Engine Circuit Breaker Tripping

[Bob]

My 2001 Catalina 310 has the Universal M-25XPB engine with the standard Catalina Seaward engine control panel mounted at the wheel. Last summer and this summer in hot weather the 20 amp circuit breaker located on the back of the engine has been tripping for some unknown reason. Although the trip does not shut off the engine it does shut down power to the control panel and the starting circuit. To restart the engine I have to open the engine housing and reset the breaker. Any ideas on what may be causing the trip and what I can do about it? It has never happened in cool or moderate temperatures.

 

[Matt]

Breaker blues

I would suspect the circuit breaker itself with the symtoms you describe. There should be no reason for the electrical system to pull more current just because it's hot outside. But the breaker could be affected by the extra warmth and tripping unnecessarily.

 

[Bill Peery]

Engine Circut Breaker Tripping

I had the same problem and found out the wire on top of the circut breakes was touching the metal bracket. I wrapped several layers of rubber insulting tape around the wire and solved the problem.

 

[Bob]

Thanks, Matt

Matt, I'll check that out. A simple possible solution to a problem. I'll let you know what I find. Thanks!