Need some serious help!!!!!!! 2002 Merc Opti 200

This topic has 7 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 15 years, 9 months ago by Quik13.

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August 17, 2010 at 1:03 am #403452

Quik13
Participant

Last time I posted the Mercury technician that looked at my boat said the smartcraft alarm was for low voltage caused by the alternator not charging. I replaced the alternator and all wires are connected properly and I am still getting voltage/battery on the guage and the audible tone. How can I test my alternator for output to make sure that it is good? What else could be my issue? Batteries were charged over night and showed full on a brand new Minn Kota three bank charger. Trying to determine my issue because I can not afford to keep throwing money away taking it to dealers that want $110/hr for labor and are not finding my issues. However, I do want to make sure the new alternator is not bad from the factory. What lead should I look for output on? Smartcraft guage showed 11.5 volts at its highest while running. Shut off the engine and it reads 12.0Any idea?

August 17, 2010 at 11:43 am #403455

thomasjw
Participant

you should have around 13 to 15 volts when running on the battery terminal. Sounds like the alternator is not working. Check the CB between the alternator output terminal and the battery terminal.If you can afford another $70 or so, get a mercury service manual, it has some pretty good trouble shooting and checkout procedures for the electrical system. Make sure the field is being energized when the ignition switch is on.Here is a link to a fair description of how the charging system works.good luckjwthttp://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=htt … CBwQ9QEwAQ

August 17, 2010 at 12:15 pm #403459

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

I had a similar issue and was able to use my Lowance to help determine I had a faulty battery, heres how. I use the kicker battery for my electronics so by monitoring the voltage (added the voltage reading to my main screen) I was able to see that it was getting a charge from the engine. When the engine was running I was getting over 14 volts (from 12.4v engine off). At WOT I was getting ~15v so with this I was able to determine the engine was sending amps to the battery but the battery was faulty. I replaced the battery and have been fine since. Hope this helps.

August 17, 2010 at 12:50 pm #403462

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

IF the Smartcraft showed less than the required voltage, then you have either a battery or regulator/alternator issue.

August 17, 2010 at 11:40 pm #403466

Quik13
Participant

It is showing 10.9 or less. I just installed a brand new alternator this past week. The alternator should be good. I also discount the battery theory because my motor drained all three of my batteries while trying to get back to the truck. Are there any inline fuses or a voltage regulator on a 2002 Optimax that could cause this issue?

August 18, 2010 at 12:13 pm #403468

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Check the fuseable link..Id guess its blown…Its a red wire from the alternator output and it has a in line fuse in it..You have to replace the wire if fuse is blown…

August 18, 2010 at 12:56 pm #403472

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

That is a common issue, though we would have hoped you noticed it during the replacement.

August 20, 2010 at 2:38 pm #403475

Quik13
Participant

Checked the wires for continuity and all have continuity. Checked the input voltage (energizing source) into the Alternator and saw 12.2 volts. With the Motor running I saw 12 volts or less coming from the alternator output lead. Could this mean that my new alternator is also a bad alternator? I am going to take my alternator to a local parts house and see if it can be bench tested. I am quickly running out of ideas.
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