Sorry. Pulled the wiring diagram. Port and starboard banks are wired to the port and starboard switch solenoids under the Emergency Start solenoid. The generator requires its individual wire direct to the battery. Learning so much!
Follow-up -
Changed out 3 of the 4 batteries yesterday. The generator battery was in great shape. 3 new Interstate 27dc's.
When snooping around, we found that we're only using 2 of the three banks from the charger. One bank goes to the generator and the second goes to the 2 port batteries...
The only distinguishing feature I can see is the flame arrestor is a rectangular plastic piece. The others I see are round corrugated metal. Control panel below.
We have a 2000 Sundancer 340. The generator ID tag is worn and we can only see info on the bottom two lines. No ser num., date of mfg. or Family Name. The Sundancer parts manual tells us we have a Westerbeke 4.5 kw 120/60 gas generator. Anyone know which model it could be? BCG, BCGB, BCGTC...
Phil, Did you check "EACH" battery. The voltage check on the panel reads fine (probably aided by the charger) but the batteries do not have enough CCA's left to turn things over. Mine went out this season. 3 of the 4 need replacing, only the alternator (separate bank) survived. Also, the...
OK - The saga is coming to an end. Checked batteries and charger. Charger is fine, 3 of the 4 batteries failed. All are Interstate Group 27 Deep Cycle (600 CCA). 4 batteries set up on a 3 bank 15 amp smart charger (yes, I know its small, but usage is weekends only). Not knowing the in...
They were on our 2000 340 at purchase. Our surveyor recommended taking them off. They are supposed to be a few inches above the strut to provide a gap for cooling water flow to the cutlass bearing. Invariably, they slide down, butt up to the strut and block the flow, which aids in premature wear.
Went to the dock today and pulled the manual. Yes it is a small charger but it has the technology to transfer all the amps (15) to the needed bank (leg).
Where should I check for open grounds?
Did the previous owner mask the problem with new batteries and a band aid charger?
Would new...
Tough to get the old fridge out. Remove the door and cut the items off the back. Watch for sharp edges getting it out. We went with the IsoTherm. Need 3/4" shims around the frame to fit and upright blocking to level. Easy.
There is a 120v receptacle inside the cabinet. 12V wiring was loose.
Bingo! Thanks Lazy Daze. My parts manual list a 30 amp as OE - CONVERTER, 30AMP 120/220VAC 50/60HZ FLYBACK - honing in on my problem.
Are the batteries that have enjoyed these two+ years of mismanagement under my pitiful charger now, toast?
With one "leg" going to the Starboard side, would I hook up the Gen and Starting battery in parallel to get the charging off that one leg?
By separating the 2 port sides for a starter on one leg and a deep cycle on another, am I loosing the amp hours that 2 12v's in parallel produce?
Are dual...
Thanks Lazy Daze. I’ll check more throughly for date info (and type). Regarding the charger size, our use is weekends only with 5 days between “load”.
…..and “load” is not that bad. We have iPads and battery fan for comfort. We start the gen for 120 to make coffee and top up in the mornings...
Thank you Yendor. You’re right. 1 bank is gen, 2 is Stbd engine, 3 is 2 batteries in parallel form bank 3 for the port engine and house.
Wouldn’t I want to leave the 2 bank setup on the port to get the most amp hours for the house?
It‘s 4 Interstate 600 CCA wet batteries. All the same. No stamp or sticker. Charger is 15 amp, 3 bank from Bass Pro XPS.
Would you go with the same batteries and stick with the same wiring configuration? What about doing deep cycles on the port bank?
Given only the Port side seems to be...
So here I am. 4 batteries. Starboard side 2 are Generator and Engine, each. Port side 2 are wired parallel for port engine and house. Have had shore power on, heater and refrigerator running. 3 bank charger is all green lights.
Port side wouldn‘t crank. Checked water (fine) and tried a...