Ski Boat Forum

General Category => General American Skier Discussions => Topic started by: BrandonC on June 10, 2017, 12:29:56 PM

Title: Troubleshooting: New Alternator but died first time out
Post by: BrandonC on June 10, 2017, 12:29:56 PM

Happy boating season everyone!  I have an issue, maybe one of you can help?

 Two weeks ago, my boat would not crank (1992 Advance). It was showing no voltage. I jumped it and it started right away. I had the alternator tested and it had to be replaced.

 Today was the first day back out on the water with the new alternator. The boat started, and ran about 45 minutes before anchoring.   I switched our battery to the deep cycle for radio, no problems. Then I changed it to both batteries and had another successful start.

That's when the following happened (second run time of 20 minutes):

1- I noticed the volt meter running at 15 amps. Pre-replacement was only 14.

2- I heard a whining noise, not quite high pitched but a higher note than the exhaust.

3- I slowed down to idle and the noise went away. When I applied throttle trying to run at 3000RPM the boat hesitated, lost RPM, and wanted to stall.  It did this a few times before finally gaining speed.

4- I'm dumb and had toddlers with me, so I turned the boat off.

5- Then I had no power to any of my gauges, not in the slightest. No clock, battery, fuel gauge, no clicking from the starter, absolutely nothing!

6- Embarrassing Tow...

 Any guesses? Is this still an alternator related issue or something else?

Title: Re: Troubleshooting: New Alternator but died first time out
Post by: RichV on June 10, 2017, 04:02:03 PM

How many amps is the replacement alternator?  The existing wiring from the alternator has a circuit braker, if the alternator surpased the cicuit breaker wattage then it probably tripped.  Trace the large wire on the alternator back to the  breakers behind the engine.  The voltmeter diplays volts not amps.

Title: Re: Troubleshooting: New Alternator but died first time out
Post by: BrandonC on June 10, 2017, 05:07:34 PM

Thank you!  I realized once I hit submit that I didn't say volts, sorry.  I will check the alternator amps and the circuit breaker.

Title: Re: Troubleshooting: New Alternator but died first time out
Post by: BrandonC on July 14, 2017, 03:33:54 PM

Ok thanks for the help everyone! It ended up being two things. First, the no signs of life at all was a wire that fell loose. Then my second battery was also shot. Addressed and fixed.  Oh and now a new problem for a new thread!