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.

 

[Fanfare]

When I HAVE to parallel, I always start the good engine first, take it to about 1500 rpm for a minute or so to replace the starting battery's charge, then use the parallel switch for the other engine. I figure the alternator is putting out 13+ volts and I might as well send this to the other battery.

I don't know if it really helps, but it makes me feel like I'm doing something useful.

 

[lumina]

Hi All,

FWIW the port bank starts the port engine on our 1974 48 YF. It also acts as the house bank on this model unless upgraded by the owner at the time of purchase or there after.

We accedently ran the port bank down once and the parallel selector switch provided immediate full backup starting power.

 

[stilespb]

How long has it been since you had them running? They can set up tight and not turn over even with good batteries and starter motor. You may need to use a breaker bar and socket to rotate the engine a couple of turns first to free up the innards.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

When was the last time you serviced your batteries? How did the terminals look? Clean, tight?

Any unusual water usage? Any one cell that didn't need water (dead cell)? How old are the batteries and what brand/model?

 

[MarioG]

Be vary careful when engaging the starter. You could be running the risk of a battery explosion if there are bad batteries in the banks.

 

[RT46]

As a back up to the parallel switch, i keep jumpper cables in the ER for emergencies.

I used them once to start the generator.

 

[stormchaser]

So, looks like I HAD a battery with a dead cell or dead cells. Water levels were checked early last week and again just before trying to crank her up. No unusual water usage. But they are most certainly ready for replacement. Terminals are clean and tight, all wiring and terminals from battery to engines and charger are less than 5 years old (replaced when I bought her). Looks like the batteries just gave up at the wrong time.

Before ordering new batteries (I'm going to replace ALL of them as they are on their 4th or 5th year) the shop wanted me to demo for them what was happening. So they sent a tech down. I hit the ignition and we hear a POP from the starboard bank. Tech looks at me and said "and that was a battery exploding" and that was that. Yes, indeed, a battery EXPLODED! Thank GOD for heavy duty battery boxes with good lids. It contained EVERYTHING but there are a bunch of shards of plastic and multiple gallons on what used to be battery acid in the bottom of the battery box. Could have been a LOT worse. I neutralized it with baking soda (added more and more until it totally stopped fizzing). SO...new batteries are being ordered and installed.

As for the vacation... I ended up borrowing a friends oh-boat to save the vacation. It served the purpose quite well. Not a perfect long weekend, but overall not horrible.

 

[stormchaser]

Be vary careful when engaging the starter. You could be running the risk of a battery explosion if there are bad batteries in the banks.

Indeed! Lesson learned and let it stand as a warning to others...