Battery switch

[mwagne30]

O.K. Crew We have two battery/ 1,2, both and off set up. this is the question, under power if we switch from one to another, as in both to 2 , or 1 to both the engine will die. It will re start but what is the issue? I asked at the local marina this weekend and was told by the desk jock that you should never do this and that it will kill the alt. and or cause other issues? but did know what? " but we could drop it off " thanks but, no thanks. So I come to the pro's. Thanks for the help.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Battery switch

While you explained the battery switch issue, you did not tell us what kind of boat (outboard or I/O). If the battery switch is an older style or one that does not "make" the new contact before it "breaks" the old contact and this switch is installed in a boat with an I/O power plant, you essentially are turning off the power to the motor when making the switch. If this switch is in a boat with an outboard, it should not kill the motor unless it is a four stroke. Older motors can run without a battery. Newer switches are make before break (generally) and will not cause that problem. HOWEVER -- if you do have a non-make before break switch you should NEVER switch it on either type of power plant as running an engine without the alternator connected to the battery can pop the regualtor/rectifier or alternator.

 

[mwagne30]

Re: Battery switch

Sorry about that, we have a 96 Volvo penta mated to an 5.0 fl and the boat is a four winn 19" horizon . We must have the older switch, when we switch over she fell on her face started back up,but still fell on her face. I pulled the alt. last night and had it tested and found out that it was cooked. We will have it rebuilt this week and will also be replacing the switch to the newer style asap. So if anyone has found one better then the next please let me know. I have to say, Thanks for the help

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Battery switch

The clue that your alternator was not working would be that the voltmeter at the helm would be reading less than 12.6 volts. If its reading 13.5 volts or higher at anything above idle, the battery is charging.

 

[mwagne30]

Re: Battery switch

Yes,I could have watched the dash, But I was not on the boat, water and I don't mix! I own the boat, and my neighbor and son are the fishing team, so everything I get, is after the fact. It is much more easy for me to trouble shoot,adjust and repair in the driveway instead of going out on the water and chuming for fish. It's that bad! I should of stated that at my first post,"I have in the past" so you folk's knew you were dealing with a land lover. Now that the cat is out of the bag, please don't ban me from the site! from the day I was turned on to it, I have looked at it it almost everyday, and post more then I would like to admit. but you folk's have been on the mark 100% and have cut the cost of "owning" the boat in half!! thank all of you. Being a full time Dad and keeping this "Semi-Pro" fishing team on the water is a handfull,But watching this 14 year old kid and 70 plus old man back into the drive almost everyday with a cooler full of fish is well....priceless. Well crew I have a new Alt. to put back in the boat, so keep up the good work!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Battery switch

How do I go about adopting you. I'll fish and you can take care of my boat. What's not to like?

 

[mwagne30]

Re: Battery switch

Listen, if you can keep me out of trouble with your advise, you earned a spot on our boat! These two lip rippers are on the water Monday to Friday! So if your in or near south east Michigan, bring your pole and hold on.

 

[mwagne30]

Re: Battery switch

News Flash ! all is well and the fish don't stand a chance! We have been running the boat on A or B and not both and never change when under power with great results! As always, I find time to review other post and I have to ask this, Do you have to come to the Neg. on both battery with the lead or can you ground each? Both of mine go to ground after inspection yesterday and I was thinking that it might have been part of the issue? so to be clear let me say this, battery A Pos. to switch A neg to ground / Battery B Pos to switch B Neg. to ground. If I need to have a jumper I will put one across, but after looking at other postings, I know that mine is not wired that way. Thanks for the input and I would like to add, we are running 11.5 at idle and 14.5 with just a bump on the throttle, checked it at the Helm with meter and found the dash off by a hair. and only spent $65.00 to have it rebuilt! so to the others, look for a good rebuild shop- spend the time not the money!