I know this topic has been discussed before. But I don't think I remember reading a clear cut answer. I have a 1985 3870, with twin Mits. I would like to know which engine charges the starter bank, and which charges the house bank? I have always heard that you start the engine that charges the starter bank first. Then the engine that charges the house bank next. Or does it make any difference which one you start first?
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Which Engine Charges The Starter Bank And Which Engines Charges The House Bank?-gctid814596
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On my 38 the port charges the start, the starboard charges the house. When the house battery switch is on, my panel guages show the house bank voltage on the starboard voltage meter at both stations.
James
1989 Bayliner 3888, 175 Hinos,
Hurth 630's Onan 8kw MDKD
Lowrance Electronics!
Boating on Georgian Bay & the North Channel
Completed the Great Loop 07/25/19
AGLCA #8340
MTOA# 7469
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Thanks for responding James as I thought something was wrong with both of my Starboard volt meters as they read a little above 13V at the dock even with the ignition switches OFF. I just asked a fellow friend (3988) with CUMMINS - the voltmeter doesn't give reading until the ignition switched to the ON position. As far as the charging of ENGINE bank versus ACCESSORY (House) - mine are Port - (Engine) and Starboard (House) in the manual. It doesn't hurt to perform a hand over hand trace from the alternator as suggested above since prior owners have a way of changing things.
MY 3988
M/V MMPOWRD
Poulsbo, WA
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"Bay39" post=814628 wrote:
Thanks for responding James as I thought something was wrong with both of my Starboard volt meters as they read a little above 13V at the dock even with the ignition switches OFF. I just asked a fellow friend (3988) with CUMMINS - the voltmeter doesn't give reading until the ignition switched to the ON position. As far as the charging of ENGINE bank versus ACCESSORY (House) - mine are Port - (Engine) and Starboard (House) in the manual. It doesn't hurt to perform a hand over hand trace from the alternator as suggested above since prior owners have a way of changing things.
1999 3788, Cummins 270 "Freedom"
2013 Boston Whaler 130 SS
Anacortes, WA
Isla Verde, PR
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"Norton Rider" post=814631 wrote:
"Bay39" post=814628 wrote:
Thanks for responding James as I thought something was wrong with both of my Starboard volt meters as they read a little above 13V at the dock even with the ignition switches OFF. I just asked a fellow friend (3988) with CUMMINS - the voltmeter doesn't give reading until the ignition switched to the ON position. As far as the charging of ENGINE bank versus ACCESSORY (House) - mine are Port - (Engine) and Starboard (House) in the manual. It doesn't hurt to perform a hand over hand trace from the alternator as suggested above since prior owners have a way of changing things.
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"SuperiorDiver" post=814876 wrote:
"Norton Rider" post=814631 wrote:
"Bay39" post=814628 wrote:
Thanks for responding James as I thought something was wrong with both of my Starboard volt meters as they read a little above 13V at the dock even with the ignition switches OFF. I just asked a fellow friend (3988) with CUMMINS - the voltmeter doesn't give reading until the ignition switched to the ON position. As far as the charging of ENGINE bank versus ACCESSORY (House) - mine are Port - (Engine) and Starboard (House) in the manual. It doesn't hurt to perform a hand over hand trace from the alternator as suggested above since prior owners have a way of changing things.
1999 3788, Cummins 270 "Freedom"
2013 Boston Whaler 130 SS
Anacortes, WA
Isla Verde, PR
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"Norton Rider" post=814908 wrote:
"SuperiorDiver" post=814876 wrote:
"Norton Rider" post=814631 wrote:
"Bay39" post=814628 wrote:
Thanks for responding James as I thought something was wrong with both of my Starboard volt meters as they read a little above 13V at the dock even with the ignition switches OFF. I just asked a fellow friend (3988) with CUMMINS - the voltmeter doesn't give reading until the ignition switched to the ON position. As far as the charging of ENGINE bank versus ACCESSORY (House) - mine are Port - (Engine) and Starboard (House) in the manual. It doesn't hurt to perform a hand over hand trace from the alternator as suggested above since prior owners have a way of changing things.
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"SuperiorDiver" post=815237 wrote:
"Norton Rider" post=814908 wrote:
"SuperiorDiver" post=814876 wrote:
"Norton Rider" post=814631 wrote:
"Bay39" post=814628 wrote:
Thanks for responding James as I thought something was wrong with both of my Starboard volt meters as they read a little above 13V at the dock even with the ignition switches OFF. I just asked a fellow friend (3988) with CUMMINS - the voltmeter doesn't give reading until the ignition switched to the ON position. As far as the charging of ENGINE bank versus ACCESSORY (House) - mine are Port - (Engine) and Starboard (House) in the manual. It doesn't hurt to perform a hand over hand trace from the alternator as suggested above since prior owners have a way of changing things.
1999 3788, Cummins 270 "Freedom"
2013 Boston Whaler 130 SS
Anacortes, WA
Isla Verde, PR
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Sorry, but I am still missing something in the answer regarding how to tell which engine charges which bank. As I stated, if there are combiners, all batteries will show charging or a voltage rise with either engine. The only way I could tell which engine charges a specific bank was to disable the combiner. My statement was just a caution if there are combiners installed.
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SuperiorDiver I understand your line of thinking. Now let me throw a little something in to my original question. What I have gathered is if you have a jumper switch to connect the start bank with the house bank in the on position, then it does not mater which engine you start first. It will be charging both banks and when you start the second you will still be charging both banks. Is this right or am I missing something?
Just love being on my 3870............Bill
1985 3870
Twin 130 Mits. not turbo charged
Name of boat is "Plenty Of Fish"
Live on board full time.
North Myrtle Beach, SC
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