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  2. Northern Lights Generator wont start

Re: Northern Lights Generator wont start

Mark Garver
 

Thanks everyone, it turned out to be the Generator start battery. I have dedicated start batteries for the engine and the generator and confirmed the generator start is dead by cutting off shore power and testing the battery. I have a new Group 24 1000 AMP battery waiting for me at West Marine and jumper cables (lol) as a backup. I am hoping that is all that it was. Mark, I will let you know, thanks!

To Bill’s point, my God… I bought an Amel and the PO un-Amel’d it. First thanks to Bill and others, I had to isolate the new Yanmar, then I had to redo the entire bonding system. I am still in the process of removing all of the old wiring which was left in place when essentially everything was replaced. Found numerous connections direct to the house bank, not the bus, to individual batteries.

I won’t be able to return everything to Amel, but at least I can make it more like an Amel! lol! At least I am taking it all with a grain of salt. One thing about this however, is I have been able to learn from this group, which I greatly appreciate. Such as rebuilding the Bow Thruster, replacing the copper bonding strap, stray voltage, refrigeration issues and many others. Thanks!

Best,

Mark Garver
S/V It’s Good
SM #105
Gloucester Point, VA

On Aug 2, 2022, at 4:49 PM, Mark Erdos <mcerdos@...> wrote:

 Mark,

This sounds a lot like a bad or weak battery. One thing to try: Start the engine and let it run for about 15 minutes. Be sure you are charging the 12v starter battery with the engine's 12v alternator (I have gauges on my panel to confirm - not sure if other Amels have gauges or just lights). Then, With the engine still running - try starting the generator. See if it will crank. If it does - you need a new start battery.

If  you need to replace the battery - get a more powerful one. This is a weak spot of Amel. The cable run to the alternator is longer than the engine run and some power is lost on the way. Buy a battery with the most cranking amps as possible that will fit in the same space. You can never have too many cranking amps.

Let me know how it goes. I have other options if this doesn't work for you.

 

With best regards,

 

Mark

 

Skipper
Sailing Vessel - Cream Puff - SM2K - #275
Currently cruising - French Polynesia

 


   

On Mon, Aug 1, 2022, 20:00 Mark Garver via groups.io <mgarver=me.com@groups.io> wrote:
The generator was running fine, was a way from the boat for a month and tried to fire up my Northern Lights generator, on the control panel no green light, and the I press the start button the Sea Fire panel makes a clicking sound a the PS1 light comes on monetarily. The main diesel has no problems, just the generator. Any one have any ideas?

Thanks,

Mark Garver
S/V Its Good
SM # 104

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