MD6A: Engine won't start with regulator connected to alternator

[Vega1447]

Hi.

I have a pair of aging 75Ah batteries wired up in parallel - they tend
to revert to 12.5V after 24 hours even when "fully charged" with a
multi-stage mains charger.

My alternator was not charging - replaced external regulator - now
charges fine but reg sucks so much power from battery when starting
that engine wont start unless battery has been recently charged or
engine still warm..

(It is late winter/early spring here in Ireland - typical air temp 5
degrees C.)

I can get round this by disconnecting connector lead from reg before
start and reconnecting once engine starts. This works fine but is a
pain in the *** - and I'm bound to blow reg eventually.

Obviously I need to replace batteries but in meantime is there a
simple way to set things up so that reg only starts to suck amps once
engine has started?

Thanks for any tips,

John Kinsella

PS had first sail of season today - are other European Vegas still "on
the hard"?

Vega 1447 Breakaway

 

[emmajen5]

John,

Another Vega locally is set up the way you describe. I'm not quite sure how he's done it so I'll get in touch with him (he's not on the list) and see what I can find out. He told me it's made a big difference in starting.

Garry
"Raven" v. 2427