How to test battery inverter on 330 Sundancer 1997

[Rocklobster]

After sitting plugged into shore power for 3 weeks (all summer really), my port house batteries are dead (less than 5V). I've been having trouble keeping my house batteries topped off for the past 2 years since I purchased the boat. The batteries were brand new this spring. Trojans.

Starboard side batteries are fine.

Anyone know how to test the ac converter to make sure it's charging the port batteries?

If it was charging the starboard batteries fine, wouldn't you think they would also charge the port one's too? Aren't they all connected to the same inverter?

Now I need to figure out how to open my hatch to get to the batteries and inverter! I don't even know what brand of inverter I have since I can't easily get down there yet.


Thanks, Joe

 

[Carpedmman]

I, too, have a '97 330 although I don't have an inverter. I can help you by letting you know there are two ways of getting into the engine hatch without power.
1) Use the jumper that connects to a loose battery in the cockpit and plugs into the charger port to the left of the steering wheel. Do you have one of these connectors?
2) Pull the area carpeting off the engine hatch. There is a plastic lid which screws into the hatch - undo lid and reach inside to pull the pin from the accuator ram that typically raises the hatch. Carefull not to gouge your hand on the raw fiberglass pulling the pin.

Hope this helps you at least access your batteries. Sorry I couldn't help further.
Good luck!
Stuart

 

[Rocklobster]

Thank you. I'll have to get one of those connectors. Maybe I'll make one.

Joe

 

[Ace]

I have a recent story for you. I just purchased a 1998 310. I had a mechanic do a tune up, which lead to removing a manafold, wich lead to removing all four to check for missing "flapper". My mechanic pointed to two leads and said the old owner only had one connected to the battery. When he was done with his job, I had a dead battery issue and all three had just been replaced before purchase. I got suspisious when I saw that both of the previously mentioned leads were attached to the same battery. So I disconnected one bank of batterys and watched the meter on the inverter (charger). That is when I learned that the leads were from the inverter and one of the leads needs to go to each "bank".
Even a really bad battery would seem fine after an overnight charge. I bet your battery is fine after a day of cruising.
Greg