Historical Power Short

[LABoroviak]

During the last four years I've been experiencing an irregular electrical short in the boats DC power source. This happens when I attempt to turn on power to the power panel located in the cockpit to start the Volvo 2002 series engine. I've had the main cable from the panel to the starter checked out. Replaced the starter and fuse panel block located top of the engine Sometime, if the switch is left on, the power will come on. Other times, I move the wire at the fuse block to another connection and then the power will come on. About twelve months ago, the last time I had the problem, I sprayed the electrical connections with a conductivity spray and it has been OK until recently and again it is a hit and miss situation. If anyone has information on how to best solve the problem, please speak you piece.

Thanks, Larry on Moonstone 99.

 

[Benjamin Disralei]

Hi Larry

When you say that there is no power getting to the cockpit are you reffering to the start panel or your gauges on the binnacle...?

 

[Forrest15112]

It sounds like an open since no fuses or breakers trip. A multimeter that measures voltage and continuity will make this easier. You should start at the source and work your way out to the panel. Check switches too. You may have to disconnect them. I would do this anyway. Check the terminals on the end of the wires. Look for corrosion. If it were me, I would cut every terminal off that I couldn't be certain wasn't corroded - if it has heat shrink on it cut that off and check. Trace the entire supply wire down and look for butt splices or other connections. I would reassemble with No-Ox on each terminal as I replaced or ruled out. It really sounds like a loose connection or corrosion on a wire or terminal. If you find a corroded wire terminal, cut the wire back until you find shiny copper. Water can wick down into a wire and cause this again. The copper wire will appear discolored. Good luck.

 

[Philip_Oceanis 361]

I used to have a similar problem. Electricity at the panel was "lost" as soon as I stopped the engine, without touching the on/off buttom. It was then on again at some time (any time, from minutes to hours). It really drove me crazy for three-four months until I found the source of the evil! The alternator earth wire was corroded and not making a good contact.
Check both alternator and engine earth wires. From what I have been told if they are corroded it's possible to cause these sort of problems.

 

[LABoroviak]

Starter panel located at port quarter panel. Thanks

 

[LABoroviak]

Thanks for your input. I've checked out many of the circuits but will look again.

 

[LABoroviak]

Gauges.

 

[Benjamin Disralei]

Historical Power outage

Am pleased I am not the only one in this world with this problem, exactly the same symptoms as Larry's, can start up 2 minute or two hours or even the next day. Have had and auto electrician try to sort out the problem but every time he is on board the problem does not raise its ugly head. The circuit appears to be fine but will now check out the alternator earthing.