Thruster issue

[RSC]

I need some input on a thruster issue that developed today on my R21.
For no apparent reason, my bow thruster only works to send the bow to port side (left). The starboard side (right) direction doesn't work at all...just a "click" when the wand is placed to the right. Any suggestions as to cause and fix?

Bad connection?
Bad solenoid?
or?

Thank you in advance for any suggestions / help on this issue.
Bob,

 

[coreychamness]

definitely not the shear pin or it would not work either direction. Haven't seen that problem.

 

[Just Dreamin']

Bob, I had somewhat the same issue two years ago when a boat in the next slip over took a direct lighting hit. Needless to say a number of boats on the dock lost varying degrees of electronic components that afternoon, to include ours. I did not lose my ECM so engine started, but it did fry the thruster system. Needed that fixed fairly quickly so I used the troubleshooting guide from Sidepower and now on this forum from Andrew, and found my issue at the control head. Fairly easy to troubleshoot with a couple of jumper wires and a multimeter. And, the good news, at least in my case, photos plus description. Good luck.

 

[LADYBUG TOO]

Bob,

I had a total failure following a lightning strike and replaced the controller. I still had an issue similar to what you describe. The click makes me think that you have a bad ground connection or weak battery. On my R-29 there is a Blue Seas volt meter on the console. The Side Power people told me to look at the voltage drop when the joy stick was operated. The battery voltage dropped to about 8 VDC so I went looking for a ground issue and did find some corrosion. Still, the thruster was not performing as it did when I first got the boat. It turned out that the combining relay between the thruster and start batteries was not working. Blue Seas provided a replacement relay and all is well. So look for excessive voltage drop and make sure your combining relay is working if you have one.

Pat
Ladybug, Too

 

[RSC]

Thank you for the thoughts on the thruster issue that I have.

I used the trouble shooting guide found on this site to do some testing of the thruster. My thruster is slightly different from the one illustrated in the trouble shooting guide but the principles and basic wiring in some areas are the same. The problem seems to be associated at or with the starboard solenoid as it gets juice and just does a single click when switched on indicating that the solenoid trips. After the initial "click" nothing happens. All the jumper procedures used to test the circuit produce the same solenoid triggering "click". The battery has the appropriate voltage easily triggering the port thruster correctly. The fact that the thruster works on one side seems to precludes a flat spot on the motor. Possibly it is worn or dirty solenoid contacts?

Any further suggestions or possible cures before a possible big ticket fix?

Bob

 

[walldog]

Turning only one way could be the gear drive. Mine failed in that manner. It is only a matter of time before it will not turn either direction....at least that is what happened me...only a data point for review.

 

[RSC]

Walldog...
Thank you for that point for review. It is interesting that you say that. When I removed the plastic cover over the thruster electronics there was a printed instruction on the cover that made mention of changing/checking the gearbox oil once a year. I don't believe that I have seen that statement in any of the other literature on the thruster.

On your gear drive that became inoperable...was it two bevel gears that make the shafts meet at 90 degrees like the lower drive on an outboard motor or a worm gear setup?

I had an issue several years ago on my boat lift where the bushing for the worm gear was worn and jammed the drive system in one direction. I suppose that could be an issue with my thruster if there has been improper lubrication allowing bearing / bushing wear.

Discussing my issue at my yacht club last night, it was suggested that I really clean the electrical terminals, coat them with dielectric grease to limit corrosion and reassemble even though they are all tight. I will then try to figure out possible gearbox oil issue to see if that might be the problem.

 

[Charlesdykman]

First, check the e-mail from ECHO, whose boat is for sale. He has an excellent blog on his Great Circle, including thrusters. He might have an answer to you question. If not, try Ranger. They are pretty good. cpdykman, no name yet, but later we will name our 2009 R25 classic. Charles Dykman

 

[walldog]

Walldog...
Thank you for that point for review. It is interesting that you say that. When I removed the plastic cover over the thruster electronics there was a printed instruction on the cover that made mention of changing/checking the gearbox oil once a year. I don't believe that I have seen that statement in any of the other literature on the thruster.

On your gear drive that became inoperable...was it two bevel gears that make the shafts meet at 90 degrees like the lower drive on an outboard motor or a worm gear setup?

I had an issue several years ago on my boat lift where the bushing for the worm gear was worn and jammed the drive system in one direction. I suppose that could be an issue with my thruster if there has been improper lubrication allowing bearing / bushing wear.

Discussing my issue at my yacht club last night, it was suggested that I really clean the electrical terminals, coat them with dielectric grease to limit corrosion and reassemble even though they are all tight. I will then try to figure out possible gearbox oil issue to see if that might be the problem.

Yes it was the 90d gear drive on the stern thruster. I do not think it is serviceable, but I could be wrong...it has happened before. 🙂