Batteries

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G

Glenn

My 84 C30, with original Universal 23 hp diesel, has 3 Group 24 batteries, all deep cycle, starting, house and frig. We purchased this boat in Oct 2003 and this was the set up. The batteries are AutoZone Dura-Last Marine, 95 AH, 685 CCA and 140 min reserve. We have two switches to connect the frig battery. When docked we are always connected to shore power so batteries are charging. We generally only motor out 20 to 30 minutes before hoisting sails and same on return. This weekend we went to check everything out and to start the engine, last two weekends started just fine. This time the batteries would not provide enough power to start. This is only the second time this has happened, first time was last winter. Temperature was in the upper 40's or low 50's. I don't think the ground is a problem. I am sure that these batteries are at least 2 years old if not 3. I have not had much luck with HiLo or AutoZone batteries for the cars and I know I should have a starting battery rather than a deep cycle for starting. What CCA capacity do you have for starting? Do you always start with one battery? Any other suggestions on problems. My starting procedure is to preheat glow plugs for 2 minutes, then turn key on and start. Most of the time starts first time, 2nd or 3rd in cold weather.
 
T

Tim C350 April IV

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Dec 2, 2003
392
Catalina 350 Seattle
Two minute Glowpug is an Eternity

I'm no diesel expert, but no wonder your batteries don't seem up to the task - the glow plugs are a huge drain, and using them for two minutes is a LONG time! Check your owners manual, or any other for that matter, and I think (I might be wrong) you'll find that the recommendation is more along the line of 15-20 seconds. Check out the attached link - it says 30-60 seconds. Good Luck! Tim "not a diesel mechanic" Brogan April IV C350 #68 Sesttle
 
C

Calif. Ted

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Jun 8, 2004
2,958
Catalina 320 Dana Point
Tim is right ! 20 seconds ought to be enough,

I have 2 group 24 AGM Batteries, I usually start on both, but if the wind dies and I just want to kick in the iron genny to get to the next puff 1 battery will start things just fine if it's at 11.5 volts or above. And like all of us on some dark nights gettin home late I just plain forget and start on the one that's been running stuff all day.
 
G

Glenn

A couple of things to check out

next time I go down is the battery terminals and power in batteries. Terminals looked clean but I will disconnect to see if corrosion inside. In warm weather this using my usual procedure, engine fires up in 2 or 3 seconds. In cold weather it may take several tries, but usually starts. I know that 2 minutes is a long time, PO said 45 seconds, but even in October when temperaturs were in the 70's, starting was a problem.
 
P

PERK

SAME PROBLEM

Same boat ,same problem..1st time was grounding. 2nd time was glow plugs (should take less than one minute).. Took old gplugs to Kabota dealer to match on the cheap and easy.. Go for it..
 
J

John

battreys

It sounds like a bad connection in the plug about two feet from the starter under the ball of nasty tape. I had the same problem and one day in july when it was hot the tape got soft and the plug started to smoke and then the boat went dead .I cleaned the plug and put elect greese on it.But cut the starter wires off the plug and used water proof melt on crimps to power the starter and It works good .I think catalina has a new plug to replace this becouse people have been haveing trouble with it .Or It mite be a lose battrey cable check there first. John
 
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