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What Battery?

we were always told to run 1000cca batteries for optimax engines and efi sterndrives. supposedly they need a full 12volts just to engergize the fuel system/ecu. without that they don't start. we always used a local auto parts store battery - they worked awesome and we might get one or two duds a year on 200 batteries sold. generally they lasted 4-5 years before failing. they were a private label battery made by crown (if memory serves).
 
boatman4021 said:
Just got a heck of a deal, Optima 34m for $150 at local auto parts store. They are more than that on ebay!
Click to expand...


Awesome!!! Now I need to correct something I mentioned to you about where to find the info on the parasitic draw associated with the smartcraft system. In the Livorsi Vantage View instructions on page 6 under the Display section in fine print. "If a 24/7 battery connection is provided, the battery may discharge after an extended time in storage or when the boat/vehicle is not running". Just unplug that fuse at the battery for the smartcraft and your battery wont have any issues.
 
Well, new battery is installed. This motor has always been kinda hard to start, it always cranked over for a few seconds before it would even hit. With the new battery, big difference! Hadn't been started sense sunday, hit the key, didn't turn over twice and it started. So I have learned something, when it calls for 1000amps minimum, 575 just won't do. Will pull the alternator tomorrow evening and have it tested just to be safe. Thanks for all the helpful tips guys!
 
lol.
I'm guessing alt. is good. Those motors are funny about the juice they need. You were basically giving it half it needed. Good thing it couldn't divorce you!:rof:

Glad you got it right. Now just pull that fuse or put on a disconnect switch and you should be good. A single battery tender is also a cheap peice of mind especially when it gets cold out.
 
Chris E said:
we were always told to run 1000cca batteries for optimax engines and efi sterndrives. supposedly they need a full 12volts just to engergize the fuel system/ecu. without that they don't start. we always used a local auto parts store battery - they worked awesome and we might get one or two duds a year on 200 batteries sold. generally they lasted 4-5 years before failing. they were a private label battery made by crown (if memory serves).
Click to expand...

I remember in '91, when I first received boat from Checkmate with a 200 XRI on it, they had a low cranking battery installed. Engine wouldn't idle or run for squat in general. No one was too familiar in those days with the fuel injected/ECU stuff except a few hi-perf guys around who were familiar running 2.5 EFI race motors.

Switched to 1000cca battery on their advice, idled and ran overall just like it should.
 
BagMan said:
I remember in '91, when I first received boat from Checkmate with a 200 XRI on it, they had a low cranking battery installed. Engine wouldn't idle or run for squat in general. No one was too familiar in those days with the fuel injected/ECU stuff except a few hi-perf guys around who were familiar running 2.5 EFI race motors.

Switched to 1000cca battery on their advice, idled and ran overall just like it should.
Click to expand...

what merc told us was that the ecu would power up before the starter would engage, and if a weaker battery was used, it wouldn't leave enough juice to crank the starter motor.
 
I have always had good luck with the Sears DieHards.
Also the Academy stores here in the south have some pretty good 1000cca batterys and they seem to last quite a while. I am anal about batterys and replace mine every other season just because I dont like to take a chance of being stranded because of a battery and ruining my day and someone elses by having to get towed in. $100 bucks is cheap insurance every other year. Glad you got your all fixed up!:thumb:
 
When I had battery trouble the first time, I went and purchased a 1000 amp jump start pack. I will not spend another day on the water with my family in the boat without it fully charged and ready. I f I am by my self trying to make speed runs, the jump starter and the anchor stay in the truck. That is around 40lbs!
 
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