Engine issue...

[bossross]

Put new batteries on the boat this spring. Had a mechanic install them.

Three weeks ago, I got down to the slip and starboard engine wouldn't start. Turned the battery switch to All and still the voltage only read 11. Jumped the battery from the port side battery (with jumper cables) and it started. Ran the boat, seem to hold the charge. Ran three weeks fine.

This Sunday I was out trolling (engine started no problem) (the engines had been on for over 3 hours) had to turn them off to check to see if we had wrapped a line around one of the props. (Luckily we had not) When I tried to start em again, Starboard engine would not start. Voltage said 10 amps.

Again tried to switch to all, no dice. Ran the Port side (heading in on one engine) and after 10 mins the starboard side read 13.5 volts. I was able to get her started. Got in the slip with both engines. Shut them down, let it sit for a while and started them right up again.

Went down today to check things out in advance of a trip tomorrow and Saturday and the Starboard engine won't start again. Amps read 11.5-12.0 I was able to get the engines in the water.

I plugged in shore power and after a little while the amps came up to 13.5, still it wouldn't start. Now the engine won't lift up out of the water. She moves a little, but then goes dead. The amps drop down below 10 almost immediately when I try.

I am concluding that it is a bad battery and/or the batteries were installed incorrectly. I am not the most mechanical person, but it doesn't seem to be an engine issue (I don't think the hydraulics have anything to do with the engine turning over, do they? )

If anyone has a good mechanic that is in the Brielle area that is available to come take a look, I'd appreciate a name.

Thanks
Ross

[bossross]

I just saw Maritime Matts post from April. I am going to recheck all the connectors.

I guess I should have checked the posts before making this long winded one.

The info on this site is unbelievably terrific!

Ross

[Maritime Matt]

Boss.
Take this info to heart. Its how I do every battery install. Bad/loose and/or dirty/corroded connections are 99% of all electrical issues. I see it literally everyday. Simplest approach first. Also buy a volt meter and keep it on the boat. A cheap one from Sears is the one I use most, even over my Snap-On and Blue Seas units.
E-mail or call if you need.
Capt.Matt

[bossross]

Capt Matt,

I removed all the battery terminal connectors and cleaned them with a wire brush as you suggest. The problem still did not resolve.

We put a volt meter on all the batteries and they read 12.5

We then checked the hot and ground connectors at the engines and lo and behold we had a loose ground wire. Tightened that up and she's good to go.

I will take your advise, you're obviously correct.

Thanks,
Ross

[IrishAyes]

Matt's the MAN. 

[Hotrod]

 

[Tacklebox Joe]

glad to hear you're good to go ross!!!

[Hunter 2]

Ahh, The ground wire gremlin strikes again.

[Maritime Matt]

Well I'm real glad that a simple fix did it.
Keep them connections coated too. I like Corrosion X. Great stuff. The Heavy Duty version is great as well.

[jtc4278]

12.5 VOLTS IS NOT CORRECT. ANY 12 VOLT BATTERY SHOULD PRODUCE 13.8 VOLTS. YOUR ALTERNATOR MAKES 13.8 VOLTS WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING. IF YOUR BATTERY IS AT 12.5 VOLTS IT IS PROBOBLY GOING BAD. BEST IDEA WOULD BE TO LOAD TEST THE BATTERY. ANY MARINA OR GARAGE CAN DO IT FOR YOU.

[L.T.]

That ground wire will leave you grounded in  port at times

[wb]

old post, but wanted to correct some bad info

12.5 VOLTS IS NOT CORRECT. ANY 12 VOLT BATTERY SHOULD PRODUCE 13.8 VOLTS. YOUR ALTERNATOR MAKES 13.8 VOLTS WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING. IF YOUR BATTERY IS AT 12.5 VOLTS IT IS PROBOBLY GOING BAD. BEST IDEA WOULD BE TO LOAD TEST THE BATTERY. ANY MARINA OR GARAGE CAN DO IT FOR YOU.

a fully charged lead acid battery should be between 12.5 and 12.6V at the battery terminals. So 12.5 is correct. AGM batteries a couple tenths of a volt more  like 12.8-12.9.

It is not valid to test a battery by checking voltage across it when the motor is running. What you are checking then is the charging voltage of the magneto or alternator as it is charging the battery.