Bow Thruster not working - one direction only though

[PEJ]

My bow thruster works when I pull the lever to Starboard but not when I pull it to Port. Can anyone suggest what is wrong?

I don't think the problem is in the lever because I have the same problem whether I am using the downstairs or the flybridge helm.

 

[CLB]

Solenoid fault or dirty connections on that side of the circuit?

 

[boatingdave]

100% solenoid fault or associated cabling. It will have a DC reversing solenoid (contactor). You can strip it apart for a temporary repair (sand the offending spikes off the contacts) and you will note which terminals are burnt but better to replace either with an overhaul kit (effectively new contacts/springs etc) or replace the whole unit. Easy to do and easy to get spares. Did mine recently with the same fault. If it 'clicks' when you move the joystick (both ways) and the motor runs one way then the ONLY thing it can be is the solenoid/contactor. Very common fault, normally a commercially available contactor and there will be a number on the side of it which will tell you manufacturer and configuration (google the number?). Hope you get it sorted.

 

[alanch]

My bow thruster works when I pull the lever to Starboard but not when I pull it to Port. Can anyone suggest what is wrong?

I don't think the problem is in the lever because I have the same problem whether I am using the downstairs or the flybridge helm.

Had the same with the upper BT control. Convinced it was the switch, splashed out on a new one but same problem. Checked out everything I could find but could not locate fault. Some days later whilst doing another job on board I found a BT connector tucked down the back of the cabin seating. Remade connection and all ok. Yet another example of a fault being something minor.

 

[boatingdave]

Had the same with the upper BT control. Convinced it was the switch, splashed out on a new one but same problem. Checked out everything I could find but could not locate fault. Some days later whilst doing another job on board I found a BT connector tucked down the back of the cabin seating. Remade connection and all ok. Yet another example of a fault being something minor.

That was why I mentioned if the contactor 'clicks' in both directions with the joy stick it can only be the contactor. I'm assuming from this example it only clicked one way? The heavy duty DC wiring tends to be very short from the contactor to the motor.

 

[PEJ]

Thanks for the replies, I am glad it is something simple.

Where would the contactor be located? Down in the bottom near the thruster or up higher? I have a Sealine T51 if that helps narrow it down.

 

[Andrew Chambers]

Thanks for the replies, I am glad it is something simple.

Where would the contactor be located? Down in the bottom near the thruster or up higher? I have a Sealine T51 if that helps narrow it down.

Hi- PEJ did you ever find out where the contactor is located, I am having the same problem with my vetus bow thruster.

 

[starfire]

The contactor is mounted on the motor itself.
As said before, get someone to operate the lever, if the contactor clicks, but the motor doesn't run, its the contacts in the contactor.
If no click, its in the control wiring, or less likely, the brushes in the motor or the heavy current connections from the contactor to the motor