[C320-list] test

[Sandy Olson]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Allan S. Field" <allan.field at verizon.net>
To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Sent: Sunday, January 10, 2010 5:30 PM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Electrical problem


> Warren - it is Mike that I am thinking still has the stock ProMariner.  If
> so, that probably is the culprit for his problems. - Allan
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
> [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Warren 
> Updike
> Sent: Sunday, January 10, 2010 5:19 PM
> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Electrical problem
>
> Allan, I don't have a ProMariner. Mine is a 50A LewMar that was on the 
> boat
> when I bought it.  According to the manual, it will float the batteries at
> 14.1V, although I don't leave it on when there is no DC load. The charger
> relay for the starting battery kicks in at 13.7V.  Apparently, a constant
> voltage around 14V will not hurt the batteries.  The previous set of
> batteries lasted 7 years so I expect my charger works OK. ---Warren
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Allan S. Field [mailto:allan.field at verizon.net]
> Sent: Saturday, January 09, 2010 6:50 PM
> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Electrical problem
>
> Warren - Does the ProMariner reach and maintain float?  I thought that was
> the problem with it - it just kept on cooking and is not a true 3-stage
> charger.  But I could be wrong...  Where is Jeff Hare on this?! - Allan
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
> [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Warren 
> Updike
> Sent: Saturday, January 09, 2010 6:39 PM
> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Electrical problem
>
> Mike, according to the experts (not me,) the only way to assess the health
> of a wet cell deep cycle battery is to perform a load test on it.  All
> previous advice is useful.
>
> Water the batteries, clean all connections, and recharge. Monitor the
> charging voltage to be sure the charger is working correctly. When the
> charger enters float stage, disconnect and let the batteries sit for a 
> day.
> After at least 24 hrs. test the voltage again on each battery. If still
> high, they're good.  If dropped by more than a tenth or two of a volt, you
> may have a problem. Have a load test done.
>
> As Karl suggests, you can test each cell with a hygrometer (compensate for
> temp.) to determine if one cell is weaker than others.  I recall that if 
> the
> cell to cell difference is more than .20, the cell is likely weak.
>
> Four years is on the near side of lifetime for deep cell batteries
> constantly charged.  Consider that your charger could be the problem.
>
> If the tops of the plates inside the cells have been left high and dry for
> any length of time, chances are your battery is done and can't be 
> recovered.
>
> Warren & Pattie Updike
> Catalina 320, #62, "Warr De Mar"
> Middle River, Chesapeake Bay
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: bruceheyman at cox.net [mailto:bruceheyman at cox.net]
> Sent: Saturday, January 09, 2010 9:20 AM
> To: Catalina List
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Electrical problem
>
> Mike,
> Also check the connections and the cables.  Several times I've come across 
> a
> situation where a dodgey cable end or connection would handle the low
> current demands of the fridge and GPS but balk at the couple of hundred 
> amps
> required by the starter motor.
> Bruce
> Somerset 671 SoCal
> Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: bruceheyman at cox.net
> Date: Sat, 9 Jan 2010 12:51:37
> To: Catalina List<C320-List at Catalina320.com>
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Electrical problem
>
> Mike,
> Check fluid level and add distilled water as required. Charge over night 
> and
> then check each cell with a hydrometer.
> Bruce
> Somerset 671 SoCal
> Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: "Mike Paris" <mparis495 at gmail.com>
> Date: Fri, 8 Jan 2010 18:01:57
> To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
> Subject: [C320-list] Electrical problem
>
> Last weekend I went out for a day-sail. I usually put the battery sith on
> "both" but I forgot and left it on "2" for the trip. The engine started
> normally, I motored for about 30 minutes and then sailed for about 2 1/2
> hours. When I went to restart the engine it was dead (no sound when 
> pushing
> the start button). I changed the battery switch to "both" and the the 
> engine
> started right up. The electrical draw during the sail was a fully cooled
> refrigerator, the chartplotter and ST60 gauges. My boat is always plugged 
> in
> to shorepower with charger on when in the slip. I have two wet-cell
> batteries that I believe are about four years old (I've owned the boat for 
> 2
> 1/2 years). I'm not knowledable about electrical systems so I'm looking 
> for
> advice as to steps to take to find possible problems when I head down 
> there
> this weekend.
>
> Thanks to all,
> Mike P
> #734
>
>
>
>