possible fuse blown??

[SadReality]

Took my boat out for the first run of the season. Everything went pretty well until I returned to my slip. When I turned the ignition key off, everything went dead and I was unable to get any power (bilge, blower, lights, ignition were all dead). The only power I had was for my trim switch.<br /><br />Does this sound like a blown fuse?<br /><br />We did just install an Attwood v750 bilge pump (upgraded from an old Attwood 500). According to their website, the v750 uses a 4.0 amp fuse, while the 500 was a 2.0. <br /><br />Could it be a faulty connection?

 

[AndyL]

Re: possible fuse blown??

The trim switch is probably fed straight off the motor loom. Sounds like you have taken out a major fuse or you battery terminal breaker, if fitted, is faulty. You need a volt meter to trace back to where the break is. It doesn't sound too serious though unless the extra load on the new bilge pump has fried your wiring loom.

 

[BigPoppaG]

Re: possible fuse blown??

Hey Sad,<br /><br />Had the same problem when I tried to get her working this year. Check out the post below. Finally found the fuse that was the culprit. Needless to say.........we are on the water again. Good luck and let us know what you come up with.<br /><br />Blown Fuse

 

[SadReality]

Re: possible fuse blown??

Ok...so I went out and snooped around a bit more. After following every cable around the boat, found... My main battery cable was corroded off at the motor!<br /><br />So... my new questions are:<br /><br />1) Should I put a new connector on the existing battery cable?<br /><br />2) Should I replace the whole cable?<br /><br />3) If I replace the whole cable, should I definately use a marine grade? It is currently an SAE.

 

[vipzach]

Re: possible fuse blown??

Glad you found the problem! I would definately replace the entire cable. I personally would probly not put on a marine grade cable, but alot of people here will do and say differently. They are supposed to be better for the marine application, because of the tinning.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: possible fuse blown??

SadReality – welcome to the forum. <br /><br />Yes, finding the problem is a good thing. I would be one of those people that thinks there is an advantage to using marine-grade, tinned battery cable. It would prevent potential problems, like, say…oh, I don’t know, maybe a battery cable corroding off at the engine. Yes, that is why there is tinned battery cable. <br /><br />If you decide you want to stay with the bat cabling you have, you can cut the cable back from the corroded part until you hit clean copper. If the cable is still long enough to use, a lug can be attached and you should be good to go…until to corrodes again. And it will corrode again.<br /><br />If you decide to replace that cable, give some thought to replacing all the bat cables if they are similar SAE grade. If you know the size and length of cables you need, you can buy the cable in bulk online, along with the cable lugs, and save a considerable about of change.

 

[SadReality]

Re: possible fuse blown??

I think I will just replace the whole cable. Better be safe than sorry. Plus, I can get a whole Ancore Marine Assembly with connectors already on at Bass Pro Shop for around $15.<br /><br />It may be cheaper getting a spool and lugs, however, my inexperience in the electrical department makes me nervous as it is.<br /><br />I sure hope that is the end of my problems so I can get my boating season underway.<br /><br />I am learning so much from this board, and the more I learn, the more $$$ I save.

 

[Tatorbug]

Re: possible fuse blown??

Now you got it right, there is a difference between cheap and inexpensive.

 

[Perfidiajoe]

Re: possible fuse blown??

Buy quality, you'll only cry once !!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Perfidiajoe]

Re: possible fuse blown??