Quick question

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GatorMike

Ensign
Joined
Aug 3, 2003
Messages
902
Can it damage an engine or the boats electronics if you disconect the battery while the engine is running? I know you aren't supposed to do this with a car alternator just wondering if the same goes for a boat.
 
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Goodoleboy

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Nov 20, 2003
Messages
555
Re: Quick question

Yes it can damage the chargeing system. The electric current needs some place to go.
 
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GatorMike

Ensign
Joined
Aug 3, 2003
Messages
902
Re: Quick question

Thanks goodoleboy, I was wondering more about the boat electronics though. I had 4 of my engine gauges go out on a recient fishing trip. This happened after I swaping batteries with my sons boat with the boat running. I tested the tilt/trim gauge today and seems I am getting correct voltage to the gauge and the ground is ok but when I tested the guage it is bad. Just wondered if I might have burnt out all 4 gauges?
 
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lark2004

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jul 12, 2004
Messages
1,080
Re: Quick question

Yep, probably did. When you disconnect the battery, the regulator can't respond fast enough. This results in a momentary voltage spike. It can get quite high, depends on the rpm's at the time, and how much load the Battery was putting on the chargeing system at the time.
 
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