Port engine won't start unless generator is running

Laker50 · Post by **Laker50** » August 28th, 2020, 10:05 am

Just bought a 2003 366, with 550 hours on the engines, overall well-maintained. When the boat has shore power both engines fire right up. However, when out on the lake, if you turn the engines off to relax for a while, the port engine won't start unless you turn on the generator. Previous owner has replaced the alternator and battery within the past year.

Ideas?

Post by **Viper** » August 28th, 2020, 11:18 am

Welcome aboard.

Sounds like you have a bad battery/s or a bad connection. Most likely starts on shore power and with the generator running because your charger is on and providing just enough power to start the engine. Chances are you have two battery banks; one for starting an engine, and the other for starting the other engine and house loads. One of those banks isn't doing its job. I would disconnect all the batteries and do a proper test on each one, including checking fluids.

Laker50 · Post by **Laker50** » August 28th, 2020, 1:31 pm

Thank you,I will do that as soon as I get the boat down to my home marina next week. Will be a long day, going from Rochester NY on Lake Ontario down through the Oswego Canal and eventually to Cayuga Lake, in the Finger Lakes of upstate NY.

Tireless · Post by **Tireless** » August 28th, 2020, 2:14 pm

The previous owner put new alternator and battery, I agree there may be a charging issue. I am not sure about your model of boat, but mine has a breaker on the alternators to battery positive lead. Could be something simple. Check to see if your boat has any breakers for the charging of your batteries. Sounds like your on board charger is working fine, it could be on the alternator side of your charging.

Greg

buster53 · Post by **buster53** » August 29th, 2020, 3:44 pm

Ok, you only have issues with the port engine, correct?

If not on shore power or genset, does the port engine do anything, like turn over very slowly, too slow to start. Do you just get a click?
Will the port engine do anything if the starboard engine is already running?

Do you have a 1-2-Both-Off battery switch? Where is it set? Have you played around with it...1, 2 or both. Any change between settings?

mjk1040 · Post by **mjk1040** » August 30th, 2020, 7:36 pm

Laker50 did u make it home? Stop at Frontenac Harbor I'll pour u one!

Port engine won't start unless generator is running

Port engine won't start unless generator is running

Re: Port engine won't start unless generator is running

Re: Port engine won't start unless generator is running

Re: Port engine won't start unless generator is running

Re: Port engine won't start unless generator is running

Re: Port engine won't start unless generator is running