boat batteries
 

I just put in two car batteries 12v in my boat and nothing happens. I
put the wires on the wrong terminals for an instant and then corrected
my mistake. Nothing happens. I checked all my fuses and nothing
blown. I was told to use interstate # SRM27XHD batteries. I couldn't
find them so I used sears. What did I do wrong.
Mark

boat batteries
 

"mark" wrote in message
oups.com...
I just put in two car batteries 12v in my boat and nothing happens. I
put the wires on the wrong terminals for an instant and then corrected
my mistake. Nothing happens. I checked all my fuses and nothing
blown. I was told to use interstate # SRM27XHD batteries. I couldn't
find them so I used sears. What did I do wrong.
Mark


When you say "nothing happens" .... can you be a little more specific?

One of the most common "forgets" with an outboard (assuming you are talking
outboard here) is forgetting to install the safety clip on the kill switch.
I do it all the time. Forget that and nothing will happen.

RCE

boat batteries
 

i/o motor 250 hp my master switch is on both or either and still
nothing at all. no ratio or lights or anything

boat batteries
 

master is on it is an inboard motor 250hp. no radio or lights nothing.
Batteries are 100% charged.

boat batteries
 

"mark" wrote in message
oups.com...
i/o motor 250 hp my master switch is on both or either and still
nothing at all. no ratio or lights or anything



Disconnect the batteries until you find the problem.

Now I assume you have a Mercruiser or one of the clones thereof. Somewhere
on the rear top of the engine there should be a big red circuit breaker -
looks like a big red button if I recall. Push it in, hook your batteries
back up and see what happens.

RCE

boat batteries
 

I did that with the batteries hooked up. I will diconnect the
batteries and push the red breaker then connect the batteries back up.
I'll let you know. Thanks

boat batteries
 

On 20 Feb 2006 15:06:07 -0800, "mark"
wrote:

master is on it is an inboard motor 250hp. no radio or lights nothing.
Batteries are 100% charged.

Get yourself a voltmeter or test light and start tracing down the
power, starting at the battery and working forward.

boat batteries
 

"mark" wrote in message
oups.com...
I just put in two car batteries 12v in my boat and nothing happens. I
put the wires on the wrong terminals for an instant and then corrected
my mistake. Nothing happens. I checked all my fuses and nothing
blown. I was told to use interstate # SRM27XHD batteries. I couldn't
find them so I used sears. What did I do wrong.
Mark


A common problem is forgetting to hook up the motor's black ground cable.
Usually just the cable between the negative terminals is installed. One
battery should have twin heavy battery cables on the negative, one for the
motor and one for the 2nd battery.

Bill Grannis
service manager

boat batteries
 

In an instant, you can fry the diodes in the alternator with reversed
battery leads. Hopefully the ground going to the back of the engine slipped
down in the bilge out of site. Was anything working before you changed
batteries?
"mark" wrote in message
oups.com...
I just put in two car batteries 12v in my boat and nothing happens. I
put the wires on the wrong terminals for an instant and then corrected
my mistake. Nothing happens. I checked all my fuses and nothing
blown. I was told to use interstate # SRM27XHD batteries. I couldn't
find them so I used sears. What did I do wrong.
Mark

boat batteries
 

if the diodes are fryed how hard is it to replace them or do I need a
new alternator. Can I test the power going in and out of the
alternator to know for sure it is fryed?

boat batteries
 

from what I can see the black ground cable was already attached to the
terminal wire. So all I should have to do is connect it to the new
batteries. If the diods in the alternator are fryed will that cause
this problem?

boat batteries
 

I disconnected the batteries and pushed in the red circuit breaker and
then reinstalled the batteries. Still nothing. What about the
alternator diods?

boat batteries
 

"mark" wrote in message
oups.com...
I disconnected the batteries and pushed in the red circuit breaker and
then reinstalled the batteries. Still nothing. What about the
alternator diods?


Don't know, but listen to JIMinFL. He knows these systems well.

The reason I suggested that you disconnect the batteries is that if
somewhere you have a short, something may get hot in time. I wouldn't leave
them connected if you are not there troubleshooting.

RCE

boat batteries
 

Don't worry about the alternator just yet. Do you have any test equipment?
Are all your battery connections clean and tight? If you are using wing nuts
on the battery posts, throw them away and install hex nuts instead.
"mark" wrote in message
oups.com...
I disconnected the batteries and pushed in the red circuit breaker and
then reinstalled the batteries. Still nothing. What about the
alternator diods?

boat batteries
 

I have a battery test light (green, yellow, red) yes clean and tight.
No wing nuts have hex nuts

boat batteries
 

thanks I won't

boat batteries
 

Mark,
Hello, sounds like you have a simple problem, but you need to work
through the electrical system from the battery forward to the engine's
electrical system. Call me at my shop and I'll walk you through it.
Call me at 601-366-4999 (Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm CDT) I would be glad to
help.
Rob

boat batteries
 

"mark" wrote in message
ups.com...
I have a battery test light (green, yellow, red) yes clean and tight.
No wing nuts have hex nuts

1 Set battery selector switch to both
2 Clip test leads to battery. (Observe proper polarity) If lights light up
go to step 3
3 Move red lead to lug on starter solenoid that connects to the wire that
goes to the battery selector switch. If lights light up try tilt and trim.
Try to crank over engine with key (just for 1/2 second. don't let engine
start).
4 report your findings.

boat batteries
 

little spark very little

boat batteries
 

thanks rob. When I can stay home from work I will call you when I'm on
the boat.
Mark

boat batteries
 

RCE wrote:
"mark" wrote in message
oups.com...

I just put in two car batteries 12v in my boat and nothing happens. I
put the wires on the wrong terminals for an instant and then corrected
my mistake. Nothing happens. I checked all my fuses and nothing
blown. I was told to use interstate # SRM27XHD batteries. I couldn't
find them so I used sears. What did I do wrong.
Mark



When you say "nothing happens" .... can you be a little more specific?

One of the most common "forgets" with an outboard (assuming you are talking
outboard here) is forgetting to install the safety clip on the kill switch.
I do it all the time. Forget that and nothing will happen.

RCE




On a io the engine will crank, it just will not fire with the safety
clip disengaged. But cranking is somthing just not running..

Capt Jack R..

boat batteries
 

mark wrote:

i/o motor 250 hp my master switch is on both or either and still
nothing at all. no ratio or lights or anything


After verifying that the batteries have a charge, I would check the
ground and bypass the switch. You should be seeing power somewhere
unless there is major corrosion a broken cable I would think. Even if it
does not start.

Capt Jack R..

boat batteries
 

Hi, Tilt and trim works. nothing else. I can't reach the starter
solenoid because the red wire goes under the engine on the other side.
can't see where it goes. I tryed connecting the red wire to the
circuit breaker switch with no luck. I either have the wrong batteries
Sears 12v car batteries or I blew something when I connected to the
wrong terminals. thats my opinion. I even tryed to connect the red
lead to the alternator again no luck getting a reading. There are 3
fuses that are on top of the engine with red wires going to it. My guy
thought those fuses were blown. of course their not. this is getting
very frustrating. kill switch is on. all black leads are hooked up
the the battery. The only fuse that did blow is the bildge pump fuse
that runs directly off the battery. The radio timer fuse that also
runs directly off the battery was not blown. I replaced the fuse. I'm
going to buy a gun. first use it on my boat then on me.
Mark

boat batteries
 

"Jack Redington" wrote in message
nk.net...



On a io the engine will crank, it just will not fire with the safety clip
disengaged. But cranking is somthing just not running..

Capt Jack R..


Now that I think about it, it's the same with an outboard too. It'll crank,
but not start.
It's been awhile since I used my outboard.

Thanks for the correction. I feel for the OP. Hoping he didn't fry
something when he hooked the batteries up backwards. My son did that to his
first car - an '87 Merc. Messed it up pretty bad.

RCE

RCE

boat batteries
 

boat is quite new. all wires are clean with no corrosion. It worked
with the old batteries right up until it died. when i replaced new
batteries nothing works. I either blew something or i have the wrong
batteries. power tilt is the only think that works.
Mark

boat batteries
 

"mark" wrote in message
oups.com...
boat is quite new. all wires are clean with no corrosion. It worked
with the old batteries right up until it died. when i replaced new
batteries nothing works. I either blew something or i have the wrong
batteries. power tilt is the only think that works.
Mark


It's not your batteries. Keep plugging away. You're going to find the
problem and feel pretty good about your new found knowledge of how your boat
works.

RCE

boat batteries
 

RCE wrote:

"Jack Redington" wrote in message
nk.net...



On a io the engine will crank, it just will not fire with the safety clip
disengaged. But cranking is somthing just not running..

Capt Jack R..



Now that I think about it, it's the same with an outboard too. It'll crank,
but not start.
It's been awhile since I used my outboard.

Thanks for the correction. I feel for the OP. Hoping he didn't fry
something when he hooked the batteries up backwards. My son did that to his
first car - an '87 Merc. Messed it up pretty bad.

RCE

RCE



I hear ya, I would think one of the service guys would know what to
check since it was hooked up incorrectly.

From one of his other post it sound like the power trim works, so he is
getting power in the system. I would think he should be able to get
power to the lights and other things. But so far from what I can tell
that is not the case.

Cheers:

Capt Jack R..

boat batteries
 

mark wrote:

boat is quite new. all wires are clean with no corrosion. It worked
with the old batteries right up until it died. when i replaced new
batteries nothing works. I either blew something or i have the wrong
batteries. power tilt is the only think that works.
Mark


Mark - you got me.
I have a hard time believing it is the wrong batteries. since the power
trim works that would seem to imply that the ground is good. I just
can't imagine why the lights would be dead also.

Capt Jack R..

boat batteries
 

Typically , trim and tilt is hooked directly to the batteries. Check that
the ground from the battery is connected to a stud on the back of a head.
Check that the red hot side of the battery connects to the battery selector
switch. Check that a red lead is connected from the selector switch to a
post on the starter solenoid. That post on the starter solenoid usually
supplies power to everything else. You need to verify that you have power on
the starter solenoid.
Jim
"Jack Redington" wrote in message
nk.net...
mark wrote:

boat is quite new. all wires are clean with no corrosion. It worked
with the old batteries right up until it died. when i replaced new
batteries nothing works. I either blew something or i have the wrong
batteries. power tilt is the only think that works.
Mark


Mark - you got me.
I have a hard time believing it is the wrong batteries. since the power
trim works that would seem to imply that the ground is good. I just can't
imagine why the lights would be dead also.

Capt Jack R..

boat batteries
 

"Jack Redington" wrote in message
nk.net...
mark wrote:

boat is quite new. all wires are clean with no corrosion. It worked
with the old batteries right up until it died. when i replaced new
batteries nothing works. I either blew something or i have the wrong
batteries. power tilt is the only think that works.
Mark


Mark - you got me.
I have a hard time believing it is the wrong batteries. since the power
trim works that would seem to imply that the ground is good. I just can't
imagine why the lights would be dead also.

Capt Jack R..


Mark, do you have a multimeter? If not, go to the Home Depot, Lowes or
Radio Shack and get yourself a 20 dollar meter. If you are uncomfortable
with a meter or don't know how to use one, go to a automotive store and get
a 12 volt test probe. It looks like a pointy screwdriver with a light in it
and has a ground wire coming out of the top of the handle. With a meter or
a test probe, people here can walk you through the checks. I suspect you
have an in-line fuse somewhere that you haven't found yet that supplies
power to your ignition switch and to your 12 volt accessories.

RCE

boat batteries
 

Hi RCE, thanks I will get a 12 volt test probe. I'm hoping that there
is a fuse somewhere that I missed. I can't believe how nice all you
guys are. I'm really greatful that I can talk to all of you. I hope
someday I can return the favor.
Mark

boat batteries
 

Mark,
The information you have given us so far is not enough to even begin to
troubleshoot your problem.
Please supply the make and model and year of the engine and boat so that we
can try to visualize what you are looking at. What worked with the old
batteries? What died? Were the old batteries worn down? If they were worn
down, could it be from leaving an accessory on when you left the boat, or
from months of non use? Did you check to see if the old batteries needed
water? Did you try to recharge the batteries? Did you have the batteries
tested? (Not at Sears, I hope). How old are the old batteries? Is all the
wiring to the batteries color coded? i.e. red for positive and black for
negative. Have you looked carefully for any loose wires that may not have
been reconnected to the new batteries? Where is the selector switch
physically mounted? When you are in the cockpit facing the engine, describe
where the batteries are located.

We have determined so far that the sterndrive will lift to the full up
position. It takes significant power to accomplish that task. The batteries
are OK. The next logical step to take is to follow the battery cables to see
where they go. The blacks need to go from the negative on the battery
directly to the engine block. The two red cables go from batteries to the
selector switch. The third red cable on the selector switch goes to the
starter solenoid. You may find other smaller wires connected to the
batteries. Those would be for builder installed accessories; and have
nothing to do with engine function.
Jim

"mark" wrote in message
oups.com...
boat is quite new. all wires are clean with no corrosion. It worked
with the old batteries right up until it died. when i replaced new
batteries nothing works. I either blew something or i have the wrong
batteries. power tilt is the only think that works.
Mark

boat batteries
 

Hi Jim,
Batteries are located on the left when you are looking back into the
engine. The switch is mounted on the wall just above the batteries. I
have a 24 ft sea ray with a 250hp i/o motor. Everything worked with
the old deep cell bateries. They both just wore out. I had to keep
charging them until I decided to buy new batteries. The red cable goes
around the back of the engine to the other side and then under to the
starter I guess. Can't see it. All cables look new. Engine is very
clean. No corrosion. Maybe the selector switch went bad when I
connected the batteries backwards.. What do you think? Tried the
selector on all three positions. Nothing. The wiring is color coded.
Always turned the selector off when I was done using the boat. Even
disconnected the radio timer wire from the batteries so as to not wear
them down. Fuses on the top of the engine where many small red wire
attach are good. None blown. I pushed the red reset button on top of
the engine as well. Nothing. The old batteries were 2 1/2 years old.
Old batteries did need water from time to time but alway filled with
distilled water.
I hope I answered all your question. Thanks for all your time.
Mark

boat batteries
 

"mark" wrote in message
oups.com...
Hi Jim,
Batteries are located on the left when you are looking back into the
engine. The switch is mounted on the wall just above the batteries. I
have a 24 ft sea ray with a 250hp i/o motor. Everything worked with
the old deep cell bateries. They both just wore out. I had to keep
charging them until I decided to buy new batteries. The red cable goes
around the back of the engine to the other side and then under to the
starter I guess. Can't see it. All cables look new. Engine is very
clean. No corrosion. Maybe the selector switch went bad when I
connected the batteries backwards.. What do you think? Tried the
selector on all three positions. Nothing. The wiring is color coded.
Always turned the selector off when I was done using the boat. Even
disconnected the radio timer wire from the batteries so as to not wear
them down. Fuses on the top of the engine where many small red wire
attach are good. None blown. I pushed the red reset button on top of
the engine as well. Nothing. The old batteries were 2 1/2 years old.
Old batteries did need water from time to time but alway filled with
distilled water.
I hope I answered all your question. Thanks for all your time.
Mark


Step 1. Did you get a lighted test probe? If so, connect the black lead
with the alligator clip to the negative post of either battery. Touch the
probe to the positive post of that battery. Did the light come on on the
probe? If yes, then the probe is good.

Step 2. Turn the battery switch on to "both" Connect the alligator clip to
a nearby metal part of the engine. Make sure it's on metal, not paint.
Again, touch the probe to the positive lead of either battery. Did it light
up with the same intensity? If so, good, you have at least some kind of
ground connection to the engine block. Try the positive post of the other
battery and make sure it lights also.

Step 3. Let's wait until you get this far.

RCE

boat batteries
 

Hi guys,

My mechanic came by today. He said the main fuse at the starter has
blown. Everything else is fine. All connections are correct. All
lights and gadgets work now. I can't thank all of you enough for all
your help. You have taugh me quite a bit about the workings of my
boat. Thanks again for all your time. As I said before, I hope I can
return the favor one day.
Mark
p.s. My expertise is chemical metering pumps and water treatment
equipment.

boat batteries
 

"mark" wrote in message
oups.com...
Hi guys,

My mechanic came by today. He said the main fuse at the starter has
blown. Everything else is fine. All connections are correct. All
lights and gadgets work now. I can't thank all of you enough for all
your help. You have taugh me quite a bit about the workings of my
boat. Thanks again for all your time. As I said before, I hope I can
return the favor one day.
Mark
p.s. My expertise is chemical metering pumps and water treatment
equipment.


Just wait until you get our bill.

RCE

boat batteries
 

On 23 Feb 2006 09:45:56 -0800, "mark"
wrote:

Hi Jim,
Batteries are located on the left when you are looking back into the
engine. The switch is mounted on the wall just above the batteries. I
have a 24 ft sea ray with a 250hp i/o motor. Everything worked with
the old deep cell bateries. They both just wore out. I had to keep
charging them until I decided to buy new batteries. The red cable goes
around the back of the engine to the other side and then under to the
starter I guess. Can't see it. All cables look new. Engine is very
clean. No corrosion. Maybe the selector switch went bad when I
connected the batteries backwards.. What do you think? Tried the
selector on all three positions. Nothing. The wiring is color coded.
Always turned the selector off when I was done using the boat. Even
disconnected the radio timer wire from the batteries so as to not wear
them down. Fuses on the top of the engine where many small red wire
attach are good. None blown. I pushed the red reset button on top of
the engine as well. Nothing. The old batteries were 2 1/2 years old.
Old batteries did need water from time to time but alway filled with
distilled water.
I hope I answered all your question. Thanks for all your time.
Mark

Look behind the batteries and see if there is one or more fuze holders
screwed to the inside of the transom. Mine has two in-line fuzes there, and
when one of them blew, I had problems similar to yours.
--
'Til next time,

John H

******************************************
***** Have a Spectacular Day! *****
******************************************

boat batteries
 

mark wrote:

... Fuses on the top of the engine where many small red wire
attach are good. None blown. I pushed the red reset button on top of
the engine as well. Nothing.

I wonder if there was a fusible link in there somewhere.

-rick-