Grounding issue?

[WIPlayDate]

When attempting to start the port side engine it will either "trip" the battery switch in the cabin or simply not start at all. By using the emergency switch it of course starts right up. The port side batteries are both brand new Optima's and I checked them with a meter and appear fine. Does this sound like a ground issue? Or? Any help or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Iprof]

Tripping the battery switch is a sign of high resistance which could be a bad connection not just a ground. The other comment is puzzling, is the engine turning over?
Do you have access to a volt meter and a second person, if you could connect the meter to the battery and have some one try and start the boat, the battery should not drop below 10.6V. If it does then you have a battery problem, if it does not then check and clean all connections.

Ken

 

[Bt Doctur]

You do have all you neg. posts strapped together and a bettery cable between both engine blocks?

 

[WIPlayDate]

Thanks for the info. I am heading there this weekend to hopefully check things out if it does not rain.

 

[capecodcruiser]

You do have all you neg. posts strapped together and a bettery cable between both engine blocks?

What do you mean "a battery cable between both engines"?

 

[electricaldoctor]

I think that he meant a grounding cable that is terminated on both engine blocks which is also common to the battery negative pole.