Battery Switching TE 31

[kowal_53]

After a routine water filling, I noticed one of my 8-D batteries needed quite a bit of water, much more than the other one. On an easy fuel run I noticed the battery was quite warm almost hot. The 8D battery can only muster 6.1 volts and therefore needs to be replaced. I removed the negative side of the battery, and decided to take the boat out for a short excursion. My perplextion came while attempting to get the engine to start. I put the engine battery on (position 1). I switched the house to (position 2). The DC panel was active, the engine breaker that comes from the engine battery was on. But no engine controls, even though the engine control breaker was on. I noticed if I turned the generator, or house battery to both, the engine control circuit, and the helm would come to life. It seems like it is coming from either the house battery or prior to the battery switch.

I have spent quite a bit of time trying to figure out were the 12 volts for the engine control is coming from. I finally measured 12 volts at the engine control fuse block, which is next to the bilge fuse box when the house or genertor was on both. (It turns out that the bilge pumps comes from the same source)

I have includes a few pictures just in case someone out there might know what might be going on, or perhaps the way it should be doing. I had to click on pictures to see them up right.

IMG_5270.jpeg

This is a picture of the back side. (There is a connection between Engine 1 and House 2) I think it is possible that the mystery wire might be the small red wire on house 1, or a wire elsewhere since the input wire on the bilge fuse is larger. Click to see pictures correctly.

IMG_0836.jpeg

This picture is at the top of the DC panel. Note: engine controls/Bilge Pump fuse boxes. I think the smaller one on the right might go to the bilge pumps directly. Click on picture to see correctly.

IMG_0225.jpeg

Does any one know where the alternator, or AC charger attaches to the batteries to charge them? The house has a smaller wire on it. I did not look at the other two batteries yet.

[Nancy]

I had similar questions recently, and the thread might help you. viewtopic.php?f=7&t=13873

>> I put the engine battery on (position 1). I switched the house to (position 2). The DC panel was active, the engine breaker that comes from the engine battery was on. But no engine controls, even though the engine control breaker was on.<<

With the house switch at position 2, did you try turning your engine switch to position 2?

[kowal_53]

Yes I did, but it did not work.

[kowal_53]

I did discover, or highly suspect that the engine control/bilge pump circuit is wired to the House Battery prior to the House Battery Selection Switch. Where this happens is a mystery.

[Nancy]

Yes I did, but it did not work.

Someone smarter than me will need to weigh in.