Connecting Batteries

[andersonjames]

Good Morning, I have a Hunter 45CC 2006 with the start and the house batteries both being deepcycle. I have a Yanmar diesel and a Panda diesel generator on it. I commisioned the boat the summer of 08 and have had some starting issues almost from the beginning. The first question that I have is that we have traced the cables and did find a cross connection so that you can use the house batteries to assist with starting. However it is controlled by a solenoid. So far we have been unable to find a switch that activates the solenoid. Has anyone know how this works. I have not recieved an answer from Hunter on this.

In regards to my starting issues, we have cleaned all the terminals, the battery seems to test okay, and both the genset and the diesel engine seem to be charging. At anchor I have turned off the starter battery switch in case of any drains that I don't know about and have still had the problem.

Any thoughts on these problems would be appreciated. Thank you.

 

[shemandr]

If you search "Starter Button" there are several threads which you may be interested in. Intermittent starting has been a subject of discussion here several times.

 

[Ed Schenck]

It could be the infamous low amp start circuit problem that Andrew is referencing. But you don't give the forum much information to work with. To determine if it is the "start button" problem you need to get an ear close to the starter. With someone turning the key or pushing the button you should hear a faint click. It is the result of not enough amps getting to the starter solenoid. Everyone who has experienced this says that they will try, then try again later, and maybe a third time the starter catches. Then the engine starts right up signifying a wiring issue and not a diesel issue.

Is this what you are experiencing? If yes then the fix is here on SBO. If no then I think we need more information about your wiring. You mention a solenoid that has to do with the fact you have both a generator and your engine in the wiring. But you do not mention a battery switch allowing you to select either house, start, or both banks.

 

[Rick]

K I will go ugly early here and agree with the above. Check your voltage at the starter solenoid. Key on and push starter. Measure. Less than 12 volts? Bingo! Why else would a boat as new as yours have problems. Bad batts maybe. Easy check too. Here are some pics for your fix. Thank you Ed i still keep that diagram you made. Good luck. Maine Sail will get on me for not shrink wrapping the connections, but what the heck. About 70 or so bucks in parts. And do yourself a favor, get a marine grade solenoid relay.

Cheers

 

[Ed Schenck]

Wow Rick, what number cable is that red to the starter! I never post pictures like that just because I know Maine Sail is watching.

 

[Rick]

Ed the red was on special...lol. And they didnt have any #8 white. Go figure. That giant one comes from the perko just out of view. Allows me to tie in my 4 golf carts plus my two 12 volt starters just in case she is in a "cranky" mood.

Cheers

 

[Rick Sylvester]

The magnetic solenoid

on the starter of my 4JHE requires a bunch of current.

You don't say if this is the solenoid you're referring to.

To work reliably it needed more than the keyed voltage could provide as wired from the factory. And, oh yeah, it would read 12+ volts as long as there was no load when measured. Screwed me up for the longest time.

On the advice of someone here I installed a standard automotive solenoid (about $12) and ran the keyed voltage to that. The solenoid controlled the voltage directly from the start battery with much larger cable and much shorter run.

No problems since.

Hope this helps. If not,

never mind.

 

[Don12364]

I believe you are referring to a 'Battery Combiner'. On my H376 it is energised as soon as the engine starter key is turned. It parallels both house and engine batteries and has always given instant starting. My Yanmar 3JH2 never seems to make more than one revolution before it is away.

BTW don't fret about one battery being low and dragging the other down with it so the combined voltage is too low and the engine will not start. Even if it is low, unless it is faulty the other causes it to immediately jump up to more than 12 volts as occurs whenever you put it on charge under normal circumstances.
Also those small portable emergency engine start batteries work in a similar way by discharging themselves into the main battery and the combination is then able to give a start.

 

[jtm]

Interesting picture- appears a you have a cut-a-way access panel on the side of the engine box. Wish I had one. Only view for me is face on. I noticed that your air intake horn/nose is pointed upwards- mine is downwards/aft like in the manual- I heard that the air is hotter/thinner at the top of the engine box- you get cooler/denser air sipping off the bottom for more power- but then that may be some old wives tail.

 

[Rick]

Really lucky that I have access on all four sides of the engine. Hunter got it right on my particular model. The engine compartment is about 3x3. I suppose you could have cooler air towards the hull. Havent had any problems with engine temp though. And loose particles swirling around from enginie belts etc, tend to settle toward mother ocean. I never read that in the manual but.... interesting to see if anyone else has a take on that.

Cheers