When I try to start my diesel I place the battery selector switch to "1". Not enough power even though the indicator shows 75% capacity. So I switched it to "2" which shows 100% capacity and still not enough power. When I switch to "ALL" she starts right up. What could be the problem? Thanks.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
D
Doug Kornreich
Check Water
I recently found myself with electrical problems due to the batteries, even though they seemed fully charged. However, I had let the water get really low in them. Be sure to add distilled water to cover the plates in order to give them their maximum capability.However, running batteries with low water may cause permanent damage, and they'll never be the same. The next question would be how old are the batteries? Over time, the acid comes out of solution and "sulfates" the lead plates. You may just need new batteries. There are lots of other theoretical possibilities -- other drains on the electrical system when you're starting (Such as having the stereo, or lights on). But if you're not doing anything different than you used to, I'd bet the batteries need maintenance or need to be replaced. You say you have the battery "switch" but you don't say how you use it. You may want to follow the method of using one "bank" for the starter and then switch over to using the other "bank" as a house battery. That way the starting battery should stay pretty fresh. After being stranded out in the middle of the Chesapeake with no wind and being unable to start my engine, I've been doing a lot of research into what type of batteries to get, etc., and will be happy to discuss it more if you'd like
I recently found myself with electrical problems due to the batteries, even though they seemed fully charged. However, I had let the water get really low in them. Be sure to add distilled water to cover the plates in order to give them their maximum capability.However, running batteries with low water may cause permanent damage, and they'll never be the same. The next question would be how old are the batteries? Over time, the acid comes out of solution and "sulfates" the lead plates. You may just need new batteries. There are lots of other theoretical possibilities -- other drains on the electrical system when you're starting (Such as having the stereo, or lights on). But if you're not doing anything different than you used to, I'd bet the batteries need maintenance or need to be replaced. You say you have the battery "switch" but you don't say how you use it. You may want to follow the method of using one "bank" for the starter and then switch over to using the other "bank" as a house battery. That way the starting battery should stay pretty fresh. After being stranded out in the middle of the Chesapeake with no wind and being unable to start my engine, I've been doing a lot of research into what type of batteries to get, etc., and will be happy to discuss it more if you'd like
J
John K Kudera
Did You Check ?
Your battery and ground cable connections, I bet if the batteries are good, cleaning will be your answer!
Your battery and ground cable connections, I bet if the batteries are good, cleaning will be your answer!
D
Derek Rowell
I had the same problem on my H34...
and I suffered with it for 17 years and many batteries. After I sold it last year it was in for some engine work, and the mechanic declared that the starter motor was "weak". They replaced it and as far as I know it has been fine ever since. Derek
and I suffered with it for 17 years and many batteries. After I sold it last year it was in for some engine work, and the mechanic declared that the starter motor was "weak". They replaced it and as far as I know it has been fine ever since. Derek
C
Chris Gonzales
Totally quiet?
Joe, Are you getting any clicking at the engine starter at all or is it totally quiet? I just had a similar problem with my batteries. It turned out that battery #1 was at only about 60% and #2 had some dead cells. #2 was pulling down #1 since they were wired together. Couple that with a little corrosion here and there and the starter wasn't even clicking. The funny thing was, though, that just the week before the engine fired up fine and I had charged battery #1 for about 15 hours after that. Blame battery #2, I guess. So I replaced battery #2, and while cleaning all the connections I could find I fast charged #1 with a 30amp charger. Engine started right up. Even though I was running my 6 amp charger up to two full days and nights the batteries were not fully charged. I am installing a three stage charger today. No more aligator clips and low charges since the new charger will keep the batteries at full charge. My suggestion for you is to check all the connections from the battery terminals to the starter motor for corrosion, then make sure your batteries are ok. Chris
Joe, Are you getting any clicking at the engine starter at all or is it totally quiet? I just had a similar problem with my batteries. It turned out that battery #1 was at only about 60% and #2 had some dead cells. #2 was pulling down #1 since they were wired together. Couple that with a little corrosion here and there and the starter wasn't even clicking. The funny thing was, though, that just the week before the engine fired up fine and I had charged battery #1 for about 15 hours after that. Blame battery #2, I guess. So I replaced battery #2, and while cleaning all the connections I could find I fast charged #1 with a 30amp charger. Engine started right up. Even though I was running my 6 amp charger up to two full days and nights the batteries were not fully charged. I am installing a three stage charger today. No more aligator clips and low charges since the new charger will keep the batteries at full charge. My suggestion for you is to check all the connections from the battery terminals to the starter motor for corrosion, then make sure your batteries are ok. Chris
D
David
Starting
Had the same problem when I purchased my boat. Simple solution was to replace battery and starter wires with a larger size wire.
Had the same problem when I purchased my boat. Simple solution was to replace battery and starter wires with a larger size wire.
V
Vic
Same problem on my 272 ... The Universal diesel
uses an "extention" cable harness with an engine connector to the cable and another connector to the wiring harness on the start panel ... both connectors were somewhat corroded and the wire to the starter solonoid looked tarnished like it had over heated a little. Rewired the start panel to the engine directly with new wire and no connectors ... engine starts easily on one tired battery now. Used a nice copper #10 for the starter circuit. Vic PS ... my new batteries, although in a lot better condition than the old batteries, didn't change a thing til the wiring was redone.
uses an "extention" cable harness with an engine connector to the cable and another connector to the wiring harness on the start panel ... both connectors were somewhat corroded and the wire to the starter solonoid looked tarnished like it had over heated a little. Rewired the start panel to the engine directly with new wire and no connectors ... engine starts easily on one tired battery now. Used a nice copper #10 for the starter circuit. Vic PS ... my new batteries, although in a lot better condition than the old batteries, didn't change a thing til the wiring was redone.
J
Joe Mullee
I'll check it all out
I recently purchased a three stage battery charger but before I hook it up I will review all of your ideas. Last season it always started on the one battery. This season it's always taken two batteries to turn her over. My batteries got pretty low over the winter while on the hard, possibly under 50% capacity. Maybe that's part of the problem. Thanks for everyones help. Joe
I recently purchased a three stage battery charger but before I hook it up I will review all of your ideas. Last season it always started on the one battery. This season it's always taken two batteries to turn her over. My batteries got pretty low over the winter while on the hard, possibly under 50% capacity. Maybe that's part of the problem. Thanks for everyones help. Joe
J
james rohr
Lead acid batteries
Lead acid batteries will not come back to a complete full charge if they are allowed to get to low in voltage. thats why its important to keep them to a state of fairly full charge during the winter. See West Marine advisor on battery chemistry. Could also be any of the other possibilities, IE weak starter. you can also do a test on battery when cranking, see what it pulls voltage do at that time you are cranking engine.
Lead acid batteries will not come back to a complete full charge if they are allowed to get to low in voltage. thats why its important to keep them to a state of fairly full charge during the winter. See West Marine advisor on battery chemistry. Could also be any of the other possibilities, IE weak starter. you can also do a test on battery when cranking, see what it pulls voltage do at that time you are cranking engine.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.