Dual motors.. one charging at 12 other at 16?

[DarrenC]

Good day everyone, today I took my sea ray sundancer 2002 310 out for a cruise for first time this year. On way back I noticed the charging gauges were not as usual. One was charging low at 12 the other all the way at 16. Normally they both charge at 14. They were however both charging at 14 when I left. Any idea how to check this. I know it’s something common I just don’t know how to check to see if the charging system is working properly before I buy a new battery. Thank you in advance.

 

[blaster]

If the voltage is high I wold look elsewhere rather than the battery. Do you have a multimeter? Confirm the voltage reading first, gauges go bad. Or voltage regulators go bad, or there is some other issue in the wiring possibly a frayed wire or resistance from corrosion. Go through it and check the voltage then report back so it is easier to diagnose.

electrical issues can be difficult to figure out if you don’t do it logically.

how are the batteries isolated?

 

[DarrenC]

If the voltage is high I wold look elsewhere rather than the battery. Do you have a multimeter? Confirm the voltage reading first, gauges go bad. Or voltage regulators go bad, or there is some other issue in the wiring possibly a frayed wire or resistance from corrosion. Go through it and check the voltage then report back so it is easier to diagnose.

electrical issues can be difficult to figure out if you don’t do it logically.

how are the batteries isolated?

 

[DarrenC]

The batteries are along side the starboard motor if that is what you are asking. I’m going to start at the terminals tomorrow making sure they are clean. Then I will check batteries with and without load.

 

[blaster]

Sounds like a good start. Often it’s something simple such as loose or corroded terminals. Definitely make sure the batteries are connected tightly and the connections are clean

By asking about how they are isolated, I mean, how are the batteries separated? One for engine one for house? Do you charge one at a time or both with a 1/2/both switch?

how many batteries do you have?

 

[DarrenC]

Sounds like a good start. Often it’s something simple such as loose or corroded terminals. Definitely make sure the batteries are connected tightly and the connections are clean

By asking about how they are isolated, I mean, how are the batteries separated? One for engine one for house? Do you charge one at a time or both with a 1/2/both switch?

how many batteries do you have?

 

[DarrenC]

I have 3 batteries 1 for each motor and 1 house battery. I have the boat on shore power with the charging on. I leave it charging when not using.. I’m now wondering if I shouldn’t charge them constantly.