Odd Electrical Issue - Crusader 350's (454cid)

[Natchamp]

Gents,

I have an issue that I can't figure out so I'm trying to see if you guys have any ideas or have come across this before.

Application: Twin Crusader 454's, @ 3 hours run time after major work done including rebuilt alternators.

Symptom: Some times when running the engines, both voltage gauges read low voltage @ 11v. Normally, they show @ 13 which is good. The problem does not always occur. Shutting down the engines and firing them back up has no effect. However, I can come back the next day or later in the afternoon, start them up and they will read the normal 13v.

The chances of both alternators failing at the same time are pretty slim, not to mention they will come back to normal after a while. I haven't had it running long enough to isolate the exact situation/scenario that is repeatable that causes the problem. But right now I'm at a loss as to where to start looking/checking.

Any ideas?

[captainmaniac]

At what RPMs? I have Chrysler 360s, and I find that at low RPMs I am usually showing 10-11V at the panel. Once I get the RPMs up a bit, the voltage regulators kick in and the gauge shows the expected 12.5-13V.

[prowlersfish]

One some alt. you need to rev up the engine to get them to charge . If you start and idel them they may not charge.

[Natchamp]

Thanks guys, I'll verify at what rpm and rev it up and put some load on them to see if it helps. Thanks!

[jefflaw35]

isnt he on the hard? wouldnt a load make a difference? shouldnt this boat have chargers and systems to keep up battery power? Would the guages only show low reading after hours of failure. Not the next day like its an over heating issue? Arnt there resources in these boats to prevent this un less its just a wiring or gauge failure? This is just a question, not a thought by any means.....could both gauges be powered by the same line, one fails and the other has same reaction?

[Natchamp]

FYI, I'm in the water now. Launched it last Thursday, just haven't had a chance to take some pics and post. It looks absolutely purdy in the water, report coming soon.

The gauges are wired separately, one for each motor.

Since you mentioned it, here's a sneak peek of the launch. cheers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3H7SwDELNk

[BarryL]

Mark,

she looks outstanding. I bet you will never get tired of the compliments you are sure to get.

Take pride in all of your hard work and keep us updated. I'm sure you will have some sorting to do with some nuisance issues after all of the work you have done but that is half of the fun of owning a boat.

If you thought the refurb was expensive just wait till you make a few trips to the fuel docks.

B.O.A.T Bring Out Another Thousand. or as I like to all em.

boat- A vessel propelled through the water by the rapid and constant combustion of cash (Power boat) or by the constant pressure of accumulating debt (Sailboat)

Enjoy the work you have done and the countless days of pleasure she will bring you and your family.

And don't forget to keep your new extended family up to date with more pictures and more "how to" articles/columns posted on this great site.

Barry

[comodave]

Driscolls Mission Bay Marina, I think. Good luck with your new boat, sure looks new anyway.

[jddens]

What about a voltage regulator? Seem that could be causing the issue......John

[Big D]

Next time this happens; with engines running, take a volt meter and check the reading at each battery, then check the reading at each volt gage. If the reading is 11v at the battery, there is an issue with charging. If reading at battery is above 13v but 1v1 at gage, there is a voltage drop somewhere in the circuit; bad/corroded wire or connection in the + or - side of the circuit. Could be anywhere from battery to helm, don't forget the engine harness connection. If 13v behind gage but gage only showing 11v, gages are faulty.

[sluggo]

Gents,

I have an issue that I can't figure out so I'm trying to see if you guys have any ideas or have come across this before.

Application: Twin Crusader 454's, @ 3 hours run time after major work done including rebuilt alternators.

Symptom: Some times when running the engines, both voltage gauges read low voltage @ 11v. Normally, they show @ 13 which is good. The problem does not always occur. Shutting down the engines and firing them back up has no effect. However, I can come back the next day or later in the afternoon, start them up and they will read the normal 13v.

The chances of both alternators failing at the same time are pretty slim, not to mention they will come back to normal after a while. I haven't had it running long enough to isolate the exact situation/scenario that is repeatable that causes the problem. But right now I'm at a loss as to where to start looking/checking.

Any ideas?

I had a smiliar issue, I tapped on the gauge and then it read fine, worth a try.