Independant VP 2003

[Walusotu]

My boat is sitting in Cochin, India since February whilst I am back in Europe. My passage between Malaysia and the Med has been interupted due to the Covid situation and , for the moment, I cannot return to India as borders are closed. Hopefully soon they will open?

During the past 2 or 3 days, the engine (VP 2003) has cranked itself on occasion without any intervention. Inside the boat is reportedly dry, the cockpit is well covered and the engine panel should also be dry although the Indian monsoon is now in progress.
From memory the engine is not isolated by the battery switch but this has not normally been a problem in the past. I have my suspicions as to a possible cause for the engine's sudden behaviour but I will welcome any advice on what may be happening.

Not surprisingly I have asked that someone disconnect temporarily the wire at the solenoid pending my return.
Any advice??

 

[fredrussell]

Why don’t you tell us what your “suspicions” are re this issue?

 

[Walusotu]

In my ignorance I think that' either. it is related to a failure of the relay or somehow a short at the solenoid.
All electrical connections are OK as far as I recall .
I was hoping that someone would know much better than I.

 

[VicS]

In my ignorance I think that' either. it is related to a failure of the relay or somehow a short at the solenoid.
All electrical connections are OK as far as I recall .
I was hoping that someone would know much better than I.

If it is wired as indicated by the schematic in the owners manual the isolator should isolate the engine from the battery but it seems that is not so. Job for the future there probably.

If the power is on it could be a fault in the control panel (ignition switch perhaps)
It could be the relay but it seems doubtful even more doubtful a problem with the solenoid
Only systematic checking is going to identify the problem

I would disconnect the battery rather than the lead from the solenoid because if you disconnect it at the solenoid you have a "live" wire floating about which could short out the battery if it comes in contact with the engine block.

 

[Iliade]

Wildlife in the relay?