Electrical mishap left me stranded!

[hanz]

First off let me say the boat is a competition ski boat with a direct drive inboard. The alternator that is on the boat is a single wire output alternator. <br /><br />The wire which runs from the alternator to the breaker box(rear of engine w/50amp breaker) got too close to the exhaust manifold/riser, and melted the rubber coating grounding itself to the engine. Once this happened, the boat died. 5 seconds later the negative 5/16" post on the optima battery (34M/1000M) got so hot it melted off the battery comlpetely. I was using the 5/16 threaded posts, not the large posts. The larger negative post and both of the positive terminals were unharmed. The 50 amp breaker didn't break.<br /><br />My questions are; What are the chances I damaged by alternator and starter? And the battery takes a charge, so would it still be ok to use it using the large terminals?<br /><br />Thanks in advance.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Electrical mishap left me stranded!

One you have the mess cleaned up and re-routed the wires so they never burn again give it a try. Use a volt meter to check the output on the alternator. If anything got burned in the alternator it would have been the voltage regulator (built in) and any automotive place that rebuilds them can repair it. The starter should not be harmed from the grounding out at the battery. There is a start circuit that engages the starter in between.<br /><br />Bob <br /><br />Welcome to the iboats Forum

 

[DaveM]

Re: Electrical mishap left me stranded!

Hanz,<br /><br />I would be very surprised if either the starter or alternator were damaged. You created a short when that wire melted where neither component was included in that circuit. The circuit was a direct connection of the battery (+) to the engine (-), before the breaker. I would inspect the battery closely to make sure you did not melt a hole through it.

 

[hanz]

Re: Electrical mishap left me stranded!

Thanks for the info!<br /><br />I will test the alternator with a volt meter after replacing all of the wires, and hopefully the starter is fine.<br /><br />The battery does have a hole in it. The lead under the smaller 5/16" threaded post on the negative side got soft when it heated up and the post popped out. I tested the battery and it still had output. I put it on the charger and it took a charge like nothing was wrong. I'm a little worried about the missing 5/16" post, but it seems to be working with the large ones. <br /><br />Is it fine, can I repair it, or am I out a brand new Optima blue top battery?<br /><br />Thanks again.

 

[DaveM]

Re: Electrical mishap left me stranded!

Electrically there should be nothing wrong with your battery, but I would be concerned about acid seeping out of the hole. It is mighty corrosive.