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MAINTENANCE - ELECTRICAL
WARNING
Under no circumstances should the battery be disconnected or switched off when the engine is running. This will
seriously damage the alternator
PANELS AND WIRING
See installation notes, page 27.
General maintenance
(1) The panel must be protected from rain and sea water, see installation. Sea water entering the key switch will
eventually cause corrosion and could result in the starter motor being permanently energised and burning out.
Spray key switch every month with WD 40 or equivalent.
(2) Check batteries for acid level and top up if required. For low maintenance and 'gel' batteries see manufacturers
instructions.
(3) Loose spade terminal connections are the most common cause for electrical faults - check on a regular bases
(see maintenance instructions).
WINTERISING AND LAYING UP
Heat Exchanger Cooled Engines Left Afloat And Ashore
(a) The engine oil and oil filter should be changed at the end of the season rather than in the spring. See section 2.
(b) The closed circuit system should contain a 30 to 50% solution of anti-freeze to water (this also applies to warm
and tropical climates).
(c) For cold climates where the air or water temperatures can fall below 3°C, the sea water circuit must be protected
in addition to the fresh water system. This is best achieved as follows:
(i)
Close the inlet seacock to the engine (engine stopped).
(ii) Disconnect the sea water inlet pipe and dip it into a small bucket containing 50/50 anti-freeze solution.
(iii) Start the engine (out of gear) and run for 5 to 10 seconds until the anti-freeze is used up and can be seen
coming out of the exhaust outlet.
(iv) Shut engine off and reconnect the inlet pipe to the seacock.
The sea water or raw water circuit is now protected by anti-freeze.
(d) Ensure instrument panel is well protected and give the key switch a spray of WD 40 or equivalent.
(e) With the engine stopped, disconnect the battery (always disconnect the negative cable first and re-connect the
negative cable last) and take it ashore for trickle charging and top up as necessary. If AC power is available then
this can be done on the boat.
(f) Fuel tanks should be kept full during the lay up period to eliminate water condensation in the tank. Water
entering the fuel injection system can cause considerable damage.
LAYING UP ASHORE
(a) Change the engine oil before the boat is taken out of the water. Warm engine oil is much easier to pump
than cold!
(b) to (f) should be followed as above.
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