At the end of last year I discovered my wet cell batteries were no longer wet. Over the winter I tried to resusitate them and was marginally successful with 2 of them; I replaced the 3rd. This spring I also noticed the charger (Lewco 20-amp) was boiling the electrolyte even on the lowest setting. After a 5 hour sail last Saturday using the stereo, normal instruments and the autopilot, the engine failed to start with the main battery bank containing the 2 questionable batteries. I jump started the engine with the one good battery (new this spring, part of my fail safe plan). After that I noticed the alternator was only putting out 12.5 - 12.7 v.
The questions I have are:
1) Does the Lewco charger need to be replaced? What is the best onboard charger for a reasonable price?
2) Would a couple of very low batteries cause an alternator output reading of 12.5 - 12.7 v or should the alternator always be in the high 13 to low 14v range regardless of battery condition?
3) What are the best options/sources for repairing or replacing the alternator if I need to go that route? I don't think I want to cough up the $$ to buy a Balmar.
Ther is no special equipment on the boat other than radar which is very rarely turned on and no refrig. Thanks!
The questions I have are:
1) Does the Lewco charger need to be replaced? What is the best onboard charger for a reasonable price?
2) Would a couple of very low batteries cause an alternator output reading of 12.5 - 12.7 v or should the alternator always be in the high 13 to low 14v range regardless of battery condition?
3) What are the best options/sources for repairing or replacing the alternator if I need to go that route? I don't think I want to cough up the $$ to buy a Balmar.
Ther is no special equipment on the boat other than radar which is very rarely turned on and no refrig. Thanks!