Thruster/Generator problems

[batate]

We're slowly getting our new-to-us R29 classic (2014, Penta 4) ready for the great loop. We have a few nagging problems. Chief of these is a circuit problem. The stern thruster/generator are both having power problems. I have a few questions.

1. We just replaced all of the batteries with Duracell AGMs.

In the circuit meter over the cave, circuit 1 is showing no power regardless of the switch configuration; circuits 2 and 3 are showing just under 13 volts no matter what the power switch configuration between engine and house.

2. Our stern thruster is clicking but not firing, and our generator as well. This sounds to me like they are on the same battery, and that it's a circuit problem rather than a battery problem. The terminals are clean and the battery is fully charged. Does anyone have any ideas about where there's a common connection where there might be some corrosion that these two systems share?

3. Should I expect the three banks in the 12 v meter behind the cave to correspond in some way to my three banks? What might be wrong with the meter?

I am pretty new at all of this... thanks in advance for any assistance (and all patience).

PS: It was fun to meet Mike and Beth (friend of Submariner/Channel Surfing) in Chattanooga as you came through as part of your own great loop run.

Thanks in advance...
Bruce and Maggie, Currently

 

[Martin610]

You may have multiple issues.

Even though the batteries are new, I would check them individually with a multi-meter and load tester just to make sure they are OK. While rare, sometimes a battery is defective.

On my Cutwater the power panel volt meters correspond to house, engine, and thruster batteries. If battery switches are on they should indicate voltage for the batteries. Your multi-meter reading should match the power panel voltage meters fairly closely.

On my boat, the two house batteries are wired in parallel. When you installed new batteries are you sure all the wires/cables were re-installed correctly? Connections tight, no corrosion? Do the house lights, TV, etc. work properly? These things run off the house batteries.

The fact that your generator solenoid clicks but the starter doesn't engage could mean you have continuity but not sufficient amperage. You seem to have the same symptom for the thruster.

As a first step, I would go through the connections one by one and look for corrosion or a loose fitting. Check the fuses, I have had issues where the fuse tested positive for continuity but there was corrosion that limited flow of electricity. Might have to check the battery switches too.

This is a great forum, I'm sure other suggestions will come along.

-martin

 

[batate]

Thanks for your response.

Batteries all check out; the stern thruster is at least getting the right voltage. I cleaned off all of the connections on the main bar (with the ground and yellow/negative terminals). They are all solid now, and a few had some early stages of corrosion.

I think you are on to something with corrosion at the fuse or switch. The stern thruster and generator are on the same circuit so I will swing over to the positive side, and maybe even swap out the fuse with the working bow thruster to eliminate that fuse as a concern, and clean the connections while I am in there.

Thanks for the ideas!

 

[batate]

There are indeed three problems. One electrical; some corrosion on the yellow bus bar that I cleaned out. The stern thruster was out, and I replaced the motor assembly. It looked like there was water intrusion. The generator also has a service tech coming. I cleaned up want I am equipped to do. I am getting a tech out to replace the starter/relay and do the service.

Thanks to all of the help here. We had our first shakedown cruise and it was fantastic. We are slowly making the boat ours.