Which batteries start port engine?! Need fast answers, supposed to shove off at 2:00!

[stormchaser]

I would assume port, but want to double check. Went to start her this morning and all I get is a bunch of clicking, even when battery parallel switch is on. Battery condition meter on the 32v panel shows port batteries really low when not paralleled. flip the parallel switch and it shows like the starboard but still won't start. Is there any harm in holding the switch over for a while to let the battery/alternator for the starboard engine charge up the port? UGH!

[Jaxfishgyd]

If you hold the switch too long, it will burn out the solenoid...... "ask how I know......"

[MikeP]

Port on our 53.

I don't think the parallel solenoid is a constant duty type so it may either trip a breaker/fuse at some point or weld the internal contacts. I've done all those on several occasions. Personally, if I couldn't get one of the engines to start using the parallel switch, I would sort out the problem with the batt bank/connections/whatever before I went out anywhere.

[Canuck Dennis]

If the bank shows low voltage, it's low voltage and will not turn over the mains, check ground wire first, then SG of the cells, then probably replace.

[stormchaser]

Double checking everything...thanks for the advice!

[Pascal]

When paralleled the stbd bank will be directly connected to the port bank and to the starter so if there was enough juice to start stbd, port should start. Trying to charge port with stbd alternator isn't going to help,especially since your charger was on

Check battery condition first as well as terminal. One of them could be loose or corroded. Also check terminal at the starter for corrosion

Check actual voltage at the main starter terminal with parallel sol off and on.

Finally check the terminals on the parallel sol.

[piripucha]

Check the batteries connections, and put your battery charger on MANUAL for a few minutes. Try to start it with the paralell switch and dont forget to put the charger on auto. good luck !

[GJH]

Remember the parallel switch gets switched to the bank opposite the one that needs the boost. Counter intuitive, but that's how it is set up.