Ski Boat Forum

Repairs and Maintenance => Boat Maintenance - American Skier => Topic started by: kjerchinger on August 08, 2015, 12:07:12 PM

Title: Motorola Box mounted to bracket on Commander
Post by: kjerchinger on August 08, 2015, 12:07:12 PM

Can someone tell me the purpose  of this Small box / Module with wires going to it ?
It has Motorola embossed on it.
For years I have had a small draw off the Battery, after two or three days without use the battery would be dead, so I always just disconnected it after each use, problem solved.
  A mechanic that was working one other issues for me looked into this, he unplugged the module as he believes it is the culprit of the draw.
   Since doing so, the only problem I am still having with it is an inconsistent Idle. one minute I need to increase the Idle to keep her running, pull a skier, then I need to turn the idle down cause it is idling too fast.
   Does this module, help control the idle speed ?

Title: Re: Motorola Box mounted to bracket on Commander
Post by: backfoot100 on August 08, 2015, 01:39:04 PM

More info would help. Year, model, hours and what do you have for ignition. A pic would help a lot. I could speculate but Dan and/or Ron probably know right off the top of their head.

My guess would be ignition breaker. Probably corroded, loose or frayed wiring on the engine harness plug or wiring block. Bad ground connections on the engine or under the dash someplace. Time to break out the VOM and start testing voltages from the battery out to the wiring harness and even up to the dash.

Title: Re: Motorola Box mounted to bracket on Commander
Post by: kjerchinger on August 08, 2015, 04:41:43 PM

Thanks BF, this is my 85 advance, 351 Ford, Commander

Title: Re: Motorola Box mounted to bracket on Commander
Post by: backfoot100 on August 09, 2015, 12:06:05 PM

That's your voltage regulator. That has nothing to do with idle.
Order a replacement from Ron at skiboatpartsonline.com if you have an issue with it. You should not be running with it disconnected. Unregulated voltages could cause all sorts of weird problems sooner or later.

Title: Re: Motorola Box mounted to bracket on Commander
Post by: kjerchinger on August 09, 2015, 03:25:34 PM

Thanks Backfoot. I will get ahold of Ron on Monday.

Title: Re: Motorola Box mounted to bracket on Commander
Post by: shyskier on August 14, 2015, 08:24:35 AM

Cause may also be in alternator, but it would be worth trying regulator first ( cheaper )

Title: Re: Motorola Box mounted to bracket on Commander
Post by: kjerchinger on August 14, 2015, 08:51:26 AM

I talked to Ron the other day. He dialed me in on the inconsistent idle problem. It turned out the throttle cable needed adjustment at the Carburator.
  He also shipped to me a Voltage regulator, after speaking with him I feel good that this will take care of my problem.
   Thanks Shyskier !