Charging Problem - 2004 VP 5.0 GL-A

[reka12]

Hello all: A long time since I last visited. All has been good. I have a 2004 Larson 210 LXi with a 5.0 GL-A engine. I just had a broken starter bolt fished out by a local shade tree mechanic who pulled the engine, replaced the gimbal bearing and other smaller issues. I got the boat back, it starts fine but now I notice the battery light flashing on the dash with an alarm. I measure 11.75 volts across the battery and according to shade tree, he measured the same voltage at the alternator; declared that the alternator must also be bad. I did not want to continue any more business with him and figured he must have put it back together wrong. So, where do I start?

I have limited electrical experience, but own a multimeter. I downloaded the electrical diagram for the 5.0 GL-A in full color but to be honest, not sure what to do next.

Thank you all!

Mike

 

[Don S]

Re: Charging Problem - 2004 VP 5.0 GL-A

If the wiring is all installed in the proper places per the wiring diagram, then take your alternator to your local starter/alternator/electric motor repair facility and have it checked out.

 

[reka12]

Re: Charging Problem - 2004 VP 5.0 GL-A

I went out this morning. There is a black, 10 ga wire that comes out of the wiring harness near the battery. The end of the connector is broke off and goes nowhere. It may have been attached to the ground.

So, I turned the key on and touched it to metal on the engine, no spark so I connect it to the battery ground.

Next, I go to start her up. She momentarily turns over but immediately stalls. Like the fuel pump is not working. Now, knowing she does not charge (but started and ran before?) and the fuel pump does not keep working when engine fires, does this give a clue as to what to look for?

 

[reka12]

Re: Charging Problem - 2004 VP 5.0 GL-A

I have attached images of the wiring to the bendix, the wiring to the alternator and a broken temp sensor (this is the quality of work that I got from this crook.)

 

[reka12]

Re: Charging Problem - 2004 VP 5.0 GL-A

Somewhat Progress: I think the kill switch was activated. I jiggled it and got the engine alarm. The boat started right up. With a little throttle (8-900 rpm) my multimeter reads 14.4V at the battery. When ramped to 1500 rpm, it reads 15.5v at the battery. So it seems to charge.

I also found that the stray ground wire when disconnected the fuel guage quits working. When connected, it reads correctly. So apparently this is a ground to there.

But, the alarm is still with intermittant beeps, say one per second, going off and the battery light is blinking on the dash. Zero voltage on the dash guage. What next?

Thanks!

 

[reka12]

Re: Charging Problem - 2004 VP 5.0 GL-A

Gremlins in the system.

Ok. I go back out to put everything away. Notice that my multimeter is still on and connected to the battery. It read 15.5V. Odd I say to myself. I then note the meter's internal battery light was on and changed the battery. For kicks and grins, put it back on the boat battery and started.

Before Starting: 12.2 V
Starting and Idleing: 12.56V
At 1000 rpm: 13.2V

These numbers seem more normal. Now for the gremlin part...The alarm is still beeping. However, the voltage guage on the dash is reading normal and the battery light is off! WTF?

Ok, I am at a real loss. Any kindness you can give to a fellow boater will be much appreciated!

 

[reka12]

Re: Charging Problem - 2004 VP 5.0 GL-A

Seems like I am talking to myself but...

I did some searching and reading. One guy posted that his riser temp sensor broke off and caused an alarm. Mine is broke off, could this be the cause? Anyway to trouble shoot it?

As to the charging issues, here is what I think happened.

1. Battery was low when I got it back. The alternator was probably working but was not measured correctly. Belt was very loose anyways.
2. Ground wire that was disconnected is needed for the fuel and voltage guage.
3. It was running when I connected the ground. The fuel gauge immediately responded. The voltage gauge did not.
4. When I restarted with grounding wire connected, voltage gauged worked. However, alarm continues beeping.
5. Notice that riser manifold temp sensor is broken off. Temp on gauge is in range however. Manifold is not hot to touch.

Could that be it?

 

[Don S]

Re: Charging Problem - 2004 VP 5.0 GL-A

In your first picture, that black wire DOES NOT hook to the solenoid like that. When the engine is cranking, you are creating a dead short by putting power from the battery directly through ground through the solenoid. Disconnect it.
If the alternator is not charging, then the electric fuel pump will not run when you let off the key.

EDIT: PS: That black wire may just have a black cover over the wire, look at it carefully. There is supposed to be a purple wire hooked to that terminal, and that may be a purple wire with a black cover over it.

 

[reka12]

Re: Charging Problem - 2004 VP 5.0 GL-A

Ok, started disconnecting sensors. When I got to the one just above the oil filter, bingo, alarm off. Now for the obvious. What is this sensor? Oil pressure (does not look like it) or oil temperature?

Oh, the wire to the solenoid is purple.

 

[Don S]

Re: Charging Problem - 2004 VP 5.0 GL-A

When I got to the one just above the oil filter, bingo, alarm off.

That IS the oil pressure switch. Not to be confused with the oil pressure sending unit for the gauge. They work completely different and do two different things.

Oh, the wire to the solenoid is purple.

Good, I kind of forgot about those black sleeves they put over wires to confuse people.

 

[reka12]

Re: Charging Problem - 2004 VP 5.0 GL-A

Don: Once more thank you for your help you give me and everyone else. Your advice and knowledge is invaluable. Part ordered. I did replace the sender last year. Can't wait to get back on the water.

 

[reka12]

Re: Charging Problem - 2004 VP 5.0 GL-A

Ok. I thought it was licked. Went out today. The volt meter would stay near zero reading when idleing, maybe getting past 10 v when above 1000 rpm. When slowing down, the voltage would drop so low the alarm would go off and the radio would die.

Every once in a while, after restart, the voltage would go up to 13V or so and stay there until another restart.

Could this be a battery? I put it on the charger to see if that would help. Thanks for your help.

 

[Don S]

Re: Charging Problem - 2004 VP 5.0 GL-A

Have your battery load tested. That will tell you for sure what shape it's in.