Low Battery Voltage with Optimax

[Ed R]

I know there was a problem when running on plane, but I can't remember what it was, and can't find the thread on it.

Thanks.

[EuropeanAM]

There are numerous possibilities, Ed.

I might suggest that you describe the situation you're having... and we'll go from there.

Regarding batteries and connections, see the following post:

http://www.bbcboards.net/zerot...st-in

[Ed R]

I know which battery to run. I'm using an Optima gp 31. It has been flawless for the last 4 years, but I have recently updated the electronics to an HDS-10 along with a 38HD and a broadband sounder for the 38. I run the electronics (both) pretty much 100% of the time I am tournament fishing. I'm also running the live-wells constantly, aerator, fill, and pump-out.

The Optima does not have the best reserve capacity. Just wondering if I am running the battery to low during the day. My symptoms seem to be later during the day. I do not have a problem starting, just running.

Just trying to cover all bases. This thread is related to this one.
http://www.bbcboards.net/zerothread?id=697169

[JAZII]

Yes, your battery is getting weaker everytime you use it. 4 years is good service for a cranking batt. with all the power you are drawing on it.

Optima batteries charge funny when they run down low.

JAZII

[EuropeanAM]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Ed R &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">I know which battery to run. I'm using an Optima gp 31. It has been flawless for the last 4 years, but I have recently updated the electronics to an HDS-10 along with a 38HD and a broadband sounder for the 38. I run the electronics (both) pretty much 100% of the time I am tournament fishing. I'm also running the live-wells constantly, aerator, fill, and pump-out.

The Optima does not have the best reserve capacity. Just wondering if I am running the battery to low during the day. My symptoms seem to be later during the day. I do not have a problem starting, just running.

Just trying to cover all bases. This thread is related to this one.
http://www.bbcboards.net/zerothread?id=697169</td></tr></table>

Ed:

I agree that it's probably time to upgrade batteries, as you've definitely increased the DEMAND (not to mention the 4 year old Optima has likely lost some of it's reserve capacity).

Adequate battery voltage is critical.... and low voltage can present in several different ways (the most common of which are listed below):

-Main power relay or PCM Shutdown (voltage inadequate to keep them powered up)

-Reduced engine Power (Engine Guardian) due to low battery voltage.

These problems can sometimes be VERY difficult to catch or diagnose, as the PCM may actually shut itself down, or reset, in an effort to protect itself (and seldom are there faults stored in this scenario).

I recently had a 250 Pro on a Triton that was doing this.... literally had to "record" the engine data while running @ WOT on a rough-water day, and play the data back "frame by frame" to see the voltage spiking low (loose battery switch panel banging around in the rear compartment appears to have been the culprit there).

[hoytkimbershimano]

Ed,

Are you losing all of your electrical power or just to the engine?

What kind of boat?

I am having a somewhat similar issue but I am losing power to my console, electronics, etc.

[Ed R]

Just power to the engine. It may be a fuel issue not power.

Ran the boat today, about 8 hours fishing. No live wells, but both electronic were running 90% of the time. At the end of the day the engine was acting up again. Not breaking down, it would just die for a second or two then pickup. All other power in the boat was fine.

On the way home I stopped by the battery store to have the battery load tested. Even after 8 hours fishing volts were fine and it maxed out their tester @ 1400CA.

[EuropeanAM]

Ed:

You stated your battery maxed out their tester at 1400CA. That "sounds" good... but what was the VOLTAGE?

I've seen many batteries that would test at a capacity of 1000CCA (or even above).... but the VOLTAGE at those test ratings was INADEQUATE.

For the purposes of these tests.... the battery capacity should be considered whatever load it will carry without falling below 11.1 VDC.

Reason: Even at 11.1 VDC, weird (and unpredictable) problems will occur on your Optimax.

Would also be a good idea to repeat the load test BETWEEN ENGINE BLOCK and POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE CONNECTION ON ENGINE. This little trick can help you locate problems in cables, cable connections, battery switches, etc (which present with very similar syptoms to a bad battery).

In regards to your comment on fuel problem, have you read through the following post?

http://www.bbcboards.net/zerot...st-in

[Ed R]

Just power to the engine. At the end of the day the engine was acting up again. Not breaking down, it would just die for a second or two then pickup. All other power in the boat was fine.

UPDATE.....It's been a while, but I think the problem is fixed. Repaired on 10/7/2013. The locking tab on the "Crank Positioning Sensor Plug" had broken off. The Technician who was looking at the engine noticed the plug was comming apart and tried to snap it closed. I could have had the plug and wires replaced, but opted for the high gloss wire tie. Fingers crossed, so far so good!

[EuropeanAM]

Unusual... but that will certainly shut the engine down (loss of crank sensor signal).