I've looked all over the forum for answers on voltage drop while using the trim and have found nothing. Several topics on the trim not working, but not just voltage drop. Sorry if I missed it.
boat: 1999 Cobalt 25ls, 7.4 gi pwtr (4110178868)
My problem: trim up or down, the voltage drops at battery immediately from 13.8 ~ 13.9 (engine running) to 11 ish then continues to fall as the trim button is up or down until eventually (within seconds) the 50 amp breaker on the breaker box starboard side above exhaust trips. Happens at idle or revving or for that matter 50 mph. also note that all of the low amp items (blower, cockpit lights, nav lights, etc) have zero affect on the voltage when running, however when I turn my docking lights on I do get a .5 to 1 volt drop with engine running.
What I've done: new batteries fully charged (13.4 each), tested battery cables, removed & cleaned grounds on enigine block, tested grounds on a ground pole mounted to transom, tested alternator voltage key off (same as battery), tested voltage at alternator and battery engine running (both 14.0).
My skills are limited to say the least. I have not tested anything on the trim motor itself simply because I get the impression if their is a problem there the trim simply will not work up, down or both not to mention the voltage drop when using my docking lights lingers in the back of my head.
Is it possible that the alternator will show a good voltage output to battery at idle as mine does (14.0 even) yet not be able to absorb a load from a high amp draw item such as the trim motor or docking lights? I have not taken it off to bench test simply b/c it read 14.0 output. What else do I need to look at from a ground standpoint?
Thanks
boat: 1999 Cobalt 25ls, 7.4 gi pwtr (4110178868)
My problem: trim up or down, the voltage drops at battery immediately from 13.8 ~ 13.9 (engine running) to 11 ish then continues to fall as the trim button is up or down until eventually (within seconds) the 50 amp breaker on the breaker box starboard side above exhaust trips. Happens at idle or revving or for that matter 50 mph. also note that all of the low amp items (blower, cockpit lights, nav lights, etc) have zero affect on the voltage when running, however when I turn my docking lights on I do get a .5 to 1 volt drop with engine running.
What I've done: new batteries fully charged (13.4 each), tested battery cables, removed & cleaned grounds on enigine block, tested grounds on a ground pole mounted to transom, tested alternator voltage key off (same as battery), tested voltage at alternator and battery engine running (both 14.0).
My skills are limited to say the least. I have not tested anything on the trim motor itself simply because I get the impression if their is a problem there the trim simply will not work up, down or both not to mention the voltage drop when using my docking lights lingers in the back of my head.
Is it possible that the alternator will show a good voltage output to battery at idle as mine does (14.0 even) yet not be able to absorb a load from a high amp draw item such as the trim motor or docking lights? I have not taken it off to bench test simply b/c it read 14.0 output. What else do I need to look at from a ground standpoint?
Thanks