Mysterious instrument panel symptoms

Discussions about Cape Dory, Intrepid and Robinhood sailboats and how we use them. Got questions? Have answers? Provide them here.

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johnc
Posts: 40
Joined: Feb 20th, '08, 15:04
Location: CD 28 Sojourner, Key Largo, FL

Direct connection to battery

Post by johnc »

A reference was made to turning off the key or changing batteries while the engine was running.

In the process of my rewire project I had occasion to do some testing of my master power switch.

It turns out that when you switch between BAT1, BAT2 and BOTH there is a momentary cutout of power delivered to the FEEDER (output). This was no real surprise but when I took the switch off the boat and really looked at it I noticed a pair of small, unused, terminals labeled "FIELD".

[img]http://www.keylargosoftware.com/images/ ... 0x300b.jpg[/img][img]http://www.keylargosoftware.com/images/ ... 0x300b.jpg[/img]

This is an uninterrupted switch in that it provides continuity throughout the range of BAT1, BAT2, BOTH but does open when the switch is set to off.

The point of interest relating to this observation is that if you connect your alternator field power directly to the battery with these terminals then you can eliminate the need for a direct, unswitched, connection to the battery.

The only direct lead to the battery I have right now is my bilge pump.

John

P.S.

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P.P.S.

Moderator, if this is an inappropriate post script I, or you, can edit out the post script.
Andy Denmark
Posts: 630
Joined: Feb 5th, '05, 11:38

Same problem

Post by Andy Denmark »

I had almost identical symptoms as yours with my Westerbeke 13 (now replaced) fieve years ago. Steve hit the nail on the head for the fix -- replacing the multi-pin connector with direct connections. I used a terminal strip and never had a problem afterwards.

FWIW, with these sorts of problems the first thing to check is grounds. 9 times out of 10 this will solve the problem.
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Last edited by Andy Denmark on Feb 13th, '11, 03:42, edited 1 time in total.
gates_cliff
Posts: 463
Joined: Sep 3rd, '08, 13:23
Location: CD 27, "Katie Girl", Galesville, MD

Low Oil Pressure

Post by gates_cliff »

My CD 27, has an oil pressure guage. It consistantly shows a pressure of 20. I know it should read higher especially under load. Anyone know how to test if the oil pressure is actually low or if the guage is malfunctioning?

And the, if the oil pressure really is low, what would that be a symptom of?

Thanks
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