Using Trim tab causes volt meter on starboard engine to drop to 0

rmorrison9773

Recruit
Joined
May 13, 2008
Messages
1
I have a 2001 Wellcraft 3700 Martinique that I purchased about a month ago. I noticed while running on Sunday when I used the Bennett Tabs the volt meter on my starboard engine dropped to 0. The tabs still worked normally! When I returned to the dock I did some basic troubleshooting which is listed below. If you have any ideas what the problem may be please let me know.

Starboard engine off, port engine running cycle tabs. Volt meter on port engine stays at 12+ volts

port engine off, key in on position for starboard engine, cycle tabs. Volt meter on starboard drops to 0

Starboard engine key on, port engine key on, cycle tabs. starboard volt meter drops to 0
 

hostage

Lieutenant
Joined
May 4, 2010
Messages
1,291
Re: Using Trim tab causes volt meter on starboard engine to drop to 0

Not being an expert, I will say that I have seen a draw from a bad solenoid or electric motor cause a lot more draw as it tries to do it's job.
 

Bondo

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Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
70,468
Re: Using Trim tab causes volt meter on starboard engine to drop to 0

I have a 2001 Wellcraft 3700 Martinique that I purchased about a month ago. I noticed while running on Sunday when I used the Bennett Tabs the volt meter on my starboard engine dropped to 0. The tabs still worked normally! When I returned to the dock I did some basic troubleshooting which is listed below. If you have any ideas what the problem may be please let me know.

Starboard engine off, port engine running cycle tabs. Volt meter on port engine stays at 12+ volts

port engine off, key in on position for starboard engine, cycle tabs. Volt meter on starboard drops to 0

Starboard engine key on, port engine key on, cycle tabs. starboard volt meter drops to 0

Ayuh,.... Sounds like a Bad Ground issue to Me,....

Movin' this to the Electrical Forum,...
 

Tabman

iboats.com Partner
Joined
Feb 21, 2002
Messages
566
Re: Using Trim tab causes volt meter on starboard engine to drop to 0

I am going to agree with Bond-O. Check and clean both ends of the black ground wire at the pump.

A faulty solenoid or pump will usually trip the 20 amp fuse or breaker in the system.
 

kahuna123

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 2, 2011
Messages
703
Re: Using Trim tab causes volt meter on starboard engine to drop to 0

You have a ground issue. I have seen a $2000 dollar stainless shaft ruined in a few days that had a similar problem.
 
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