Trimming and cranking draw too much current

[Damn Yankee]

Anyone have any idea why my volt meter dips to zero every time I crank the motor or trim, even at WOT. A short in the system perhaps? Also, I get a low volt alarm on the GPS periodically unless I have both battery switches on the ALL position. Any ideas???

BTW, this site rocks and the advice it incredibly helpful!!!!

 

[kwinnc]

Re: Trimming and cranking draw too much current

Anyone have any idea why my volt meter dips to zero every time I crank the motor or trim, even at WOT. A short in the system perhaps? Also, I get a low volt alarm on the GPS periodically unless I have both battery switches on the ALL position. Any ideas???

BTW, this site rocks and the advice it incredibly helpful!!!!

I would check one of the following:

Loose or dirty battery connection <-----most likely
Bad battery cell
Bad ground connection

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Trimming and cranking draw too much current

totally agree

 

[Damn Yankee]

Re: Trimming and cranking draw too much current

Will do guys...thanks for the quick reply. As a new guy to the site, I'm amazed at the helpful advice everyone is willing to share, and free advice at that. I only hope I can return the favor sometime!

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Trimming and cranking draw too much current

Yankee, As a point of reference, i found that my battery cable had rotted out, down to one or two strands, fairly high up on the cable, under the insulation and the gunwale. Took a bit to find that issue. Motor cranked real slow.

 

[Damn Yankee]

Re: Trimming and cranking draw too much current

Great advice. I plan on doing a resistance test on all the battery cables this weekend which should narrow it down a bit. You guys are huge time savers with your shared expertice! I'm getting ready for a possible deployment to the Middle East so I've got to enjoy the summer while I'm still here...you guys are helping me make that happen and I appreciate it very much!! Scott

 

[Don S]

Re: Trimming and cranking draw too much current

Resistance tests may not find it. If a cable is rotted all thru except for one strand, the ohm meter will show 0 ohms. Put the cable will not allow the amperage.
One hint as to the problem location is heat. Crank the engine for a few seconds and feel the cable ends and cables. If it's hot, you have found your problem.

 

[croSSed]

Re: Trimming and cranking draw too much current

Another thing to check would be your rectifier. I had one go bad and the battery went completely dead. Engine ran great, but no electronics did; no trim, no starter, no tach reading, etc.

TG

 

[Damn Yankee]

Re: Trimming and cranking draw too much current

I considered the rectifyer as well (just replaced one on the #1 engine). Is there a test that can be run with a volt meter?