Battery and wiring check-up

[mercerfisherman]

Hi. When I connected all my cables to my boat battery this spring, everything ran fine. Engine started, bilge pump worked, livewell worked, lights worked, etc. At some point I had to remove and reinstall the cables to the battery posts and now nothing works. I suspect I don't have the cable terminals tightened enough, or there may be some corrosion on one of the cables. However, I also want to check all my wiring to make sure there are no shorts in the wiring. What do I need for this? The guy at radio shack said he doesn't have a voltage tester or continuity tester with probes and wiring long enough for a boat that's already been wired end to end. Where do you find such a tool? Or must you remove all the wiring? And start from ground zero. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Battery and wiring check-up

Sometimes I get used boats in that have had multiple owners and/or multiple devices removed with wiring left behind. I find it's usually easier to strip it naked and start all over. But it depends on how accessable it is and how much there is.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Battery and wiring check-up

First, shorts create sparks and flow fuses. If all of the fuses (or circuit breakers) are ok, then you have no shorts. What you very likely have is an "open" and very likely its a back battery connection, bad cable, or bad cable end. Remove cables at the battery and the engine and clean them. They need to be shiny clean. Tighten securely. If you have wing nuts on the battery connections throw them overboard and use stainless steel hex nuts and internal or external tooth washers. This allows tight and electrically sound connections.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Battery and wiring check-up

First, shorts create sparks and flow fuses. If all of the fuses (or circuit breakers) are ok, then you have no shorts. Did you by chance hook the positive battery to the negative terminal and vice versa. What you very likely have is an "open" and very likely its a back battery connection, bad cable, or bad cable end. Remove cables at the battery and the engine and clean them. They need to be shiny clean. Tighten securely. If you have wing nuts on the battery connections throw them overboard and use stainless steel hex nuts and internal or external tooth washers. This allows tight and electrically sound connections.