19
Systems
POSSIBLE PROBLEMS/SOLUTIONS
1. Weak battery- This battery problem can
be caused by low electrolyte cell levels.
Warm engine compartment temperatures
will deteriorate a battery’s life quicker by
evaporating the water from the electrolyte,
thus corroding and weakening the positive grids inside the
battery.
With the house battery low electrolyte levels can be
monitored by periodic inspection and fi lling as needed
with distilled water. Boaters in higher climate areas with
longer stretches of hot weather will need to check their
batteries more often.
If installed “maintenance free” engine cranking batteries
require no water. They do feature a different chemistry
that does consume less water. Inside the cells as gases are
released condensation is formed which aids in maintaining
the cell electrolyte level. These batteries incorporate a
deeper layer of electrolyte over the plates, but eventually
it can run dry.
2. Dead Battery- Either the battery will not accept
a charge, hold a charge or the charging system is not
supplying a charging current through the battery charging
system and/or engine alternators.
The battery charger output can be checked by monitoring
the lights on the charger front face.
To begin with check the battery post connections for
tightness and corrosion.
With the engines running the displayed voltage of the port
or starboard engine battery and house battery should be
between 12.5 up to 14.6 volts. If less than 12 volts check
for voltage across the battery terminals.
Batteries should be removed from the vessel if necessary
and trickle charged. If readings after charging are still low
replace the battery.
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