voltage drop while running?

[SNUFFY]

I have a new 225 ProXS and a new in february Interstate 27 xhd Battery 800ca and 1000Mca.
I have noticed a couple of times while running that the Low 334c I have will turn itself off. I haven`t seen any other power related issues. Motor runs fine .
I just checked my MercMonitor and the start -up screen says battery Ok........I went to another screen and it shows 12.3 volts. It has been 1 week since I last ran the engine . Are these numbers about right. I haven`t charged the Battery with any outside charger since I bought the new engine.
Just curious why the DF would shut off .....not sure if it`s doing when I crank the engine or later....I didn`t notice it until I was up and running?
I have been thinking about moving everything except the engine and trim connection to the trolling Batts.....nite fishing uses a lot of juice !!
Any ideas why it shuts off DF???

[Sterling]

I have the same set up 225 PROXS and the Interstate battery. My boat was about 6 month's old when it did it to me. Turned out to be a bad battery. Dealer replaced it and I have been good so far.

[jbh3]

Your going to be in the market for a cranking battery, bro. Must also charge between trips. Check the battery thread pinned up top here. I've had good luck with Dual Pro/Northstar AGM's. Unfortunately they are no longer available. The Cabela AGM's have identical spec's. Have also heard good reviews on the Die Hard Platinum AGM. Get the group 27's at a minimum. The 30-31's will provide additional peace of mind since you tournament types run your pumps and electronics more than I do. As if you haven't spent enough $$ on that baby lately!!

[Gamblinman]

For long life, batteries MUST be fully charged immediately after returning from fishing. I leave my charger plugged in all the time while not on the water. I have the original Delco Voyager trolling motor batteries in my 2K Gambler, and they're still going. I replaced the cranking battery two years ago.

I just spent a week fishing day and night, charging only between trips, without a hint of weakness.

Take care of your batteries by keeping them full with mineral free water and keeping them charged, and they'll take care of you.

[EuropeanAM]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jbh3 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Your going to be in the market for a cranking battery, bro. Must also charge between trips. Check the battery thread pinned up top here. I've had good luck with Dual Pro/Northstar AGM's. Unfortunately they are no longer available. The Cabela AGM's have identical spec's. Have also heard good reviews on the Die Hard Platinum AGM. Get the group 27's at a minimum. The 30-31's will provide additional peace of mind since you tournament types run your pumps and electronics more than I do. As if you haven't spent enough $$ on that baby lately!!</TD></TR></TABLE>

+1

Drop the wet cell Interstate and move to an AGM with PLENTY of reserve capacity. One of the best investments you can make!

[SNUFFY]

I don`t mind spending on AGM BATT if necessary. If the Interstate is in good condition and it has the recommended numbers....???Does the engine not put out something like 60 amps ???
What voltage should it show after a week since it was run. Thats a whole lot more than my charger puts out ?
It is my understanding a engine alternator should keep the battery charged to full most of the time. It seems to have plenty of juice after sitting for week.
What should it read on the Monitor while the engine is running???? And after sitting for a week????
I understand this a different kind of engine but I would think you shouldn`t have to charge a good cranking battery between weekends . I`m hearing what all of you are saying though . Heck John...its` just another 150$ ....ain`t nuthin` for us high rollin bassers !!!!

[EuropeanAM]

After sitting for a week: 12.2-12.7 VDC

While running (after 5 minutes or so): 13.1-14.6 VDC (approximately).

The issue with your particular battery only comes into play after you've placed a DRAIN on the battery.... without the engine "running". Remember.... the alternator only produces a charge when the engine is running, and we all know you don't fish all day with the engine running.

Again, it's primarily due to the fact that your boat was outfitted with the "absolute bare minimum capacity" battery.... it DOES NOT have anything left for "reserve capacity" (ANY drain on the battery drops it below minimum spec).

This is just one of those places where the old saying "more is better" comes into play.

[SNUFFY]

actually I`m the one that bought the battery....when I was still using the old Johnson 225....uprgrading to a 27 from a 24 series.
I guess i`ll start shopping for a agm
Thanks again Don!!

[StratosDadRI]

Wingnuts on the battery connection???? If so replace with polylock nuts. You also could be dropping voltage due to the trim. Next time take a look at the voltage and hit the trim up some watch the voltage drop.

[JAZII]

I have a 2005 Gambler that uses a 24 group size battery for the cranker. I swapped motors, went from a Merc 225 EFI to a Merc 225 Pro XS. I tried an Interstate battery that was rated for the specs of the Pro XS and had problems. I then bought an Optima that worked for awhile, then it would work most of the day then just not crank the Pro XS. I had it load tested and it passed, returned that battery and got my money back.

I'm now using an AC Delco group 24 Heavy Duty Marine Cranking battery with NO PROBLEMS at all. $86.00 at any GM dealer any day, every day. Just as a side note, I also run a Stealth on board charging system with no problems.

JAZII

[SNUFFY]

well the batt saga continues....No the boat`s works fine.....like I said new 5 months ago 105$ interstate 27m xhd 800 ca 1000mca 180 rc

Truck batt decides to take a crap 35 miles from the house.....wind up having to get a 900CA Maxx at wallyworld at 10PM sunday nite...only batt that had right post arrangment ..81$.. Got a new batt in a car at home that I don`t drive anymore!!

Next time out in truck I`m watching the alternator needle go down while driving down one of the worst 4 lane hiways in downtown Knoxville (Chapman Hiway) during lunch hour during a cloudburst thunderstorm. Rivers of water splashing up on windshield....windows fogged up, windshield wiper takes about 30 seconds to make a swipe. Finally get to the closest Ford dealer ( my regular dealer is 30 miles away) before it dies ....new alternator...$535......110$ more than my regular dealer said he would charge.

The only boat batt I can find around here that meets the specs prescribed above is a Sears for 249$

I shoulda bought some Battery stock !!

[jbh3]

"Heck John...its` just another 150$ ....ain`t nuthin` for us high rollin bassers !!!!"

I thought that $150 number was a l-i-t-t-l-e bit optimistic for an AGM batt, there big guy. Didn't want to be the bearer of any more bad news!!

Sorry about the truck issues. It's ALWAYS something........

[SNUFFY]

yeah when it rains it pours

[JAZII]

Goto any GM dealer and get a 24 group size AC Delco Heavy Duty Marine Cranking battery. $86.00 and they will have it in one day.

My last set of AC Delcos lasted six years.

JAZII