Battery draw down

[phatdaddy]

I need some help from the gurus on the board. 150 merc(94) when the boat sits for a couple of days, the battery is drained. I am sure it is in the outboard & not the electronics or cabin. i can isolate them. My question is what would be drawing down that much on the motor that would not be obvious( starter, trim, key switch, etc.) If you guys can shed some light, i'll be grateful.

[charlie_the_tuna]

uuuuhhhhh. . . . . . . . .







battery switch.

[Airslot]

Clean the top of your battery and all connections. Dirt on the battery top can cause what you describe.

[msbhammer]

I was surprised yesyurday when replacing my cables. After a season of beating around in the bay, my terminals were found to be loose. :-/

[Airslot]

Locknuts my man, locknuts ;D

[msbhammer]

I agree with ya AIR, Boat buddy said the same thing. Get rid of the wing nuts !!

[Airslot]

Wingnuts have no place on a boat. ;)

[phatdaddy]

I will take a look at the connectors. I notice when i connect the + cable to the battery, there is spark. i know a small arc is normal, but this seems a little excessive. would this indicate a bad ground somewhere on the motor. I hate electrical problems. thanks

[spareparts]

disconnect the negative cable, put a test light in series between the negative cable and the negative terminal, if you have a drain, the light will come on, disconnect stuff till the light goes off, there's your drain, take a look at the rectifyer/ regulator,. Leave the battery disconnected and see if it still goes down, might be time for a new one

[phatdaddy]

good ideas, I'll put the light on it tomorrow. I only have one battery and no switch, so that is not a prob. i only have 4 wires going to the bat. electronics, cabin/dash, bilge pump, & motor. I'll check each one individually & go from there.