Thread: Lithiumn battery for starter

I would err on the side of the engine mfr. Mfr’s look for any reason to make warranty coverage difficult for the consumer. I wouldn’t give Zuni an excuse to deny coverage.

I am keeping my wet cell for my Mercury for just this reason. Out of warranty I might think differently. JMHO

Not reccomended by the battery manufacturer or the engine manufacturer ? Is it because the alternator on the four stroke outboard is not designed to charge a lithium battery ?

Originally Posted by "G"

Not reccomended by the battery manufacturer or the engine manufacturer ? Is it because the alternator on the four stroke outboard is not designed to charge a lithium battery ?

I could see a problem with a lithium's bms shutting down the battery when alternator fully charges battery to it's cut off voltage. This essentially disconnects battery from the motor. A lot of motors need the battery to run, even if that battery is fully charged. That interrupt may cause running issue. You can also read online that lithium starting batteries can be hard on alternators. It seems people are running lithium starting batteries with out issues, so more time will tell.

The BMS on a lithium battery will shut off at 15 volts. Should your motor put out more than 15 volts, the battery shuts down and can screw up the charging system on the motor. That being said, there are hundreds , if not thousands, using lithium for cranking without any problems.

Well Buckeye beat me to it....

Originally Posted by "G"

Not reccomended by the battery manufacturer or the engine manufacturer ? Is it because the alternator on the four stroke outboard is not designed to charge a lithium battery ?

I'm wondering if it's that or that the Lithium battery has a higher voltage output ??

Originally Posted by CrappiePappy

I'm wondering if it's that or that the Lithium battery has a higher voltage output ??

Mine have never gone over 13.4 volts output.

Dakota makes a lithium for starting, might touch base with them. Don

Originally Posted by Doninva

Dakota makes a lithium for starting, might touch base with them. Don

They're not the only ones. Several came up when I searched "lithium starter battery". That's why I was concerned about the slightly higher output maybe not playing nice with outboard electronics, and that may be why the outboard mfgr. doesn't recommend using them.