I have a Hunter340. I had a Low Battery indication on my autopilot. Later, my audible battery alarm went off by the engine key. Seconds later the engine died when I was moving a slow speed. I have verified that the altinater works...the charger works, shore power works. I have checked the battery contacts and have replaced both batteries. I fired up my Yanmar 27, headed out, and the same thing happened again. Suggestions for correcting the problem?
Low Battery Warning
- Thread starter Daniel59
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The low battery notice on the Autohelm came on a few hours into sailing...no motor running. Since it is water cooled, the oil looks good, I'm not sure where to look next. Your thoughts?
First check to see if water is passing out with the exhaust while the engine is running. If it is you will need to check the temp sensor that turns on the alarm. If no water, shut down the engine and check for water flow restriction or a blown water pump impeller. Best place to start is the sea cock. Shut off and remove the hose. Slowly open to see if water flows in. If yes, check the strainer basket for clog(you can see thru it with a flashlight). If OK check water pump impeller.
Let me know how things go, I'll try to guide you through it.
Let me know how things go, I'll try to guide you through it.
If the water pump impeller melted it can stick to the housing and affect belt operation and therefore the alternator. Not all water pumps work off the belt but it might be worth the look. I'm not an expert but I saw this happen once. I think Alan is on the right track. The impeller is easy to check and to replace. A good $20 spare part to have on hand.
Mike
Mike
The autopilot "Low Battery" warning is misleading as it is actually a "I'm not getting enough Volts" warning because the pilot's controller measurement circuit is inside the control box and not at the battery.
This means there could well be a serious voltage drop between battery and pilot. i.e. loose or corroded connections etc.
It only takes a slight movement of a loose joint to cause the voltage at the pilot to drop momentarily and the fault may be any common wiring which is shared by the pilot and the battery monitor.
BTW: If it is an Autohelm or Raymarine the "Low battery" warning also comes up if the battery voltage goes too high!.
I discovered this one day when I had an alternator fault and it took my batteries to 16.5 volts.
I doubt the engine stopping was directly related.
This means there could well be a serious voltage drop between battery and pilot. i.e. loose or corroded connections etc.
It only takes a slight movement of a loose joint to cause the voltage at the pilot to drop momentarily and the fault may be any common wiring which is shared by the pilot and the battery monitor.
BTW: If it is an Autohelm or Raymarine the "Low battery" warning also comes up if the battery voltage goes too high!.
I discovered this one day when I had an alternator fault and it took my batteries to 16.5 volts.
I doubt the engine stopping was directly related.
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