Battery wiring

[mikeandanne]

Good morning----- just spent the day changing out the three batteries and trying to clean up wiring issues( all cables were red , you get the idea)---so I left two batteries hooked up like trojan had them and connected one more to the side that has the house on it ( port start)--- there is a charger connected to all three batteries--- also found that both alt are not charging???? Going to remove them and take to get checked---- also found that the genny battery which is the fourth on board is connected to the stbd start battery, is this ok in this config or should the genny battery be separated because near as I can tell the genny will power up the charger thru the ac side anyway--- this stuff baffles the heck out of me--any opinions would be welcome----thanks Mike

[larryeddington]

IMO and some may or may not agree. My Genny battery is standalone but like all batteries is connected to the house charger, chargers four batteries. In my case two house batteries connected parallel, Port and Starboard engine batteries, and Genny battery. They are all charged with the charger that runs off of shore power or Genny power. I keep a set of quality jumper cables just in case the Genny battery might fail. Now I know someone will say "oh my jumper cables and sparks". but if stranded it is a last resort carefully applied in the absence of fuel fumes.

I think my setup should work well. Plus the Trojan Crossover device working. "IMO"

[Commissionpoint]

I run 3 group 31's for the house, port engine, and genny.

I run a group 29 for the Stbd. engine. Isolated, save for the crossover switch.

[RWS]

isolated genny battery

except for an ADDITIONAL MANUAL crossover switch.

Genny battery also connected to EMERGENCY BILGE PUMP with high mounted switch.

RWS

[mikeandanne]

Thanks for the responses guys--- lots to think about----- I think that separating the genny until I can get the proper equip installed might be the best idea---- have to instal new blue sea switches to replace the old Sudbury stuff this wkend and instal new gfci's and all ac outlet plugs--- that should be enough considering it is a holiday and our 40 th anniversary---- Mike

[prowlersfish]

isolated genny battery

except for an ADDITIONAL MANUAL crossover switch.

Genny battery also connected to EMERGENCY BILGE PUMP with high mounted switch.

RWS

X2 Thats the set up I have . 2 4D batteries for the mains and a 24 for the genset . When I first got my boat I found all the battery switchs on all ( crossover on) , Turned out I had 2 bad batteries . That small 24 series was starting both mains and the genset . And remember I am running diesels . Nice to know if the main batteries go out / go dead I can start it with genset battery .

[Commissionpoint]

.........That small 24 series was starting both mains and the genset . And remember I am running diesels.......

Damn dude. Thats pretty amazing considering the amperage. I guess those 6 series are just about perfect.

[RWS]

.........That small 24 series was starting both mains and the genset . And remember I am running diesels.......

Damn dude. Thats pretty amazing considering the amperage. I guess those 6 series are just about perfect.

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One of the unexpected surprises with the diesel (at least for me) the starters are physically far smaller than the Crusader.

They do not crank and crank as can happen with a carbureted engine waiting for gas to make it to the carb.

They fire off instantly.

and consistently.

Same holds true for the genny, but she will crank for a few (very few) seconds longer before firing.

So in actuality, even though we're running a higher compression engine, the amperage requirement is far less, as the starter runs for such a short time.

RWS

[mikeandanne]

A little update--- I separated the genny battery from the stbd start and wonder of wonders found the genny battery dead--- out of four batteries three were pooched and I payed to have the spring commissioning done ,and no mention of battery issues, that will be the last time--- anyway ac wiring is now working as the gfci plugs line and loads were reversed,also found no ground faults-- new battery isolation switches work great--- alternators being repaired---new windlass even works---- it won't be long and we can leave the dock to get fresh gas ,LOL--- Mike

[larryeddington]

Proves my point of paid for mechanics, most are just guessers and not technical.