Electrical problem on '81 ski nautique |
Post Reply | Page 12> |
Author | |
hughman
Groupie Joined: June-17-2010 Location: MI Status: Offline Points: 69 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Posted: September-21-2015 at 3:01pm |
Was wondering if I could get some advice?
Last time I had the boat out, it was running great. Have had no problems for quite a few years. Then, it started just quitting, like the electrical system was shorting out, but did not stop running, just sputter on and off. It would just quit running, the gages would stop, but then come right back on. Then it got worse and worse. When I turned the key to start it, sometimes it would start, then shut down again. When I turned the key, the gauges went on and off. I thought it was the ignition switch, so replaced that this last weekend. At first, it started right up and ran, then after a minute or so, started doing it again. With the boat places booked for winterizing for a while, having a hard time getting someone to look at it. And I need to get it running so I can also winterize. From the last post, could it be the coil? I am not very knowledgeable on voltages and amps and stuff, just enough to shock the crap out myself. Seems like I replaced the coil from SkiDim not too long ago. Thanks for any help! |
|
Hollywood
Moderator Group Joined: February-04-2004 Location: Twin Lakes, WI Status: Offline Points: 13513 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
It doesn't need to run to winterize. You'll need a volt meter to start.
|
|
8122pbrainard
Grand Poobah Joined: September-14-2006 Location: Three Lakes Wi. Status: Offline Points: 41045 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Hugh,
You are going to get a shock off 12 volts. Start by checking all your connections including your battery cables. What made you think it was the ignition switch? Why did you put a coil in it? Don't start throwing parts at it without testing first. |
|
hughman
Groupie Joined: June-17-2010 Location: MI Status: Offline Points: 69 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Ok, I will check the connections.out. Visually, they look fine. Should I take off and clean all the connections? And sounds like I will need a volt-meter. I have my routine for winterizing, and it always starts right up in the spring. So I would fell better doing it while it is running and not have it bother me all winter. I had put a coil in it a few years ago when I got rid of the points. I thought it was the switch where you insert the key, since sometimes when you turn the key= nothing. Then keep turning the key on and off and the gauges jump to life, then die again like there is no juice going to them.
|
|
8122pbrainard
Grand Poobah Joined: September-14-2006 Location: Three Lakes Wi. Status: Offline Points: 41045 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I highly susspect the EI conversion to be the problem with the poor running engine. Why did you put it in??? Put the point set back in!!! |
|
hughman
Groupie Joined: June-17-2010 Location: MI Status: Offline Points: 69 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
The electronic ignition was installed in 2005. I do not have the points. Maybe I should check under the distributor for a loose connection?
|
|
illiniball2000
Senior Member Joined: June-27-2014 Location: Elgin,IL Status: Offline Points: 386 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Pete/Hollywood. Would his gauge as quit if the EI is the problem? Don't know if the fuse set up is similar to my 67? I could wiggle the wire going to one side of the fuse box and my gauges ignition would fail. Then move it back and it would be good. Ended up replacing fuse plate and an inline fuse for the ignition. Not saying it is his problem. Just asking the question more so I can learn. I know that checking with volt meter from ignition to cool will answer a lot of questions as well.
Thanks |
|
Beer is my friend
87 Dominique Had 67 Starflite |
|
8122pbrainard
Grand Poobah Joined: September-14-2006 Location: Three Lakes Wi. Status: Offline Points: 41045 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
The gauge problem is why I suggested checking all the wiring connections. This is where a VOM (volt Ohm meter) would be best to have. Wigling wires isn't the best test procedure! However, I still suspect the EI conversion. I'd also recommend checking to see if the EI and the coil combination needs a ballast resistor or not. |
|
SNobsessed
Grand Poobah Joined: October-21-2007 Location: IA Status: Offline Points: 7102 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Check out the Ignition circuit breaker too. The voltmeter would be handy for that.
|
|
“Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”
Ben Franklin |
|
Hollywood
Moderator Group Joined: February-04-2004 Location: Twin Lakes, WI Status: Offline Points: 13513 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Brian, I'm not familiar enough with the 60s boats to even know if that fuse of yours is original. I suspect not. Hard to know what's been added/subtracted/monkeyed with on these old boats.
OP needs to study up on basic boat wiring, get a VOM and start tracing voltages. |
|
hughman
Groupie Joined: June-17-2010 Location: MI Status: Offline Points: 69 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Great leads, thanks so much. Did not get a chance to work on it last night, forgot about daughter's volleyball games. The fuse/circuit breaker concept does seem like it may be the problem the way it keeps "shorting" out. I have no idea where the fuses are located on my baby. Do not see anything under the dash or near the engine. Plus, I messed up my back changing the ignition key switch, so that does not help.
|
|
hughman
Groupie Joined: June-17-2010 Location: MI Status: Offline Points: 69 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Another question: What is the red button marked "40" in the hopefully attached photo? Is this the circuit breaker? That would be awesome if a simple button push would solve my problem, but I have been afraid to push it, thinking it might be the self destruct button....
|
|
8122pbrainard
Grand Poobah Joined: September-14-2006 Location: Three Lakes Wi. Status: Offline Points: 41045 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
The red button is the main circuit breaker but, it will not reset by itself. You state that the engine and gauges wold come back on so something else is happening. Get that VOM and do some testing.
|
|
hughman
Groupie Joined: June-17-2010 Location: MI Status: Offline Points: 69 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Is there a spot to look for these fuses that have been mentioned? If I were to push the "red button", will it reset the breaker? I suspect it has never been pushed in 34 years..
|
|
8122pbrainard
Grand Poobah Joined: September-14-2006 Location: Three Lakes Wi. Status: Offline Points: 41045 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Small fusing or breakers will be at the helm. Did you check the main breaker with the VOM to confirm it's tripped?
|
|
hughman
Groupie Joined: June-17-2010 Location: MI Status: Offline Points: 69 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
"At the helm"? So you mean near the steering wheel? Under the dash somewhere? I apologize for my ignorance. I have not checked with a meter yet. Thanks-
|
|
CrazyCanuck
Senior Member Joined: July-21-2013 Location: Vancouver B.C. Status: Offline Points: 254 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
A partially broken wire that is intermittently losing contact or a bad/rusted ground is my vote.
In that case, wire wiggling may in fact work.....lol But you should have a voltmetre anyway.....they are cheap. Here is a link to the wiring diagram for your boat wiring diagram |
|
https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRtW3vJrMHLdqBzndt9VX3oOpBuRopGlzKq9Ea7pAO7wnTuoD8E8g
|
|
8122pbrainard
Grand Poobah Joined: September-14-2006 Location: Three Lakes Wi. Status: Offline Points: 41045 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Hugh,
I've seen some pretty bad connections on the .250 sta-con quick disconnects. They were frequently used for connections on gauges, circuit breakers and fuses. Take a look on the back side of your helm (dash). I've even seen them split open since the bronze used gets brittle over time. Yes, "helm" is a general term for anything related to needed items for controlling a boat. |
|
SNobsessed
Grand Poobah Joined: October-21-2007 Location: IA Status: Offline Points: 7102 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Hugh - If you could post a picture of you dash, maybe we can help you more.
|
|
“Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”
Ben Franklin |
|
hughman
Groupie Joined: June-17-2010 Location: MI Status: Offline Points: 69 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Thanks so much. I pushed the "red button". It pushed in and stayed pushed in. I thought that meant it had been pushed out through a short, and was all set. Started it up, and it ran an even shorter time before it started shorting out. Bought a volt meter, read the instructions, and was dumbfounded how to use it. Looked under the dash, saw no fuses. I will go out and take a pic of the dash and post tomorrow. Thinking it is above my comfort zone. Thanks for all the help! Will do some wiggling tomorrow.
|
|
Bri892001
Grand Poobah Joined: September-27-2008 Location: Boston MA Status: Offline Points: 4947 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
One thing to keep in mind, when you are dealing with the key switch, you are dealing will all positive side voltage.
-Switch your voltmeter to 12 volts DC, -Put the black wire in the ground side on the meter, and -Put the red wire in the positive side on the meter. Use the red hole one designated for 12 volt dc testing, sometimes they go in different places depending on what you're testing. -This is where either alligator clip test leads, or a helper come in handy. (Also, why I prefer a test light for quick and dirty basic testing, they come with an alligator clip.) You want to solidly attach, or have the helper firmly probe the negative terminal on the battery, or other known good ground with the black probe and hold it. -Now, use your red wire to basically poke around the key switch. The wires going in, and the wires coming out. You can't hurt anything, unless you actually puncture a gauge with the sharp probe -One of the posts should always show voltage, whether the key is off or on. This is the battery input post -One of the posts should consistently show voltage with the key on, and none with the key off. This is your ignition post. -One of the posts should show voltage only when the key is turned to the start. -Now, back to the always live post. See if you can hold the red probe there, and start giggling your suspect connections. If the voltage reading waivers, you are getting close to finding a problem. |
|
hughman
Groupie Joined: June-17-2010 Location: MI Status: Offline Points: 69 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Here is the dash picture I promised. Thanks so much for the troubleshooting advice. Now I just have to count down the hours until I can get home and play with my baby again. Are there any comments on the circuit breaker button? Should it have been pushed out like that? Does that indicate there was a problem there? Did I do the right thing pushing it in? Wish I had checked it again after it was still having the problem. Hurry up, 5 pm ! |
|
8122pbrainard
Grand Poobah Joined: September-14-2006 Location: Three Lakes Wi. Status: Offline Points: 41045 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Hugh,
Something tripped the main breaker. Are any of the fuses at the helm blown? Yes, the tripped breaker does indicate a problem since they don't trip by themselves. Now, the issue will be to find out what did trip it. What condition is your battery in? The main breaker typically is between the alternator and the battery. Has anyone done any changes to the wiring? |
|
hughman
Groupie Joined: June-17-2010 Location: MI Status: Offline Points: 69 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Thanks, that is what I was thinking about the breaker, but was not sure. I have not found any fuses at the helm. Would they be in-line fuses? Or a "fuse board"? Not sure what I am looking for, sorry. The battery is less than 2 years old, and I keep it charged up periodically throughout the winter, I assume it is good. As far as the wiring, I am not aware of any changes, especially within the last 7 years. As a gift, I was given the radios, and the fish/depth finder 8-9 years ago. I had them installed by a "boat guy". I actually never use the radios, but a safety thing if I plan on going out on Lake Michigan, Huron, or Erie, which the boat has been on all 3. I use the depth finder to find fishing spots on lakes I an unfamiliar with, and to help keep from hitting the bottom. And yes, there is lots of skiing....
|
|
Bri892001
Grand Poobah Joined: September-27-2008 Location: Boston MA Status: Offline Points: 4947 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I guess I would tend to be somewhat suspicious of the add on electrical accessories. Especially since the basic dash wiring of these boats tends to be just robust enough to do what it has to do. Not much room for anything extra.
Of course, if this problem is just turning up now, after 7-8 years, I guess those things are less suspicious. Now, do those accessories rely on the key switch in order to be able to turn on? |
|
hughman
Groupie Joined: June-17-2010 Location: MI Status: Offline Points: 69 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I only use the Garmin depth/fish finder, and the way it is wired, I have to remember to turn it off when I turn the boat off. Have not used the radios in so long, I do not remember if they are the same.
|
|
8122pbrainard
Grand Poobah Joined: September-14-2006 Location: Three Lakes Wi. Status: Offline Points: 41045 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Hugh,
Have your battery load tested at the auto supply. Hopefully it isn't a deep cycle! It also would be a good idea to have the alternator and regulator tested. It looks like your fusing is in the dash to the left of the helm wheel. |
|
hughman
Groupie Joined: June-17-2010 Location: MI Status: Offline Points: 69 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Ok, I feel very stupid. Why couldn't I see that? Guess it was just too obvious. Now I REALLY am waiting for 5 o'clock to hurry up! Thanks so much! Fingers are crossed I am closer to a solution with all your help--this site is awesome!
|
|
shierh
Gold Member Joined: April-29-2015 Location: Florida Status: Offline Points: 605 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
is boat set up with volt meter or Amp Meter?
|
|
hughman
Groupie Joined: June-17-2010 Location: MI Status: Offline Points: 69 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Yes. Off the top of my head, not sure which, but there is an electrical gauge on the dash..
|
|
Post Reply | Page 12> |
Tweet
|
Forum Jump | Forum Permissions You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum |