Electrical Anomaly

[four winns 214]

Boat: 1984 Sea Ray SRV 210CC
Engine: MCM 228R

The voltage delivered to the cockpit instruments varies with engine speed. At times it drops to less than 12 volts. It is not a linear variation. Increasing engine speed sometimes causes a drop in voltage. I don't believe it is a voltmeter indicating problem because I've checked it with a digital voltmeter.

Here's the confusing part. The battery stays fully charged because a rock steady 14.5 volts is delivered to the battery, again as checked and verified on multiple occasions with a digital voltmeter.

Any ideas what's causing this? Could it somehow be related to the Thunderbolt ignition?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Electrical Anomaly

a rock steady 14.5 volts is delivered to the battery

Ayuh,..

It could be the Alternator/ regulator,... It should be 13.6V running...

It's got Nothing to do with the Igntion....

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Electrical Anomaly

Ground good at the block off the neg cable?? Take it off clean the block and the end with sandpaper shiny clean.

The connections all clean, starter so forth?

You got 2 main fuses?? The connection good for the fuses both sides sometimes they get green. Disconnect the battery before you mess with the fuses. And the starter connections.

Just a few things to check ??

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Electrical Anomaly

Alternator/battery/starter wiring is totally separated from the main wiring harness leading to the forward control panel.

The first place to look in this case is the main canon plug connecting the wiring harness to the engine. Initial inspection for any green corrosion on the terminals, both ends, not just the terminal to terminal end but the wire to terminal connection. ANY green must be dealt with. Individual terminals can be un-latched and removed from the connector for cleaning and/or replacement.

Very carefully, using an exacto-knife, barely open the 'slit' on the male terminals to ensure positive contact with the female connectors.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Electrical Anomaly

I agree with CharlieB - the big plug is the first place I would check for corrosion, loose connection, etc.

 

[Don S]

Re: Electrical Anomaly

I would start checking with your DVM at the helm. What readings do you get from the B+ connection on the ignition switch. If it's getting the variable readings, then it between the engine and helm. If good at the B+ on the ignition switch, then something from the switch to the gauge. Maybe even the gauge itself. Test the + and - terminals on the gauge

 

[four winns 214]

Re: Electrical Anomaly

Thanks guys. I'll try all of the above when the boat's back in the water.

 

[Don S]

Re: Electrical Anomaly

Doesn't have to be in the water, same should happen on muffs in your driveway, closer to tools.