Electricity Mystery, Sherlock!

R

rgj

New Member
Nov 29, 2018
29
Boat Info
330 1997 sundancer and 338 1999 sundancer
Engines
454
Hi all, I have a new used 1997 Sundancer 330. So I went to the boat and no juice. The battery indicator on the control panel indicates port battery is dead. No juice to hatch lift or blower. No juice to start engine. I use the emergency start to access the starboard battery and start engine. Suddenly, the port engine battery is working and all the juice is back everywhere. I shut the engines off and still have juice in port batter. Now the battery indicator on control panel indicates that port batter is fully charged! Anybody know what the issue is? I don't want to have this problem re-occur which I suspect will happen. I also don't like starting the boat without putting the blower on or opening the hatch which had to put done since there was no juice. Thanks!
 
I’d start by checking to make sure all the connections are clean and tight.
 
Is there somewhere available a diagram or checklist that shows in detail all the connections? The battery connections seem ok.
 
No need for a diagram. Just start at the batteries, remove/clean/re-tighten/protect as you go. Simply follow the wires everywhere they go. Batteries, switches, starters, etc. Do both + & -. Don't assume they are clean and tight just by looking at them - actually remove and inspect. However, you may find electrical wiring diagrams in your owner's manual.
 
just spoke with mechanic who did all that lazy daze suggested. That did not solve the problem/mystery, unfortunately. We will load test the batteries. Thanks!
 
rgj said:
just spoke with mechanic who did all that lazy daze suggested. That did not solve the problem/mystery, unfortunately.
Click to expand...
That's alright - it's where you need to start. Remember... Failure is STILL a result. It eliminates variables. I'm sure he'll get it figured out.
 
Bad switch /loose wire. This will be easy to find when it's in the no voltage mode with a DVM. Impossible to find once everything is working.
 
Thanks for all your comments guys. My mechanic says is going to wait until the system fails again and then he will do the search. My concern with that is that with the hatch closed and no juice to the blower, how do you start the engine without blowing the boat up?
 
I guess my mechanic started them anyway. I just don’t have a lot of experience with boats and I thought you were not supposed to do that
 
mystery solved. starter failed. replaced starter and not having any more problems. Thanks everybody.
 
It was the connection at the starter then. Don't throw the starter away, there is a good chance there is nothing wrong with it.
 
I have the same boat, on the engine hatch next to the table post. there is an access hatch, if you unscrew it it exposes a pin to pull out the motorized engine lift. you than can manual lift the engine hatch. its heavy so you would need to pry it up
 
My concern with that is that with the hatch closed and no juice to the blower, how do you start the engine without blowing the boat up?

You mean you dont lift the hatch when you first start the motors to check oil levels and any of the ordinary items?
I would run a dedicated power wire directly to the electrics of the pump or motor and attach the other end of the wires to 2 insulated posts to hook up a jumper battery

The main power connection goes to the starters main lug, and having a bad starter does not kill the main power connection.
 
Bt Doctur said:
My concern with that is that with the hatch closed and no juice to the blower, how do you start the engine without blowing the boat up?

You mean you dont lift the hatch when you first start the motors to check oil levels and any of the ordinary items?
I would run a dedicated power wire directly to the electrics of the pump or motor and attach the other end of the wires to 2 insulated posts to hook up a jumper battery

The main power connection goes to the starters main lug, and having a bad starter does not kill the main power connection.
Click to expand...

opening the hatch lets you find out why your batteries are dead....
 
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