Lt1 keeps running

[Ajborel@msn.com]

Boat would not shut off replaced ignition switch next day work perfect. 2nd day battery was dead charged battery started boat same thing now not charging now I suspect short in alternator any ideas

[rand49er]

Are these two events unrelated and just coincidentally occurred so closely together?

I'd make sure the belt is in good shape and not slipping. Is there a way you can check the output of the alternator?

[Ajborel@msn.com]

Output for alt was 0 just 12 volts at the battery regulator was very hot

[Jerseydave]

With engine running, check your charging voltage across the battery with a multi-meter. Should read between 12.8-13.8 volts.

If you unhook your ground cable, take a amp meter from battery ground post to ground cable. You should have near 0 amps. If you are reading anything over 50 milliamps there, unplug the alternator and see if the amperage drops. If it does, your alternator is draining power internally. Replace it.

[Ajborel@msn.com]

Thx all ready checked charging voltage while running only getting 12.3 volts same as battery will unhook ground cable to get a reading

[Jerseydave]

I had to edit my last post, it's amps your are checking with the cable disconnected....not volts.

So far, sounds like your alternator is not charging. Always replace it with a marine grade alternator, not a common automotive one.

[JimN]

Originally Posted by Ajborel@msn.com

Thx all ready checked charging voltage while running only getting 12.3 volts same as battery will unhook ground cable to get a reading

Don't disconnect any cables while it's running.

If you have a digital multi-meter, set it to measure current, disconnect the battery cable and connect one lead to the cable and the other to the battery terminal. If the bridge rectifier is bad, you'll see about 300mA of current. If it's good, you'll see almost 0 mA.

[Ajborel@msn.com]

Pulled alternator took it to shop benched checked it under load all checked good reinstalled ran boat all working normal checked as many wires as I could and connections found nothing could this be a relay that is acting up

[JimN]

Originally Posted by Ajborel@msn.com

Pulled alternator took it to shop benched checked it under load all checked good reinstalled ran boat all working normal checked as many wires as I could and connections found nothing could this be a relay that is acting up

The only thing that would normally cause this is the ignition switch and it's the one thing that makes/breaks the connection from the battery to the purple wire. The safety/kill switch, ECM, alternator and neutral safety switches all get current from the ignition switch and if the switch is working normally, there's no way for any of these to receive current when it's turned to the OFF position.

[Ajborel@msn.com]

Skied this morning all worked normal something somewhere is causing power to the purple wire. Just doesn't happen when I have the test equipment available a little frustrating