1998 290 Dancer Port Engine Issues

[Monk]

I have recently replaced all three batteries due to my port engine not starting after a night disconnected from shore power, low water and was not sure when they had been replaced so I thought might as well do it. The most recent, Saturday night, the only thing that was running throughout the night were the navigation/anchoring light, Refrigerator and the AC Converter, which I thought would not be pulling any power since not connected to shore power. When I went to start my engines in the morning the starboard engine started fine but the port engine would only start with the emergency start button and then died when I tried to pull anchor. I had to put it in neutral, give it some juice to keep it from dying with pulling the anchor. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Devin

 

[rhytid]

Hey monk,

I have the same boat. Which engine does it have?? Your problem sounds like you may have just run your batteries down too low. I think the fridge eats up a lot of juice.

<HAN>

 

[Monk]

I have the twin GM 305 (5.0s). I just replaced the batteries about two weeks ago, all three, so I would not think that this is the problem. I would not think that the batteries would be dead after one night off shore power with the fridge running. Would they?

Devin

 

[skibum]

Maybe your battery charger and/or alternator isn't working as it should? If the alternator isn't working properly, your batteries are running everything even when you are under power. Is it possible that you were riding around all day off of the batteries?

Just a thought,
Michael

 

[Monk]

I pulled the port alternator last night and am having it looked at currently. Hope that is it. Can someone explain to me what each of the three batteries in this model (1998 290 Dancer) run? I assume one for each engine and one for the accessories and gen.???

Devin