This is a follow up from my previous thread...this boat has had multiple issues at the same time and I am sorting them out. Once again, I need some experience and expertise I have found here in the past.
Recap:
Boat is new to me. Had bad batteries and bad alternator, but hooked a new battery to it when launched and it ran great.
Changed the alternator and had an intermittent stalling issue, and it was low on power. Threw codes 42 ( bad ignition Control Module) and 43 (knock sensor reading constant knock).
Disconnected the alternator and the stalling problem went away but still low on power. I changed the knock sensor . I narrowed down problems with the ignition switch and changed it out. Reconnected the alternator and Took it out for a run and it ran smooth and fast. I was pretty happy, until it suddenly died with no warning.
This time it would not start, and tripped the helm circuit breaker (15amps?).
If I turn on the key, the guages engage, but and way down...volt meter reads 10 volts, (new batteries fully charged) gas guage is barely above empty (has half tank of fuel) and the engine will crank but not start. If I leave the key on for more than 10 seconds or so the helm circuit breaker will trip, and the ignition wire at the ignition switch gets VERY hot.
So I am thinking a dead short. The problem is that intermittently I turn on the key and all is normal. Hit the starter and it fires and starts for a few seconds than all goes bad again. I went ahead and changed the ignition module, no change. I am checking every connection I can find, no change. I disconnected the new alternator, and poof! All is perfect again. Runs perfect. Seems the alternator is the root of many problems, but it's new (reman) from a reputable marine parts house.
So I am thinking short in the ignition (purple) circuit, but only from the key to the alternator. Not the ignition, fuel pump, etc...all work perfect with out the alternator, and all other accessories on the boat work fine, windlass, cabin lights, etc...
I am not an electrician, but as I read it, the alternator is the last stop for the purple "exciting" wire circuit. If there was a short anywhere else, it would show up even with the alternator disconnected, no? So I pulled the alternator to have it tested and because of the unique plugs used in marine alternators, no one knows how to test it. I know the current output is good, but there must be a short in the excitation circuit inside the alternator.
Is there anything I am missing? I am hoping to replace the alternator under warranty, but is there any other possibilities?
Dan
Recap:
Boat is new to me. Had bad batteries and bad alternator, but hooked a new battery to it when launched and it ran great.
Changed the alternator and had an intermittent stalling issue, and it was low on power. Threw codes 42 ( bad ignition Control Module) and 43 (knock sensor reading constant knock).
Disconnected the alternator and the stalling problem went away but still low on power. I changed the knock sensor . I narrowed down problems with the ignition switch and changed it out. Reconnected the alternator and Took it out for a run and it ran smooth and fast. I was pretty happy, until it suddenly died with no warning.
This time it would not start, and tripped the helm circuit breaker (15amps?).
If I turn on the key, the guages engage, but and way down...volt meter reads 10 volts, (new batteries fully charged) gas guage is barely above empty (has half tank of fuel) and the engine will crank but not start. If I leave the key on for more than 10 seconds or so the helm circuit breaker will trip, and the ignition wire at the ignition switch gets VERY hot.
So I am thinking a dead short. The problem is that intermittently I turn on the key and all is normal. Hit the starter and it fires and starts for a few seconds than all goes bad again. I went ahead and changed the ignition module, no change. I am checking every connection I can find, no change. I disconnected the new alternator, and poof! All is perfect again. Runs perfect. Seems the alternator is the root of many problems, but it's new (reman) from a reputable marine parts house.
So I am thinking short in the ignition (purple) circuit, but only from the key to the alternator. Not the ignition, fuel pump, etc...all work perfect with out the alternator, and all other accessories on the boat work fine, windlass, cabin lights, etc...
I am not an electrician, but as I read it, the alternator is the last stop for the purple "exciting" wire circuit. If there was a short anywhere else, it would show up even with the alternator disconnected, no? So I pulled the alternator to have it tested and because of the unique plugs used in marine alternators, no one knows how to test it. I know the current output is good, but there must be a short in the excitation circuit inside the alternator.
Is there anything I am missing? I am hoping to replace the alternator under warranty, but is there any other possibilities?
Dan
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