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Thread: How many disconnect engine from battery when charging starter battery?

  1. 02-02-2012, 01:18 AM #1
    grumpy k
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    Default How many disconnect engine from battery when charging starter battery?


    I recently purchased a 2008 used boat, and while the dealer mechanic was installing a new starter battery I happened to ask if a person should disconnect the engine while charging the starter battery. He answered yes, although I thought he seemed to lack some convicition with the reply. Was wondering how many individual who have multi-bank chargers, with one bank dedicated to the engine battery, have some type of disconnect between the starter battery and the engine.

    I had one in my previous boat, but it was mainly to keep the grandkids from running the battery down while playing in boat, a favorite place for them to spend time. I didn't have an on board charger, and rarely charged that battery, but when doing so I did flip the disconnect.

    Thanks for your comments.
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  2. 02-02-2012, 06:17 AM #2
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    jimp
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    I have a cranking batt and TM batt hooked up to a OB charger, and don't disconnect either one when I charge the batts. The cranking batt doesn't normally need a charge in most cases after fishing, but it gets a charge anyways with no damage as they last several years.
    GO BIG ORANGE !

    I meant to behave, but there were just way too many other options available at the time.
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  3. 02-02-2012, 10:41 AM #3
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    Archerguy1
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    Disconnecting the cranking battery can lead to problems, first the wing nuts on all batteries should be removed , thrown away and replaced with a ny-lock nut or a nut with nylon inside the threads to keep them tight. Any time a cable gets loose, or corrodes and the charging system of the motor looses contact with a bttery it will kill the charging system, retifier/regulator first and then it works it's way to the stator. Cables don't get removed while charging and should be as tight as possible.
    Tom

    "The reason I play Golf.....there are no broke down boats on a Golf Course"
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  4. 02-02-2012, 10:45 AM #4
    blairarnold
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    I never have disconnected the battery, but I think most of the battery charger manuels say to.
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  5. 02-02-2012, 10:54 AM #5
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    Wannabe...
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    I never have, but it seems that with the new modern engines with the ECU monitoring system, that disconnecting them might cause problems. ??? Dunno, but some cars really don't like being disconnected.

    Agree on the stainless nylocks and I'll add that you should use some dielectric grease on the terminals as well to prevent corrossion and promote good and full contact.

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  6. 02-02-2012, 11:33 AM #6
    Bombfixer
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    I have an on-board charger for two trolling motor batteries and the Cranking Motor Battery. Everything stays wired together. I dont disconnect anything when I charge. Have been doing it this way for 5 years on this boat and many more years on other boats I have owned.
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  7. 02-02-2012, 11:52 AM #7
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    Dutch552
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    I did until I moved to a digital "smart" onboard charger that won't boil the batteries and ruin the regulator. Now they stay bolted on with stainless nuts year round on the charger 24/1 when I'm not fishing.
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  8. 02-02-2012, 07:29 PM #8
    Wildcatter
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    This is just my opinion, but isn't the purpose of having an onboard charger so that you would always have a charger attached to the batteries? I have had 2 boats with onboard chargers and I have never had to disconnect the cranking battery to charge it. I haven't had any battery failures either.
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