Earthing on a wooden boat.

[nashynetfit]

Dear Forum,

I recently brought an old wooden boat with a 2.5 bmc engine.

The engine started no problem when I brought it, but since then has had no signs of starting, but on 1 occasion a spark came from ignition and around the starter motor.

I'm going to the boat tomorrow, as have been advised to check that thge boat batteries are earthed. There are two connected together and also 1 on its own with a bildge pump connected.

Does anyone know where I would see or place an earthing wire for the two main batteries and also does the battery for the bildge pump also need to be earthed, as I believe there where 2 wires coming off this battery originally but someone who sorted the bildge pump out said they werent needed.

many thanks for ady advice

 

[Cheekybrat]

Earthed

The term earthing is used very loosely, the Earth is the return path to the negative connection on the battery. There should be a great thick cable which runs from your engine to the negative side of the battery (check both ends are tight)

But since you said there was a spark near your starter motor I would check the tightness of the positive lead onto your starter motor. there will probably be a smaller lead off this which goes to your ignition switch and back to your solenoid on your starter motor. a short length of wire touched off the +ve on your starter motor to your +ve on the solenoid will prove or disprove your connections. Be aware this will cause a spark so ensure no fumes or gas about (shouldn't be a problem unless you have any petrol on board) but just keep your fingers clear as it is hot (biggest tip do NOT wear a watch when working on electric you can get badly burnt)
Nick Heath

 

[rich]

You should have 2 cables +&- from the battery,one goes to the starter, the other is earthed on the engine, good luck.

 

[nashynetfit]

Will try this tomorrow, many thanks