Newman
Well-Known Member
Evening each
First start attempt after the winter rest and my VP 2002 would not have it. When I say engine it's more the electrics on the instrument panel mounted low down below the binnacle compass. The boat is a 1990 Bavaria 300 with wheel steering.
When I pressed the starter button the engine began turning but after just one or two turns it seemed as if the electrics went dead. BUT I could hear a faint "fizzing" sound coming from the area of the Electronic Unit. Thinking it was something shorting out I quickly shut the power off.
I realeased the instrument panel from the mount and discovered dampness in areas at the back of it. My first thoughts were that rain had got in behind the panel - it had been left exposed (for the very first time) during torrential rain while the wheel cover was being washed & proofed. I know it should be protected against the elements anyway, but ......
On closer inspection the dampness seemed to be more like a very very fine oil. The only thing above the instrument panel is the binnacle compass and being a boating novice my first thoughts were that perhaps the mystery fluid had leaked from there. But is the fluid in the compass similar to a very very fine oil ?.
Not being able to see any fluid in the compass itself I placed a magnet next to it and the compass swung freely, so if it is from there then not much has leaked. If its not from there then the mystery deepens.
After several minutes I switched on and pressed the starter button. The same thing happened again - couple of turns of the engine, then 'dead electrics' and with the very faint "fizzing" sound from the area of the Electronic Unit. I switched the power off immediately.
I now have the Instrument panel at home which I left in the sun all afternoon. I also intend gently playing a hair drier on the unit for a spell in the hope I may cure the problem as it seems replacement units are not cheap !.
I would be greatful for any opinions, suggestions on the matter and if needs be, where I can buy a replacement unit at a reasonable price.
Many thanks in advance
First start attempt after the winter rest and my VP 2002 would not have it. When I say engine it's more the electrics on the instrument panel mounted low down below the binnacle compass. The boat is a 1990 Bavaria 300 with wheel steering.
When I pressed the starter button the engine began turning but after just one or two turns it seemed as if the electrics went dead. BUT I could hear a faint "fizzing" sound coming from the area of the Electronic Unit. Thinking it was something shorting out I quickly shut the power off.
I realeased the instrument panel from the mount and discovered dampness in areas at the back of it. My first thoughts were that rain had got in behind the panel - it had been left exposed (for the very first time) during torrential rain while the wheel cover was being washed & proofed. I know it should be protected against the elements anyway, but ......
On closer inspection the dampness seemed to be more like a very very fine oil. The only thing above the instrument panel is the binnacle compass and being a boating novice my first thoughts were that perhaps the mystery fluid had leaked from there. But is the fluid in the compass similar to a very very fine oil ?.
Not being able to see any fluid in the compass itself I placed a magnet next to it and the compass swung freely, so if it is from there then not much has leaked. If its not from there then the mystery deepens.
After several minutes I switched on and pressed the starter button. The same thing happened again - couple of turns of the engine, then 'dead electrics' and with the very faint "fizzing" sound from the area of the Electronic Unit. I switched the power off immediately.
I now have the Instrument panel at home which I left in the sun all afternoon. I also intend gently playing a hair drier on the unit for a spell in the hope I may cure the problem as it seems replacement units are not cheap !.
I would be greatful for any opinions, suggestions on the matter and if needs be, where I can buy a replacement unit at a reasonable price.
Many thanks in advance