self expanitory.
3. Alternator overload or overcurrent situation.

[todd250]

Don, I blew the fuse when I was checking to make sure the cable lead to the alternator was tight. I touched some metal with the ratchet and it sparked. I am running the Optima 34m battery with a 1000 cranking amps. Do you suppose I need the D31 with more cranking amps. I run a humminbird 997SI and a Lowrance 520 the whole time I am on the water. Those batteries are rather expensive, but better than being stranded. I was just trying to make sure the alternator was doing what it was suppose to do before I bought a new battery. Also like in my previous post while the motor is running my voltage reads 13.5 volts, which makes me feel like the alternator is charging. Thanks for all you responses Don. If I cannot find the fuse link local Monday I will give you a call.

[EuropeanAM]

More capacity is ALWAYS better, when it comes to batteries (until you reach a point that "floating the boat" comes into question, of course).

13.5VDC running would indicate that you indeed are charging, to some extent.

[ssimpala71]

todd250, just for you to consider,,, the guys who fish for the BassPro team, (some of them) are having this problem (as are others) that are running the graphs and pumps all day. Using the voltage on those pumps more than they are running the big engine and are having voltage issues. Some are adding a single battery for just the pumps and graphs ( I know, I know--more weight!). My point is, the battery may be fine just more than all your pulling on it can keep it charged. This in turn is hard on the alternator as well! Just fyi

[todd250]

I am glad to hear that. I am considering putting in a DieHard Marine Battery, Platinum PM-1 - Group Size 31M. This battery sounds like a really good battery and is listed in the list Don has out on batteries mercury recommends for this outboard. It weighs over 70 pounds, but if it works thats what I want. I am running a Bullet and a few pounds want hurt (I need to lose 20 pounds so that will balance out). Thanks for the info ssimpala71

[todd250]

Don, I finally installed the fuse wire assembly. I started the motor and checked the voltage across the battery and it was 14.47v. Is this to high or normal? I then trimmed the motor up and down while the motor was running and it would drop down to about 12.5v on my Humminbird screen (could not check across battery and tim I was by myself). The humminbird always read about 13.8v while the motor was running, but the voltmeter would read 14.47v across the battery. This may be normal but just seems kind of strange.

[EuropeanAM]

14.47 is indeed about normal voltage with engine running.

If you're seeing any substantial voltage drop with the trim operating (perhaps more than .75 volts), it would be wise to recheck your battery connections, and the connections at the engine end (ESPECIALLY the ground cable connection at the block).

[todd250]

Thanks Don, that sounds good. The voltage drop is still to much so I guess I will recheck all connections. I did check my trim fluid level this afternoon and it was too full. I drained it until it stopped coming out, hopefully that was causing it voltage drop from pressuring up while trimming.

[mikepags]

todd............I have been running two 520's and a 997 and almost every tourney day I get nervous towards the end if I have been running my livewells all day..........I had to go up to a hd interstate battery group 31 and it worked well for about 8-10 months and now is starting to get weak late in the day..........I am considering a honda generator next

[ssimpala71]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by mikepags &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">..........I am considering a honda generator next </TD></TR></TABLE>

[EuropeanAM]

You might want to take a look at this post:

http://www.bbcboards.net...st-in

Pretty much any one of the batteries listed will "outlast, outlive, outplay, and outdo" what you've been getting ready to replace....

[todd250]

I installed the DieHard Marine Battery, Platinum PM-1 - Group Size 31M on my boat a couple of weeks ago and I will tell you that it turns the motor over alot better than the Optima I took out. This battery is very heavy and if it will crank the motor after tournament fishing all day it is worth it. I was hesitant about spending $250 on a battery, but it has a 3 year free replacement warranty.

[mikepags]

my team partner is addi ng a 997si to his boat today and we are fishing out it this weekend in a tourney..........told him to bring the jumper cables just in case..........I am curious to see if we make it

[mikepags]

dont ask why there is little praying guy in the above reply....... sorry

[bloodman]

Hey Todd250. I was very seriously thinking of that battery also. Same as Odyssey and bullet proof from what I hear. Power to spare and then some from what I see, Can you let me know what you think about it so far. Thanks.