Starterproblems with my 88 sn2001

Hi all,

last weekend i did the first "in-water"-test of my new 1988 ski nautique 2001. In general the test was successful. She doesn't take water and the engine is running strong :) If it's running... That is the problem. After putting a fully loaded battery (55Ah) into the boat she started after a little pumping and ran smoothly. I let her run for a while until temp got up a little. Then i stopped her and i waited for my friend to get his boat running. I started again a she came easily whith some gas when turning the starter. It took my frind a little longer to get his boat ready and i stopped again after about 10 minutes and relaxed. Then after another 10 minutes we were ready to go and i started her again. No probs with some gas while turning the starter. So we went out and cruised for about 20-30 Minutes (mixture between slow and fast ride). We stopped for a talk and i stoppped the engine for about 10 minutes and did not get her to start anymore. The starter turned as if the battery was very empty. We tried to bridge her with the battery from my friends (running) boat, but the same thing. Then we tried to connect the bridg-cable (english?) dirctly to the starter and it turned equally slowly. We finally managed to get her running when i turned the starter and my friend connected his battery directly to the starter. So the problem was not enough power for the starter to turn quickly enough.
I will renew the battery tomorrow and replace the startercables with new and bigger ones and hope that will help.
It is really not funny to be on a river and not beeing able to start again...
Any thoughts on this?

Regards,
Tom

P.S.: Sorry for my english...

Hi,

tullfooter wrote: Hi Tom The obvious problem would be that the alternator is not charging the battery.

I thought of that as well, but when the engine was running i accidentally removed the negative cable from the battery and the engine kept running. At least i know now that the alternator delivers some power. If enough to charge the battery as well (i believe it should be at least 13.8V and not more than 14.4V) i yet have to measure.

tullfooter wrote: The other problem could be your cables. When cables get warmer, they have more resistance and do not conduct electricity as well. Have your alternator tested and replacing the cables is a good idea.

Yes, i orderd 25qmm cables today and will replace my old cables as soon as i get them.

tullfooter wrote: And remember; Renew= Charge Bridge cables= Jumper cables

I ment Renew = Replace ;)

Thanks,
Tom

Hi,

Morfoot wrote: Hey! Whats wrong with your english?

I am having difficulties finding the right vocabulary to describe technical issues
Google- or Altavista-translators are not much help

Morfoot wrote: I'll have to agree with Steve on the alternator problem. I had the same problem with my 86 Cheverolet Pick up about 3 months ago. I even bought a new battery not thinking the problem was the alternator. After the new battery ran down I knew something else was the problem. Pulled the alternator off had it tested and that was the problem. Again same set of symptoms you just described. Keep us informed, and post us some pics when you get the chance. We'd all love to see your rig in German waters!!

I'll see. Maybe it is not the alternator, but the - hmm - "charge controller"(??). I'll have to measure these things.

And I'll post pictures as soon as i have some. Until then i can only show you my diary (not yet updated...) Perfect Pass is installed and running fine, new stereo is playing nicly music and new decals look - hmm - flashy

Thakns again,
Tom

Hi

TRBenj wrote: straylight wrote: Maybe it is not the alternator, but the - hmm - "charge controller"(??). I think youre talking about the regulator. I believe all Correct Crafts 84 and newer have internally regulated alternators.

okay... regulator Learned another word today.... So i just have to measure the voltage at the battery-cables when engine is running. Does this make any sense while the cables are conected to the battery? I heard that is not such a bright idea to pull the cable from the battery while the engine is running...

Regards,
Tom

Hi,

Morfoot wrote: Tom, do you have a local automobile repair shop or parts store that can check the output on your alternator?

yes i have and i will have it tested.

Regards,
Tom

Hi all,

on friday i changed the battery, the main cables to and from the battery, circuit breaker and main switch and replaced the main switch which was nearly falling apart. Additionally i cleaned and greased all contacts. The result?
I had a absolutly gorgeous weekend with an absoultly reliable boat.

Thanks to all and best regards,
Tom