Catalina 30 wire harness replacement

[Txlawdog]

Greetings all. I just purchased a 1985 Caralina 30 which I suspect needs the wire harness fix. My control panel has the amp meter NOT the volt meter. I'm am trying to attach a photo of the panel. I have read several posts reference this topic but I can not seem to locate an actual place that carries the new harness for sale. Seaward made some for awhile but not sure if the still do or where you can purchase it. I am pulling the M 25 engine to rebuild it and I am planning on replacing the harness at that time. Can someone tell me where I can order this harness if it is still available. Any guidance will be appreciated.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Hi,

http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.search

and

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5078.msg44056.html#msg44056

There are also other items in that topic on the harness.

Like this one: http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5078.msg54397.html#msg54397

Good improvement.

M25, right? Have you done the alternator bracket yet? Items also in that topic.

 

[Txlawdog]

Thank you Stu. The alternator bracket is also something I will be doing. I saw the harness on Catalina direct but not sure if that was the one I was needing or not. I assume I will need the volt meter as well? I have read several of your posts and appreciate your guidance on this issue. I got a good deal on the boat due to the engine being seized; hence the rebuild. Going to take care of a lot of upgrades at that time as well.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Thanks. Yes, just get a voltmeter, cheaper if you get it yourself. Same for the wiring (the wires themselves). You don't need expe4nsive wire, price out what they ask for and what you could buy as bundled wiring. Connections are up to you as mentioned in my link. ITWMB, I'd simply hardwire both ends.

The Critical Upgrades has many items and more links on the bracket.

Good luck, let us know if there's anything else you need.

 

[nlneilson]

To do most wiring projects or just chasing down some electrical glitch a wiring diagram would be very useful or even very necessary.

There is probably a link to download that but have not found it yet

1979 tall rig Catalina 30.

 

[Stu Jackson]

It's here, of course

Engines 101 - The BIGGEST & BEST collection of M25 Series Universal Engine Information on the Internet, plus some M35, too

http://www.c34.org/wiki/index.php?title=Diesel_Engine


Look under the wiring harness story, full OEM wiring diagrams with colors id'd.

 

[weinie]

You don't necessarily need to replace the whole harness. The important thing is that you remove the high current alternator output going to the panel and back to the starter with the thin 10 gauge wire and cheapo connectors. Reconnect the alternator directly to the house battery (preferred if you have an ACR) or starter using a heavy gauge wire. Then use the red wire that led from the panel back to the starter to power the panel by connecting it to the post on the ignition switch. You can replace the ammeter with a voltmeter and clean up the other harness connections at your leisure.

 

[Stu Jackson]

It's the CONNECTORS, Stupid!!!

weinie, that's a good summary, however, I beg to differ on "...and clean up the other harness connections at your leisure..." The issue with the connectors, as documented with pictures and text in the links I provided, is that they can start a FIRE on your boat because they can short out. Boats have actually started the engines all by themselves because of the deterioration inside those connectors!!!

If you're going to do it, and you should, the connectors should come first. The ammeter in the cockpit simply means your engine charging system sucks, but still works. Running any current through those connectors is the dangerous part.

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5078.msg35943.html#msg35943

 

[weinie]

weinie, that's a good summary, however, I beg to differ on "...and clean up the other harness connections at your leisure..." The issue with the connectors, as documented with pictures and text in the links I provided, is that they can start a FIRE on your boat because they can short out. Boats have actually started the engines all by themselves because of the deterioration inside those connectors!!!

If you're going to do it, and you should, the connectors should come first. The ammeter in the cockpit simply means your engine charging system sucks, but still works. Running any current through those connectors is the dangerous part.

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5078.msg35943.html#msg35943

Fair enough.