Still Have Electrical Problem "Help"

Kelsey

Cadet
Joined
Sep 18, 2003
Messages
23
Boat is a 1986 Thundercraft with a 140 mer I/O. Battery has a drain to it when ignition is off. Battery is new and been tested, Alternator is new and tested. Pulled all the fuses to accessories still test light goes on meaning there is still a drain to battery. Followed all the lines. can seem to locate the problem. The only time the test light will go out is when I remove the two wire regulator clip out of the side of the alternator. Red wire there has a 12 volt reading. purple wire has a O volt reading ignition is off. Please give me some ideas this is a real puzzle. What could be draining the system???<br /><br />Thanks to all,<br /><br />Chiboka
 

cuzner

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Feb 14, 2004
Messages
771
Re: Still Have Electrical Problem "Help"

Where are you testing?<br /><br /> Jim
 

rodbolt

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 1, 2003
Messages
20,066
Re: Still Have Electrical Problem "Help"

did someone use the automotive delcotron altenator? I never saw one with a 2 wire clip. the delcotron has one lead that is alweays "hot". double check that all the proper marine parts are installed.
 

Kelsey

Cadet
Joined
Sep 18, 2003
Messages
23
Re: Still Have Electrical Problem "Help"

I am testing across the + post on the battery. The test light will light up. The Alternator is a Bosch. One wire is on bat connection on back of alt which goes to starter post where battery postive cable is also connected. The red smaller wire from the regulator connection is also feed from the main starter terminal. There is a ground wire connected to the back of alt. The two wires out of side of the alt are one is red and other wire (field) is purple. Purple Field runs up to dash/ignition. <br /> What would be the diffrence between marine alt & this type of alt. The old one that was replaced was exactly like it. Before this dicharging problem.<br /><br />Chiboka
 

Kelsey

Cadet
Joined
Sep 18, 2003
Messages
23
Re: Still Have Electrical Problem "Help"

Any body out there have a wiring schematic for this boat. May help me with tracing out my problem.<br /><br />Thanks, Chiboka
 

cuzner

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Feb 14, 2004
Messages
771
Re: Still Have Electrical Problem "Help"

An Auto alternator is almost the same as a marine.The difference is a marine alternator is sealed to prevent spark.Any gas fumes that escapes (there is no way to prevent it) is heavier than air and accumulates in your water tight bilge. If any spark is present it will turn your boat into a roman candle.If you have an auto alternator instaled REMOVE IT !!!!! I was talking to an ex boater last month who did a bad job wiring a bilge pump,when he turned it on he was blown 10 ft off his boat. It is a serious safety issue.<br /><br /><br /> Jim :eek:
 

Kelsey

Cadet
Joined
Sep 18, 2003
Messages
23
Re: Still Have Electrical Problem "Help"

If anyone has a wiring diagram from ignition, alternator & starter ect.. Can you please PM me at daughterjs@netscape.net Sorry forgot to add E-mail address last post.<br /><br />Cheers, Chiboka
 

Peter J Fraser

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 22, 2003
Messages
598
Re: Still Have Electrical Problem "Help"

Chiboka,<br />Take the alternator off the engine and take it to an auto electrician, put it on the test bench and get him to hook it up and check the current draw through the rotor.<br />Sounds as if your regulator is not switching off the rotor exciter current when the engine is stopped and key is off.<br />Thats it what the Ign warning light is for, to supply current back to the rotor to get it to charge when spinning fast enough.<br /><br />Have fun<br /><br />Peter
 
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