Battery switching

[LuckyPenny]

Here is a question that, right now I have a 50 /50 split on answers.<br /><br />I have a 1977 Mercruiser 5.7L (Mercruiser 250) with Alpha One. it has a point/condenser system with in voltage regulator in the Alternator.<br /><br />Question: will I damage anything if I switch from A to B battery with the engine running?

 

[treeguy1313]

Re: Battery switching

why switch it with engine running....dont take the chance...my boat has an A&B....so i can have em both going....play it safe...shut it down...just my opinion....take care

 

[KaGee]

Re: Battery switching

The short answer is yes. You could do damage to the alternator. Switch battery with everything off.<br /><br />If this is a concern, you should go with a battery isolator and not worry about the switch, but they can be pricey.<br /><br />Hey Lucky... just caught that you were in Elizabeth City.... The wife's aunt lives in Coinjock, about 20 miles from you. We love that area.

 

[b20]

Re: Battery switching

you can switch from one battery to the other PROVIDED the follow is adhered to.<br /><br />1) DON'T move the switch through the OFF position.<br />2) The switch is a 'make before break' type.most are,but check it.that means that the next switch position is in contact before the previous position is removed.usually if the switch is moved through a 'A&B' position it will be a 'make before break' type.

 

[LuckyPenny]

Re: Battery switching

I have a pretty standard battery selector switch. From left to right (counterclockwise) the positions are : OFF-A-BOTH-B<br /><br />IS THIS A MAKE BEFORE BREAK SWITHC?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Battery switching

why switch it with engine running....

You Still haven't answered This Question.........<br /><br />If you're Looking for Trouble,<br />Go Ahead.... Switch it All You Want......<br />But, WHY .??..??.. <br /><br />If you poke yourself in the Eye with a Sharp Stick,<br />It'll Hurt.......<br />Now, It May Not hurt if you wear Saftey Glasses.....<br />But, Again, WHY ???????<br /><br />Select a position,+ Run it........<br /><br />I use "Both"........

 

[jimmythekid]

Re: Battery switching

i use "both" most of the time, and then switch it to "B" whem im on the water not under way like listening to the radio, tv , lights, whatever, then if it goes dead, i can still start the engine with "A" Once then engine is started I switch back to "both" to recharge. Ocasionally if i completely discharge my "B" after the engine starts of "A" i will switch to "B" will heading back in, just to insure a reasonable charge on "B" One last thing, if the battery have become dischrged to the point the engine will not crank, always use a battery charger on them, alternators are not designed to fully charge a battery from complete discharge. And are incapable of doing so. Its also very hard on the alternator expecting it to work overtime charging a battery from completely dead.

 

[jimmythekid]

Re: Battery switching

P.S fell free to switch the battery switch anytime you want to EXCEPT WHEN CRANKING THE ENGINE!!! have a good one

 

[Don S]

Re: Battery switching

I have a pretty standard battery selector switch. From left to right (counterclockwise) the positions are : OFF-A-BOTH-B

MOST of the "Pretty Standard" brand of switchs are make before break, but not all.<br />They can be tested to find out, have an electrician test it.

 

[imported_wildcat]

Re: Battery switching

I followed Don's recommendation and purchased the BEP Marine Single Engine VSR Battery Distribution Cluster. I did not want to have to move people to access switch all the time. BEP switch does all the work for you. I plan on installing it in the next few weeks.