Carver Owners Forum

I have noticed that when we are out for about an hour the carbon monoxide alarms start going off. This only happens when we are at sea, with generator off, and all AC items were on. So this time when it went off we powered down everything in cabin, except refig and alarm was silenced for about 10-15 minutes. But than it started again. Very annoying beeping. Does not do it when we are on shore power. I have noticed it seems to relate to battery. I also read elsewhere week battery could be the culprit. Also would I need to replace all batteries, or is it one of the batteries, if so which? They all seems to be same batteries. Do not have their history, but this is the battery thats in there now;

NAPA
Battery BCI # BCI #27DCM
Battery Cold Cranking Amps @ 0 Degrees F 650
Battery Cranking Amps @ 32 Degrees F 800
Battery Posts Type Top Post & Side
Battery Reserve Capacity (Minutes) 150
Battery Voltage 12 Volt
Battery Warranty in Months 30
Battery Weight 49 lbs
Contents (1) Battery
Height 9-3/8"
Length 12-1/2"
UNSPSC 25191806
Width 6-3/4"

Those detectors will sound an alarm when the battery power is low although that does seem strange when you are underway as the engines would be charging the batteries. The first thing I would check would be the health of the batteries (all of them). Check the voltages at rest with no battery charger running. You should also have them load tested and have the specific gravity checked with a tester. If the batteries end up being healthy then it may be the detectors have gone past their life span.
If you end up replacing batteries you usually should replace all the batteries that are in the same bank together.

I have had my share of battery woes since we bought our Carver.... it ends up being a great learning experience.

Cheers
Fraser

Have you checked the electrolyte level in the batteries? Overcharging batteries can lead to gassing of the batteries, which will cause the alarm to sound.

Our 2807 had a charger issue, was gassing off the batteries, which made the aft cabin CO alarm sound.

Thanks Fraser and waybomb. I will get them checked out before purchasing new ones. I am sure the detectors are very old and may have expired as many suggested.

C02 detectors are 12 volt and are suppose to be replaced every 5 year I do believe, however your issue is do to low voltage, 12 volt that is. The batteries should have a built date on them, usually a sticker with the month and year, if not they are coded.
My suggestion replace all 3 batteries. the 2 toward the aft are your engine and house batteries, the one closest to the genny is for the genny only. When your out to sea and are going to need 12 volt power I suggest flipping the battery switch to only one of the 2 batteries so you have a good one to start your engines and get you back. Or run your genny for 30 minutes and charge your batteries. If you do find a bad battery in the aft 2, do yourself a favor and change both aft batteries. I would never put a used battery against a new battery.-Mike

thanks mjk. I will check the dates on batteries and if needs replacing , will replace all to save headache. CO2 detector I would like to replace also, not sure if its something I can do myself, or should I have it done by a mechanic?

cpoint wrote:Source of the post thanks mjk. I will check the dates on batteries and if needs replacing , will replace all to save headache. CO2 detector I would like to replace also, not sure if its something I can do myself, or should I have it done by a mechanic?

Just maybe you have an actual carbon monoxide ( CO ) problem here, don't overlook that, can't tell from your post but seems you had the engines running, that would be a source.....not sure how AC could be on with no genny running......can I suggest go to a big box store and get a portable CO monitor so you can check this and keep everyone safe till a solution is found. It is true that off gassing batteries ( hydrogen) and some glass cleaners will set them off, but better safe than dead.

your aft cabin as well as mine has a rear sliding window. while running this window can allow exhaust gases back into the aft cabin "station wagon effect" i dont know if you are running with this window open or if the window being closed is still allowing fumes into the aft cabin due to bad sealing of the slider etc. could be something to consider
also as others have said you might have a battery problem and you should also check the co monitor date they have a finite lifespan and do have to be replaced.
the only way to properly check your engine batteries is with a load tester either you or at a auto parts place. not just measuring the voltage. i suggest you consider buying one it will become a very handy item to have. theres no reason to just replace all the batteries on a whim. take readings and replace what is needed unless you just have money to burn. i am on my 8th year on my trojan house bank batteries. if you take care of what you have batteries can last
something like this see link
https://www.amazon.com/Schumacher-BT-10 ... oad+tester

bud37 wrote:Source of the post

cpoint wrote:Source of the post thanks mjk. I will check the dates on batteries and if needs replacing , will replace all to save headache. CO2 detector I would like to replace also, not sure if its something I can do myself, or should I have it done by a mechanic?

Just maybe you have an actual carbon monoxide ( CO ) problem here, don't overlook that, can't tell from your post but seems you had the engines running, that would be a source.....not sure how AC could be on with no genny running......can I suggest go to a big box store and get a portable CO monitor so you can check this and keep everyone safe till a solution is found. It is true that off gassing batteries ( hydrogen) and some glass cleaners will set them off, but better safe than dead.

That is possible, bu when i powered down all but refig the load went off from batteries and alarm silenced, about 15 minutes later started again because maybe batteries were not being charged enough with engines running? and sorry by AC I did not mean air conditioning, I meant as in battery power without generator (DC). Also I did buy a better co monitor and that shows no problems. so i am sure its batteries and/or detector.

I agree with all the above. While you're at it, check the output on your alternators while the engines are running, and the output on each leg of the charger to ensure your batteries are being charged properly to begin with.