Side Power stern thruster issue

[ozzie]

I have been down to check on the boat after the storms, ran the engines up and I always check the thrusters at the same time. Bow was all good, but the stern (SX100 external thruster) would only operate to port. When trying to operate to starboard there is load click, closer to a clunk but motor doesnt work. I thought it might be the battery so I checked it was fully charged, no difference so I swapped for a spare battery I had, still no luck. I have always used Bow thrusters Direct in Plymouth for spares and technical advice, but they dont appear to be trading any more. Has anyone had a similar problem who can shed some light on it? I am assuming that to access the motor and electrics the front casing comes off after removing the bolts, but is there a gasket that would need replacing or would it be bedded on a Sikaflex sealant? I had the same problem last year but it started working again after a lumpy trip to Dartmouth for the lift out and worked perfectly until now...

 

[Sticky Fingers]

Sounds like either the joystick / controller contacts or the relay is faulty, you’ve obviously got power there if it’s working to port. Can you swap port/stbd around at the controller and see if the problem switches sides?

Or potentially could this be fouling or some debris stick in the tube?

 

[Bouba]

My thrusters stopped working at the end of summer…and they were only lightly fouled

 

[PaulRainbow]

I have been down to check on the boat after the storms, ran the engines up and I always check the thrusters at the same time. Bow was all good, but the stern (SX100 external thruster) would only operate to port. When trying to operate to starboard there is load click, closer to a clunk but motor doesnt work.

Sounds like the solenoid is "clunking", but not making an electrical contract, same sort of thing when a car starter clunks but doesn't turn the engine over.

 

[NBs]

First check the wires and possible oxidation of the wire contacts, perhaps a little CRC. Joystick/ motor.

I once had a cord come loose, for some reason.

 

[ozzie]

I have the remote so have tried it on that as well... I will try jumping the wires, but I am thinking sticking relay or solenoid. Unfortunately that will have to wait until lift in March. Has anyone taken the cover off to gain access to the electrical components??

 

[NBs]

Hi, you can look this trouble shot quide.

Sleipner Thruster Trouble-Shooting Guide

 

[spray]

Sorry to barge into this thread I have a Sleipner SX 35 I think with similar problems. One minute it was working and now it’s not. There are no lights illuminated at the joystick and I too would like to ask about the rectangular covers secured by 3 Allen bolts, I don’t know what they are covering but I am wondering if there is a water ingress there. Unfortunately I don’t have a wiring diagram or manual.

 

[counterpoise]

Sorry to barge into this thread I have a Sleipner SX 35 I think with similar problems. One minute it was working and now it’s not. There are no lights illuminated at the joystick and I too would like to ask about the rectangular covers secured by 3 Allen bolts, I don’t know what they are covering but I am wondering if there is a water ingress there. Unfortunately I don’t have a wiring diagram or manual.

The three Allen Bolts simply hold the covers on each side, the unit is cast and to save weight this section is blanked off and covered by the little plastic coveres. In new units these are replaced for anodes, and there is an Anode retrofit kit available. Osmotech will be happy to provide advice.

 

[counterpoise]

I have been down to check on the boat after the storms, ran the engines up and I always check the thrusters at the same time. Bow was all good, but the stern (SX100 external thruster) would only operate to port. When trying to operate to starboard there is load click, closer to a clunk but motor doesnt work. I thought it might be the battery so I checked it was fully charged, no difference so I swapped for a spare battery I had, still no luck. I have always used Bow thrusters Direct in Plymouth for spares and technical advice, but they dont appear to be trading any more. Has anyone had a similar problem who can shed some light on it? I am assuming that to access the motor and electrics the front casing comes off after removing the bolts, but is there a gasket that would need replacing or would it be bedded on a Sikaflex sealant? I had the same problem last year but it started working again after a lumpy trip to Dartmouth for the lift out and worked perfectly until now...

Sounds like you may have a solenoid issue. You can't really fault find using the trouble shooting guide until the boat is lifted out and the cover is removed. The cover has a gasket between it and the main housing, if it has never been removed there wont be any sealant, but if it has there will be. I would advise when refitting the cover to put a lot of sealant on there and put some new disiccant bags in there. Osmotech will be happy to help you once the boat is lifted.

 

[spray]

The three Allen Bolts simply hold the covers on each side, the unit is cast and to save weight this section is blanked off and covered by the little plastic coveres. In new units these are replaced for anodes, and there is an Anode retrofit kit available. Osmotech will be happy to provide advice.

Thank you very much for this information, it’s very helpful to me.