Bloody boats....

[grant]

Went for a cruise with the family this afternoon and was cruising at at about 18kts nice flat ride, when my dash instruments died.

I have power still to the 27mhz radio and all the peripheral electronics, but its gone to the two main things I need. I am reaso***le at electronics and fault finding, but would love a knowledgeable buddie?

Any body here spare me some time and help me sort it?

g./

[triman]

Grant, I'm not knowledgable but experienced. If you've lost your instruments I can only suggest 2 causes, a blown fuse of a dodgy joint.
I assume you have the main power to your instrument panel fused, with a separate line for the gauge lights, also fused.
Do you have lights and no gauge indications? Fuse!
Do you have neither? Possibly dodgy connection where you pick the panel and light power from.
Is the rear of your dash light any boat more than 12 months old? A horrible tangled mess, looking like a kitten has played with a ball of wool? Difficult to diagnose.
Have you got a length of wire sufficient to go from the battery to the main power supply to the dash. Use this to prove that it is/isn't in the power supply line.
It may be one of the gauges has died and taken out the fuse on the way.
So many possibilities.
I suggest cracking a good red, sit back, think for a few minutes then try to trace the wiring from the battery to the gauges, checking for power everywhere you can get to a terminal.
Finally, don't concentrate solely on the power supply TO the gauges. You may also have a problem in the earth return, so give that a deep and meaningful scrute as well.

[dilligaf]

i love to play with wires and trace problems like that

[Steve-G]

I had the joy of towing a boat back into Warneet the other night. He said that all his eleckys had died, but I noticed that all his auxcillary gear was still working. I traced his earth wire back into his motor and checked the fuse. it was ok, however as I was putting the fuse holder back together we heard a Click click, then nothing again. Sprayed inside his holder with Inox and off he went fishing again. And I just realised that none of this has anything to do with your orig problem :oops:
Not only am I a Fishing legend 8) , but according to those that know me
:twisted: I'm bloody good looking, trim taut and terriffic,great in bed and rich to boot. :D :oops: :D :twisted: :D :roll: :D :wink: :D :shock: :D

[grant]

Just trying to find time to sort it. I might have a go on Saturday at Pier 35 is anybody up to join me from about 1pm...

Steve & diligaf would love it if you would come and help.

g./

[triman]

Un fortunately I'm off to Bell bay sparra's Saturday, returning Sunday. Otherwise I'd be in it

[grant]

I am heading down to pier 35 soon, be there at 1pm, if you do come down (all welcome) call me on 0433219420

g./

[grant]

FIXED!!!!

Yippeee.....

Turned out to be a corroded fuse right up near the battery... Its an auto-type that was not marine freindly.

Learnt alot about my boat and how its hangs together.

Have taken som photos and will post to show.

Found a new project however, I am removing the old fuse panel and replacing it with a more orginised and understandable panel.

Anyway must run, will post more later.

g./

[grant]

So a bit more info...

Brendon and I (BDO) checked each line and followed each line to its physical end, we found a nasty solder join and thought ah huh we found it, so cut the wires and did a dummy join to make sure and it was still dead, but this at least meant we had found the right line.

Giving up in frustration we checked the batteries again and found a small auto fuse in line of the main 12v supply.

there were also two old fuses on the floor. We pulled the offending fuse and it has blown. so using the spare graciously found on the floor and a clean up we were away. THe holder still needs a good clean but al lis ok.

all the logic in the world and we find it by sheer fluke.


Was a fun afternoon though, learnt loads about the limo and found a few things I want to change.

g./