Change starter batteries, now won't start

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Takoradi

Senior Member
Joined
Oct 7, 2017
Messages
158
Location
USA
Vessel Name
The Janie C
Vessel Make
Uniflite 42
I have twin Crusader 1984 CH350's (Chevy 454's) and recently replaced the FLA starter battery which I'd let go dry. Prior to the change out, both engines started quickly and easily. After the new battery install, the port engine fires right up. Starboard doesn't make a sound. I suspect I shorted something on the starboard side as I was swapping batteries but that's just a guess. I've tested all the switches at the panel and both helm positions, replaced the neutral safety switch and sacrificed the required number of chickens but no luck. I'm begining to suspect the starter relay (that confirms it's in neutral and routes power to the starter solenoid) since shorts can damage them. Other than increasing the number of sacrificial chickens, anyone have any ideas?

Tak
 
Have you tried grabbing some jumper cables and connecting the starboard and port batteries together? Or do you have a "combiner" switch (which does the same thing)? This can start the process of elimination.....
 
They both start off the same battery
 
Time to break out your volt meter. Have you started checking the voltage at various points? I would start at the input and outputs of the starter. Then work backwards until you don't see the expected voltage. Don't neglect to check the grounds as well.
 
Time to break out your volt meter. Have you started checking the voltage at various points? I would start at the input and outputs of the starter. Then work backwards until you don't see the expected voltage. Don't neglect to check the grounds as well.
Agree. Check every connection point and make sure there is voltage. You can ohm out the ground side from the engine to the battery and make sure you have continuity. But make sure that you have good voltage under load. A bad connection may show voltage but voltage may drop when under load if it is a suspect connection l
 
If it doesn't even click you have a problem with the solenoid or the wiring to the solenoid.
 
My first guess, there is a cable laying in the bilge that didn’t get properly connected.

My second guess, you got a connection that failed during the replacement process.

Best advice, break out the volt meter and follow the electrons.
 
Suggest you check your ground cable and ground cable connections.
 
Tak, any update on the resolution?
 
I have twin Crusader 1984 CH350's (Chevy 454's) and recently replaced the FLA starter battery which I'd let go dry. Prior to the change out, both engines started quickly and easily. After the new battery install, the port engine fires right up. Starboard doesn't make a sound. I suspect I shorted something on the starboard side as I was swapping batteries but that's just a guess. I've tested all the switches at the panel and both helm positions, replaced the neutral safety switch and sacrificed the required number of chickens but no luck. I'm begining to suspect the starter relay (that confirms it's in neutral and routes power to the starter solenoid) since shorts can damage them. Other than increasing the number of sacrificial chickens, anyone have any ideas?

Tak
Problem(s) solved. Broke down and had a mechanic troubleshoot it. I replaced the neutral safety sensor, and the oil pressure indicator (that turns on the buzzer when the ignition is on but engine isn’t running) and that seemed to do it. Not sure how changing the battery would impact either unit, but it starts like it used to. And while I was there, I replaced the impellers. All good. Thank you for your very helpful comments.
 
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