Recent content by Looking Glass

I am considering dumping the LaMarche Constavolt charger and replacing it with a smart charger so that I can switch to AGM batteries. Does anyone who has done this have any suggestions, or know of downsides? I assume having a constavolt charger lets the charger run 32 volt systems without...

Here is a picture of where the AVR and relays are. The Model is Northern Lights M-854. I believe it is installed in 1979. Thanks for your help.

The stop-solenoid on our NL generator stopped operating while the generator was in use. The solenoid works when I hook it up to a battery but it does not activate when I try to start the engine, nor when I press the warm-up button. I can get the generator to run by manually pulling the solenoid...

I am wondering what everyone is using as far as anchor size on their boats. We are updating from our current CQR to a Mantus M2. Mantus recommends a 125lb but the Galley Maid Windlass guys think I should go with a 105lb. I would prefer the lighter anchor in case I need to haul it up by hand if...

Finally got the windlass off. After letting it soak in PB Blaster for a few more days, I slipped the 1 1/2 inch piper over the shaft and it it with an 8lb masonry hammer and it came loose. Now to find a replacement. Any suggestions? I have 11 3/4 inch space between the pulpit and the bottom of...

Finally got the gypsy off. Now I am off to buy a pipe to bang the collar through. I assume it is the rust colored ring, not the inner brass ring or the outer chrome ring.

I am trying to remove my windlass, to repair or replace it. The capstan came right off, as well as the plate that holds the springs. However, the wildcat will not budge. Is there something I am missing? Is that I bushing on the shaft, or is it tapered?

Is it still difficult getting turbos? I need to replace a turbo on my 8v92. The flange on the exhaust side broke off.

Update: I ran a fuel line from the mechanical fuel pump straight to a small can of fuel sitting next to the generator. And now it works fine. So, either the unidentifiable thing is an electric assist pump that has failed, or there is something further down the line clogging the fuel lines. I...

My Northen Lights 20kw generator stopped working suddenly. I am almost certain it is a fuel starvation problem. I checked all the lines and there is no blockage. If I use the manual pump on the fuel pump, as if I were bleeding the system, the generator will run for a few minutes, then die. I...

My slip has a 50 amp connection and a 30 amp connection. I am using a 50amp-30amp adapter at the post. When I run the stove on the 50 amp line (line 1) it draws 10amps but if I run it on the 30 amp line (line 2) it draws 20 amps. What gives? In both cases it is sending 220 volts to the stove. Is...

When I turn the wheel at the lower helm one full rotation, the rudder turns 10 degrees. When I do the same thing at the upper helm it moves the rudder only 5 degrees. As a result, I am moving the wheel twice as much at the upper helm while under way. The air pressure is fine and the fluid...

Our Marquip 1000 Davit is leaking fluid. I cannot tell if it is a cylinder or a hose, and cannot find a manual to help me figure out how to repair it. Does anyone know of a repair shop near Philadelphia? I would consider taking it off the boat and driving it to a repair shop but do not have a...

The lower helm steering does absolutely nothing, just spins. The upper helm is fine and i can steer with the autopilot as well. It happened suddenly with no prior issues. At first I thought the autopilot was not disengaging but i turned it off and it did not help. I do not see any physical...

My 58MY was painted about 15 years ago, and overall, it looks very nice. However, there a dozen or so paint chips and some stress cracks here and there. Short of a new paint job, what do you guys recommend as a short term fix? My previous boat was gel coat, and repairing nicks and cracks was...