" Hi Ron,
That motor does h
" Hi Ron,
That motor does have its own alternator right? When you put your multimeter on the battery with engine running do you get a -12.3DC voltage reading? Some of the better DC Voltage meters can do that for you. The are not that expensive either. If so that means the regulator/rec. is not working. It doesn't mean its bad though. The engines power source to start is the battery, once its running the magneto takes over and generates the power source to keep it running. Before you buy or pay for anything pull the cowling off. You can see where the battery cables come in the the engine compartment. Follow the red + cable to the starter Check bolts for torque on these connections. Follow the large cables from there and do the same. (You really need a manual) If you have trouble with automotive or small engine repairs also, you have to learn now. Outboard, two cycles, four cycles,ect. I found out that if I could read I could fix engines. I have worked on cars in a garage when I was younger and before that even. The better manuals that have good pictorials especially for someone that is not familiar identifying motor parts can help. Trying to solve problems from information you receive online really can't help you much unless you can identify the regulator/rec., altenator, magento, you know, stuff like that in your engine compartment. The majority of problems with gasoline motors is electrical. If you take care of your motor preventative maintenance, like your car, good fresh gas, the right mfg. recommended oil, winterize, stableize change plugs, impellar (water pump) ect you will still have electrical problems from time to time just from the vibration of the motor and the pounding it gets on that rough water. Your problem may be something you can solve and most times is if you can see the parts in the manual for your motor, identify them when you pull off the cowling, follow and follow the trouble shooting guide in your manual. I get nothing for this but the plesure of passing this information on to others so they don't have to go to the marine service department. The parts are marked up from 100 to 200% so you are still getting overcharged but not paying for the labor. You can fine parts on line at a lot less if you shop and compare prices a little. With any vehicle I have ever owned I buy a shop manual first thing, your can get parts manual for your outboard too. It helps a lot with calling around if you know the part # and don't have to give the counter man all that info on your motor. It will help a good bit by not having to go back to the parts guy 88 times too. If a dummy like me can do this stuff anybody can. Do yourself a big favor bite the bullet, buy a manual for parts and service. You will make yourself crazy trying to solve the problem without it. Hope I helped.
Chuck "
