[Claude]

Here is my problem. My boat is a 1972 Kona with a 455 Olds engine with 283 hours. I replaced the ignition switch a few days ago because it was going bad. I also replaced the battery with a new one. Took the boat to the lake for a test run and it ran fine. The following day I went again to the lake, started right up, all gauges read normal. Started to acclerate and maintain a steady speed and the engine stopped. There was no electrical power whatsoever. I looked at the main fuse (20 amp) that goes to the amp gauge and it was blown. I replaced it continued on and the same problem happened again. After getting more fuses I noticed that just prior to the fuse being blown the gauges start to bounce and become erratic, bouncing back and forth. At that time I let off the gas and it stopped. However when I would continue accelerating and the gauges continued to bounce moments later the fuse would blow.

I removed the alternator which is a Motorola (original) that has the voltage regulator mounted on the backside. I had the alternator and voltage regulator bench tested and they advised me both components were working fine. I was told the coil may be bad. I replaced both the coil and ballast resistor however this didn't cure the problem. I removed the wire ties under the dash and dropped the wires and inspected them for any problem. All connections were good, no worn or frayed wires, no cross connections. I jiggled all the wires with the ignition on, no results. The wires back by the engine appeared to be in good condition, no noticeable defects. All wires are secured to their respective connections.

I was told by the a boat repair facility that they can inspect the alternator with their diagnostic equipment and the problem is either the alternator/voltage regulator or the stater solenoid is shorting out. They estimated at least 4 hours labor at $75.00 per hour with no maximum. A new alternator from them would cost $250.00 plus labor.

I hope the above information will give the reader some idea of what I am up against. I am open for all suggestions.

Thanks

[Dave E Shank]

Claude: You didn't install the battery backwards did you?? Fuses blow because of temperature not voltage or current. Could be that polarity is wrong and alternator trying to charge battery is blowing fuse. Some of the chain auto parts places like Autozone and Advance have portable charging circuit testers that they could hookup if you had boat on trailer. Here they offer that service for FREE! Just take your water hose so you can hook up cooling water. GOOD LUCK Dave E Shank

[awsum34]

Just something to look at. check your amp gauge. your insulator inside your gauge might be going bad. causing a direct short. might only happen when your bouncing around.

[robert66r]

I would make sure that youre battery cables are in good condition and tight on both ends.. I agree with a previous statement that you might of hooked the battery backwards. Its a common mistake. Ii really could be the starter solenoid its a cheap repair.. If the voltage regulator was bad you would of noticed the voltage bouncing at the gauge the day before..

[T-bucket23]

Go back to what you did. You most likely have a loose or shorted wire on the back of the ignition switch. If it was ok before you changes the switch it has to be the wiring for the switch.

[EOD Guy]

X2 with the ing switch....... try removing the switch and make sure it's the same type and polarity as the one you replaced, I helped a guy this summer that had put in a new ing switch in his boat all worked well for awhile then it started blowing fuses and trying to start on it's own...... ended up be an automotive type ing switch instead of marine...... only diff in the two switches was a small hole drilled in the botton of the switch housing that allowed water to drain out of the switch, the contacts had started to corrode etc..... replaced it with one with a hole in it....... no problems since.

[poncho62]

Ummmmm..Guys, thread is 11 years old.....Boat probably sunk by now......

[LATECH]

Poncho LMAO...........

[EOD Guy]

That's funny!......Didn't ck the op date............ such is life