Don’t forget the batteries.
Make sure to use the right size and type recommended in your owner’s or service manual
(see chart on next page for general specifications). If there’s any question about a battery’s
performance, have it load tested. Any auto parts store can do this for you, or you can do it
yourself with the right equipment.
Caution:
Make sure that there are no fuel fumes present when making, breaking, or checking battery connections
and condition. Give the area the “sniff test” to check for fumes. If in an enclosed area, run the blower or thoroughly
air out the space, or take the battery outside to test it. Please plan and protect accordingly.
All battery cable connections must be clean, tight and use hex nuts and lock washers (not old-
fashioned wing nuts). Loose connections can cause frustrating intermittent issues or a full-time
“no run” condition. A dirty or corroded connection can impede electricity’s ability to travel, and a
battery terminal connection may be corroded, yet appear clean. To avoid any doubt, always remove
the terminal connection and clean both sides of the connecting materials down to bare, shiny
metal, then re-install and tighten the connection properly. For regular maintenance, use Yamalube
®
Battery Terminal Cleaner & Protector. Simply spray it on and watch for the foam to change color,
indicating that the corrosion (acid) has been neutralized. Rinse with water and then it dries into a
thin, waxy film, preventing the build-up of additional corrosion.
Don’t forget the house batteries.
Most larger boats that have multiple electrical demands also have house batteries. House batteries
are additional batteries and are separate from the starting battery. They are used to ensure that a
boat with high electrical loads won’t drain the starting battery when in use and leave a boater
stranded. Many large Yamaha outboards (150hp and up) have a separate battery isolator/charging
leads specifically for charging these separate batteries. With proper wiring and components the
charging system will be able to charge the starting battery/batteries first to help keep the voltage up
and ready to go. Once fully charged, it will automatically “switch” the charge to the house battery/
batteries.
Check the electrical connections.
Corrosion often occurs where wires meet. Visually check
electrical blocks under the dash and/or in the bilge. Also,
check any connections on gauges or add-on electrical
equipment like battery switches, plotters, or fish-finders.
Wiggle wires and connections to check for looseness. If
either is found, disconnect and clean the connection with
emery cloth or fine-grit sand paper, then re-install and
tighten properly. Finally, spray all electrical connections
with a product like Yamashield,
™
which puts down an
anti-corrosive layer and leaves behind a protective film that
helps prevent corrosion going forward.
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