I have an 1987 Catalina 30 mk2 and have been fixing the electrical deficiencies associated with the ammeter and trailer connectors in the harness. The boat has not experienced any obvious problems but I want to be safe and proactive.
First of all I changed the ammeter to a voltmeter and disconnected the Orange #10 wire the ran from the alternator through the harness to the cockpit console ammeter. Next I jumped the out put from the alternator to the starter solenoid based upon some input from the previous owner and information he left with the boat. Everything seems fine with operation of the boat including charging, however, today I noticed that the back of my alternator was getting very warm. I tested it with a clamp ammeter and detected 4 amps flowing between the solenoid and alternator when the engine is off. I’ve disconnected this jumper until I can figure out what is going on. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.
First of all I changed the ammeter to a voltmeter and disconnected the Orange #10 wire the ran from the alternator through the harness to the cockpit console ammeter. Next I jumped the out put from the alternator to the starter solenoid based upon some input from the previous owner and information he left with the boat. Everything seems fine with operation of the boat including charging, however, today I noticed that the back of my alternator was getting very warm. I tested it with a clamp ammeter and detected 4 amps flowing between the solenoid and alternator when the engine is off. I’ve disconnected this jumper until I can figure out what is going on. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.