Hi there... I'm a total noob to boating but am learning fast from resources like this great forum...so thanks in advance...
Have got a new to us 1975 F25...Boat's in great shape, but have a few questions, I'd like to ask the community.
1. The Boat will sometimes not start, the previous owner has told me that when this happens he opens the cover to the engine compartment and removes the black cover on the rear of the engine, it says Chrysler Electronic on it I believe. There looks to be a flat piece of metal with wires connected to it and a red button looking thing on the top. He'll lightly tap with a hammer what looks like a connector with a rubber boot on it on the Port side of this unit and he says it will start. I was wondering if someone could help me with troubleshooting this issue? In the meantime, I've got the carb out for a rebuild to ensure that I don't have an issue with that...
2. Seems the Blower doesn't work, so I'm starting it (when it does) by leaving the engine and rear compartments open for 10 min or so before startup. The fuses aren't labelled, but all look OK, is the blower something easy to fix? Seems it is from the reading I've been doing. Do I remove the old one altogether to attach an inline blower?
3. The previous owner had a battery switch, that has gone bad and removed, I'd like to add another new switch. How can you tell, which is the house battery and which is the engine battery? Do I just follow the cables?
4. I'm under the understanding that the shorepower cable won't charge the batteries without some sort of charger built in... I have a "Motomaster Intellegent Battery charger with the 2 alligator clamps. How can I best use this, or should I just charge the batteries directly with this unit.
That's all I can think of off the top of my head, and would really appreciate any advice or tips...
Thanks
Electronic Ignition question for 318...along with a few more
Moderators: BeaconMarineBob, Moderator, BeaconMarineDon
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larglo
- Moderate User
- Posts: 743
- Joined: Fri Jul 17, 2009 4:01 pm
- Location: Mt Juliet, TN. Percy Prist Lake, Fate Sanders Marina
tk416
Glad to see another F25 owner. We have a 1980 F25 HT, also in pretty good condition, for a 30 year old boat, but it's getting better condition each day.
Your "subject" stated something about Electronic ignition, but didn't catch a question about it? Your F25 and mine doesn't have electronic ignition, I'm sure, but can be converted, I think. Forum members can get into that far better than I.
But the tapping with a hammer is something I'm pretty sure needs to be looked into. Sounds like something is getting stuck, wire loose, or something. I have the same setup as you as far as the cover you mentioned.
The blower didn't work on mine either, so ordered a new one, their only about $25.00, but when I had the old one out, I hooked it directly to the battery and it ran just fine. Seem s as though the wiring leading to it was screwed up.
The shore power will not charge the batteries. For this you must install an "on board" battery charger. You can get them to charge, 1, 2, 3, batteries at the same time plugged into a 110 volt outlet, or perhaps more, and look to pay $100.00 plus for one.
I had a battery switch, but removed it, and separated the start and house battery. That's not the usual way it's done as most here will tell you I'm sure.
I just got into boating myself, and have learned a great deal from the folks on this forum, which are a great bunch of people, I may add!
I have learned some about my F25, having worked on it this past year. It has been a lot of fun and a way to past the time being retired, and I'm sure you will enjoy your F25 also.
So, welcome aboard to the club and an owner of a great boat. I envy those here who have the F30's to F36's , but thankful for what I have.
I'm sure there will others here that will be able to help better than I.
Larry
GOT ANY PICTURES?
Glad to see another F25 owner. We have a 1980 F25 HT, also in pretty good condition, for a 30 year old boat, but it's getting better condition each day.
Your "subject" stated something about Electronic ignition, but didn't catch a question about it? Your F25 and mine doesn't have electronic ignition, I'm sure, but can be converted, I think. Forum members can get into that far better than I.
But the tapping with a hammer is something I'm pretty sure needs to be looked into. Sounds like something is getting stuck, wire loose, or something. I have the same setup as you as far as the cover you mentioned.
The blower didn't work on mine either, so ordered a new one, their only about $25.00, but when I had the old one out, I hooked it directly to the battery and it ran just fine. Seem s as though the wiring leading to it was screwed up.
The shore power will not charge the batteries. For this you must install an "on board" battery charger. You can get them to charge, 1, 2, 3, batteries at the same time plugged into a 110 volt outlet, or perhaps more, and look to pay $100.00 plus for one.
I had a battery switch, but removed it, and separated the start and house battery. That's not the usual way it's done as most here will tell you I'm sure.
I just got into boating myself, and have learned a great deal from the folks on this forum, which are a great bunch of people, I may add!
I have learned some about my F25, having worked on it this past year. It has been a lot of fun and a way to past the time being retired, and I'm sure you will enjoy your F25 also.
So, welcome aboard to the club and an owner of a great boat. I envy those here who have the F30's to F36's , but thankful for what I have.
I'm sure there will others here that will be able to help better than I.
Larry
GOT ANY PICTURES?
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larglo
- Moderate User
- Posts: 743
- Joined: Fri Jul 17, 2009 4:01 pm
- Location: Mt Juliet, TN. Percy Prist Lake, Fate Sanders Marina
tk416
I would like to add one other thing. When buying anything for your boat, such as a battery charger, etc, buy "MARINE" equipment. The battery charger you mentioned, with the alligator clips sounds like it's made for auto, or just general use.
I learned that here on the forum, and beleive it 100%.
Larry
I would like to add one other thing. When buying anything for your boat, such as a battery charger, etc, buy "MARINE" equipment. The battery charger you mentioned, with the alligator clips sounds like it's made for auto, or just general use.
I learned that here on the forum, and beleive it 100%.
Larry
OK.. Good to know... I just assumed that the writing "Electronic" on that cover meant ignition... Hmmm. Can anyone else let me know what that is?
As far as the blower, I'll just start taking things apart and slowly checking wires and connections...
We're really excited, but nervous at the same time... Would hate to get stranded on the lake... so am trying to get it all sorted out...
Took it for a 30 min run the other day, and it was OK, just loud and a strange clicking noise coming from the battery area under the stairs at the front of the engine at load...
As far as the blower, I'll just start taking things apart and slowly checking wires and connections...
We're really excited, but nervous at the same time... Would hate to get stranded on the lake... so am trying to get it all sorted out...
Took it for a 30 min run the other day, and it was OK, just loud and a strange clicking noise coming from the battery area under the stairs at the front of the engine at load...
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captainmaniac
- 2025 Gold Support
- Posts: 1922
- Joined: Sat Apr 30, 2005 10:26 pm
- Location: Burlington, Ontario
1. Sounds to me like you do have electronic ignition - was the cover about a foot wide, 6" long, and 3-4 " deep? Underneath it would be the voltage regulator, ECU (electronic control unit), probably a ballast resistor, relay, starter solenoid, and ignition circuit breakers (little red button possibly with the number 50 on top for 50A). Sounds like something is sticking (relay perhaps) and he is using the 'kick the crap out of it' technique to avoid spending the $10 it would take to replace the bad part. Remember - with the single engine setup - if the hammer technique doesn't work for you, you are stranded. Better to figure it out and fix it right.
If you have an ECU like the one shown in the bottom right corner of this page http://www.marineparts.com/sierra/sierra417.aspx
you have electronic ignition.
2. Blower - definitely a must to repair or replace, as k9th says. An econo solution - Attwood makes inline blowers in 3" and 4" that you can scab into the system : hose from bilge to Attwood blower, connect with hose clamp, then duct tape Attwood output to input of the old blower on the boat. Here's a link to them at West Marine, but most marine supply shops carry (or can get) Attwood stuff http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... &langId=-1
3. Usually the (-) cable from the battery goes to the engine for starting batteries. If the battery doesn't connect directly to the engine with any cable, its probably house.
4. Motomaster charger is a bad idea, as per k9th and larglo's comments re gas fumes etc... Anything you put in the engine or fuel tank area should be an 'ignition protected' device - specifically made in a way that it can't give off sparks. Sparks in an area where fuel vapours exist = kaboom. The crappy tire charger's clips are heavily prone to sparking, and the internals of the charger have not been designed to prohibit sparks (and with its air vents it certainly is not a sealed unit).
If you are going to use a regular Motomaster charger, either make sure the bilge is free of fumes first, or pull the battery out and charge it on the dock. OR, invest in a Marine grade charger. Motomaster has one (I think they call it the Nautilus charger), but other dedicated marine brands are usually more reliable and many can simply be mounted on a bulkhead and wired directly to the batteries (ie no clips).
If you have an ECU like the one shown in the bottom right corner of this page http://www.marineparts.com/sierra/sierra417.aspx
you have electronic ignition.
2. Blower - definitely a must to repair or replace, as k9th says. An econo solution - Attwood makes inline blowers in 3" and 4" that you can scab into the system : hose from bilge to Attwood blower, connect with hose clamp, then duct tape Attwood output to input of the old blower on the boat. Here's a link to them at West Marine, but most marine supply shops carry (or can get) Attwood stuff http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... &langId=-1
3. Usually the (-) cable from the battery goes to the engine for starting batteries. If the battery doesn't connect directly to the engine with any cable, its probably house.
4. Motomaster charger is a bad idea, as per k9th and larglo's comments re gas fumes etc... Anything you put in the engine or fuel tank area should be an 'ignition protected' device - specifically made in a way that it can't give off sparks. Sparks in an area where fuel vapours exist = kaboom. The crappy tire charger's clips are heavily prone to sparking, and the internals of the charger have not been designed to prohibit sparks (and with its air vents it certainly is not a sealed unit).
If you are going to use a regular Motomaster charger, either make sure the bilge is free of fumes first, or pull the battery out and charge it on the dock. OR, invest in a Marine grade charger. Motomaster has one (I think they call it the Nautilus charger), but other dedicated marine brands are usually more reliable and many can simply be mounted on a bulkhead and wired directly to the batteries (ie no clips).
Thank you very much for the detailed response... It's exactly what you described... I'm wondering how do I go about troubleshooting the bad part?
As far as the blower, I'm going to the Marina tomorrow to pick up a battery switch and will ask about the blower while I'm there...
I just purchased this charger:
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4 ... ?locale=en
But I guess i'll return it and see about a marine grade one... I'm wondering though, any type of external battery charger I've seen, is prone to sparking sometimes when you connect to the terminals. The Marine grade ones don't spark ever?
Again thanks for the detailed response...
As far as the blower, I'm going to the Marina tomorrow to pick up a battery switch and will ask about the blower while I'm there...
I just purchased this charger:
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4 ... ?locale=en
But I guess i'll return it and see about a marine grade one... I'm wondering though, any type of external battery charger I've seen, is prone to sparking sometimes when you connect to the terminals. The Marine grade ones don't spark ever?
Again thanks for the detailed response...
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captainmaniac
- 2025 Gold Support
- Posts: 1922
- Joined: Sat Apr 30, 2005 10:26 pm
- Location: Burlington, Ontario
Proper marine chargers like this one http://www.marinco.com/product/25-amp-battery-charger don't actually use clips - they have spade connectors that you 'permanently' attach to the battery terminals.
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larglo
- Moderate User
- Posts: 743
- Joined: Fri Jul 17, 2009 4:01 pm
- Location: Mt Juliet, TN. Percy Prist Lake, Fate Sanders Marina
This is the type of charger we are talking.
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... sNum=11279
captainmaniac,
After reading your reply, I'll have to check to see if I may have electronic ignition, I was always under the impression, I didn't. My engine does start and run smooth and sounds strong. I was told when I bought the boat, that the engine had only about 10 hrs on it after being completely reworked.
Larry
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... sNum=11279
captainmaniac,
After reading your reply, I'll have to check to see if I may have electronic ignition, I was always under the impression, I didn't. My engine does start and run smooth and sounds strong. I was told when I bought the boat, that the engine had only about 10 hrs on it after being completely reworked.
Larry
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captainmaniac
- 2025 Gold Support
- Posts: 1922
- Joined: Sat Apr 30, 2005 10:26 pm
- Location: Burlington, Ontario
TK
Welcome to the forum. You have a great boat, but it sounds like it will need some TLC and replacement of missing components to bring it up to snuff. As advised, get yourself a good marine charger that can be wired directly into the shorepower AC distribution box. This you should have.
Follow the existing cables from your batteries. The battery switch you get to replace the bad one should have 1/2/all/off. There are a ton of good wiring diagrams on the web, and also the folks who run this forum can give you a lot of good advice.
As far as affording the boat, don't try to do everything at once. We bought our 1977 F-26 in 1999 and I"m still working on in, mostly now to improve "creature comforts". Follow the advice on "safety first". Talk to the mechanics at your marina also, as well as neighbors at your marina. They, as well as all of us on this forum will be happy to help you through your newbie times!
Welcome to the forum. You have a great boat, but it sounds like it will need some TLC and replacement of missing components to bring it up to snuff. As advised, get yourself a good marine charger that can be wired directly into the shorepower AC distribution box. This you should have.
Follow the existing cables from your batteries. The battery switch you get to replace the bad one should have 1/2/all/off. There are a ton of good wiring diagrams on the web, and also the folks who run this forum can give you a lot of good advice.
As far as affording the boat, don't try to do everything at once. We bought our 1977 F-26 in 1999 and I"m still working on in, mostly now to improve "creature comforts". Follow the advice on "safety first". Talk to the mechanics at your marina also, as well as neighbors at your marina. They, as well as all of us on this forum will be happy to help you through your newbie times!
Randy P
1977 F-26 HT
"Blue Heron"
1977 F-26 HT
"Blue Heron"
TK 416
Do yourself a big favor and get a reputable mechanic to explain what is on your boat first before you start ripping things apart. A hour of labor might be the best advise you can get ,and then you have a contact for more information if needed. If you can buy a boat you have to be prepared for other expenses as well
Do yourself a big favor and get a reputable mechanic to explain what is on your boat first before you start ripping things apart. A hour of labor might be the best advise you can get ,and then you have a contact for more information if needed. If you can buy a boat you have to be prepared for other expenses as well
Thanks for all the replies... I know I'll be asking a lot more in the future, so please excuse the ignorance, I'll make sure to search first.
We just moved to Keswick off the canal in Cooks Bay, south end of Lake Simcoe...
The idea to hire a mechanic for an hr to look it over is a great one and I'll probably end up doing that.
We just moved to Keswick off the canal in Cooks Bay, south end of Lake Simcoe...
The idea to hire a mechanic for an hr to look it over is a great one and I'll probably end up doing that.