erratic volt meter engine cuts out

sailor26

Cadet
Joined
Jun 15, 2012
Messages
27
cruising at 2500 today the volt meter started going all over the place, the trim gauge jumped (hasn't been working) the engine started cutting our, the alternator belt started making noise, then the circut breaker cut out and the engine stopped. Started hard but started again. Limped back to port.

Had a engine wire harness put in recently and was told the harness to the dash needed to be replaced. just bought a new one but need new gauges first.

My question; do you think today's episode was a wiring problem or something in the alternater? It definately was worse at a higher RPM.

thanks for your ideas
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: erratic volt meter engine cuts out

Clean and tighten all battery cable connection (Each cable has 2 ends) and check other wiring harness connections for corrosion and looseness.

Get rid of the wing nuts on the battery, and use regular nuts with a wrench to tighten the cables.
 
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