No Power to Instruments or Engine

[texasroadkill]

Hate to start my first post off with a plea for help, but here it goes...

I have a Four Winns 285 Sundowner with twin Volvo 5.0's. Anyway, this weekend, while cruising, the starboard engine went out--along with the gauges. Went to start it and nothing happend. No crank, no gauges--nothing. All the while, the port engine is unaffected. Fiddled with the reset button and ignition and got 'er going. But it happened two more times while heading back to the marina. Once back, I replaced the ignition tumbler and she started right up. Went out on Sunday and she never even started. Mechanic called this morning and said he's been out on the water for 45 minutes and no problems to report. Any ideas? Since it's intermittent and it affects both the gauges and the engine--it's not a fuse, not the switch, all connections seem tight. I'm stumped.

Thanks!
Tex

 

[Silvertip]

Re: No Power to Instruments or Engine

All connections "seem tight" is not a diagnosis. Disconnect, clean (as in shiny) both ends of the battery cables (both of them) including the battery terminals themselves. If using wing nuts for cable attachment, pitch them and use stainless nuts and star washers for a better connection. Disconnect and clean the connections to the fuse/breaker as well. The gauges and engine are powered throught the same harness so the problem lies between the battery and the output of the breaker. While working on the battery cables, inspect the terminal ends of the cable carefully for corrosion where the cable enters the terminal. If the insulation appears raised or there are lumpy spots in the cable that's a sign of corrosion. Replace the cables or cut off the ends and install new if necessary. A voltmeter is your best friend when troubleshooting electrical problems. Follow the current by starting at the battery. When you lose it you found the problem.

 

[texasroadkill]

Re: No Power to Instruments or Engine

Thanks Silvertip. I would prefer anything over electrical issues, especially irregular onces, but I'll take the measures that you suggested below.

Tex

 

[jetboy]

Re: No Power to Instruments or Engine

I have a problem very similar to this one.

A couple of days ago was the first chance I had to use my boat in a while. Boat started but it seemed to just barely turn over. I wrote that off to the boat sitting for a while. Went out a couple more times, no problems. I go out to use it this morning and nothing. No start, no gauges either. I figure I must have left some intrument on and got my other battery out. Still nothing. Now I'm hoping I've just got 2 dead batteries so I take them in to charge. But they took a charge too quick to be very low. Went back out and reattached the battery and still nothing. Looking for loose wires and I don't find anything. I did flip up the bilge pump switch in the sump and it ran, that surprised me. What do I look for?

 

[flargin]

Re: No Power to Instruments or Engine

Jetboy, it is easiest, and most effective for everyone if you start your own thread. it is a great thing to put a link into the other one if it is really similar. We will read it and double check some of the points.


That said.. here is what I would look for. If it does not work, open a new thread up.

1. you need a multi-meter. check voltage dont just assume it is charged. a couple of dead batteries is not out of the question. it should be 12.5+ v.

2. There is a large writeup on how to isolate starting problems. it is the first one in the sticky for the Mercruiser section. link here: ------------ADULTs ONLY ------------ c

3. bilge pump. not really an indicator of "success" a 6 volt battery will likely run a dry bilge pump, but won't even make a click on a starter. (thus reason for a meter)

Take a look, the sticky above will likely solve your problems. if not, let us know what you found out in your own thread. Also include your motor, year, and if neede the serial numbers. this helps.

Oh Yea... welcome to the iboat forum.