Bellows replacement and now grounding problem

BILLDON

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 4, 2012
Messages
30
First time posting. I recently had the sterndrive bellows replaced by the V-P dealer here in Homer, AK. This is a 2001 5.0i engine and the out-drive is dup-prop. Don't believe the man ever went into the boat, just removed the drive and 'intermediate houising." Now the temp gauge and the oil pressure gauge start out at normal and slowly climb to dangerous levels. Then, after 1-2 minutes, they both drop back to normal and the whole scarry thing starts over. Also, the "audible alarm" constantly makes a very low volume beep at 1 sec intervals. It's hard to hear unless the hatch is open. I have stopped the boat/engine, etc. and it appears that all is well except for the above. I asked the dealer when it first started happening and they all said it was a grounding problem. Anybody have any ideas? I checked the grounds for the meters and they are fine. Seems to me that there is something in the drive area which might be causing this as that is the only thing he worked on.
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: Bellows replacement and now grounding problem

Start by cleaning and tightening all battery connections, both positive and negative, and don't forget each cable has 2 ends. Use regular nuts and a wrench to tighten the battery cable to the battery, not the wingnuts.
That alone usually fixes most problems like you have.
 

BILLDON

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 4, 2012
Messages
30
Re: Bellows replacement and now grounding problem

Start by cleaning and tightening all battery connections, both positive and negative, and don't forget each cable has 2 ends. Use regular nuts and a wrench to tighten the battery cable to the battery, not the wingnuts.
That alone usually fixes most problems like you have.

Hey Don,
Thanks so much for the good advice. I checked the battery cables and yes, one of the negatives was loose. I tightened it up and the alarm now doesn't sound. I took it out for 20-30 minutes last night and the gauges are back to normal. Thanks for the help. Bill
 
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