Battery Problem?

[Steve]

I added a stereo and I have had trouble keeping the battery charged. I bought a new battery and still having problems. If my motor is on the radios will work.I have looked for a short or power drain but can't seem to find it. I have a solar charger but it doesn't seem to keep the battery up. I recently let my engine run for over 1 hour and when I shut it off still no power?any suggestions? Thanks

 

[Richard Gottlieb]

Check your batteries

If your using "wet-cells" as I do, you need to periodically check the water levels in your batteries. The reason that the batteries are not charging *may* be due to the fact that there is no electrolyte left (i.e. distilled water-sulfuric acid solition). When you leave a battery charging constantly, there is a tendency towards evaporation or what is called "gassing". By pumping a continuous current into the battery, you are forcing a chemical reaction that can literally drain a battery dry.One other possibility is the solar panel wiring, unless there is a working diode that prevents the dissipation, on cloudy days, the solar panel can also "drain" the battery.

 

[Ron Mehringer]

Radio not really off

Just read a post on the Trailer Sailor Forum about how certain stereos don't shut off entirely. The writer said his Jensen draws 1/3-1/2 amp when "off." That's enough draw to be a problem. Might be worth looking into.

 

[Henry Scurlock]

radio presets...

1. If your radio has preset, that is it remembers what stations are assigned to 'quick tune' buttons, it will draw a small amount of power even when turned 'off'. 2. The solar panel may not be big enough to keep up with the drain.3. Most outboard altenators don't put out enough current to do much but 'top up' a battery after a daysail. Any serious recharge requires a heavier duty charger.

 

[Bryan C.]

Alternator charging?

Sounds like your batteries may be losing their oomph. Your radio runs off DC so should not matter whether engine is on -- unless batteries are dead (how do you start your engine?) Couple other things to check; is your alternator putting out charging current? Check with voltmeter or multimeter, should be getting at least 13.5 volts at battery terminals with engine running on a discharged battery. Also make sure your cables are clean, not corroded and tight.