Perko battery switch only works on # 2 battery

  ContinuousWave
  Whaler
  Moderated Discussion Areas
  ContinuousWave: Small Boat Electrical
  Perko battery switch only works on # 2 battery

search | FAQ | profile | register | author help

Author Topic:   Perko battery switch only works on # 2 battery

Mark D posted 09-19-2007 05:28 PM ET (US)
I recently recommisioned my boat after one year in storage I installed two new batteries and the engine will only start on when the Perko battery switch is on the #2 battery. Nothing "#1" or "both" Is the switch bad or can it be serviced?
rtk posted 09-19-2007 07:57 PM ET (US)
I don't think they can be serviced, but you can test them with a meter or test light.
First, I'd check the wiring of the positive leads of the batteries to the switch. Then check that the grounds of the two batteries are connected to each other. If the ground from the engine is only connected to battery 2, and the ground of battery 1 is not connected to battery 2, there is no ground to the engine when battery 1 is selected.
Switch to battery one, hook the meter or test light ground to battery 1 ground, positive lead on meter or test light to the battery one "in" on the switch and make sure you have power to the switch. No power, bad battery lead or poor connection between the battery and switch. If you get a 12 volt reading, then put the positive lead of the meter to the common "out" on the switch. If no reading on the meter or the test light doesn't light it is likely the switch is bad.
You can test the battery switch with all 3 12 volt positive leads disconnected from the switch with a meter that can test for continuity. Put a lead of the meter on battery one "in" and a lead on the "out" of the battery switch. Switch to battery one. No continuity, switch is bad.
Do the same continuity check when 2 and all is selected to make sure the meter is detecting continuity. If you read continuity when 2 is selected, and don't read continuity when 1 and all is selected, I 'd say the switch is toast.
Rich

Mark D posted 09-19-2007 10:13 PM ET (US)
Thanks for putting that down is plain english. I am going to print that out and take it down to the boat. I let you know how I make out.
Thanks again
Mark D posted 09-28-2007 10:46 AM ET (US)
Wireing was correct. Battery switch was bad. 25 years in open air. I guess it was time.
rtk posted 09-28-2007 12:56 PM ET (US)
That's an easy fix, good to hear. 25 years on an electrical switch isn't bad!
Rich
Mark D posted 09-30-2007 05:40 AM ET (US)
There were some warning signs on the switch. It became very hard to move selector switch last cuple of years

Hop to:

Contact Us | RETURN to ContinuousWave Top Page

Powered by: Ultimate Bulletin Board, Freeware Version 2000
Purchase our Licensed Version- which adds many more features!
© Infopop Corporation (formerly Madrona Park, Inc.), 1998 - 2000.

Author	Topic: Perko battery switch only works on # 2 battery
Mark D	posted 09-19-2007 05:28 PM ET (US) I recently recommisioned my boat after one year in storage I installed two new batteries and the engine will only start on when the Perko battery switch is on the #2 battery. Nothing "#1" or "both" Is the switch bad or can it be serviced?
rtk	posted 09-19-2007 07:57 PM ET (US) I don't think they can be serviced, but you can test them with a meter or test light. First, I'd check the wiring of the positive leads of the batteries to the switch. Then check that the grounds of the two batteries are connected to each other. If the ground from the engine is only connected to battery 2, and the ground of battery 1 is not connected to battery 2, there is no ground to the engine when battery 1 is selected. Switch to battery one, hook the meter or test light ground to battery 1 ground, positive lead on meter or test light to the battery one "in" on the switch and make sure you have power to the switch. No power, bad battery lead or poor connection between the battery and switch. If you get a 12 volt reading, then put the positive lead of the meter to the common "out" on the switch. If no reading on the meter or the test light doesn't light it is likely the switch is bad. You can test the battery switch with all 3 12 volt positive leads disconnected from the switch with a meter that can test for continuity. Put a lead of the meter on battery one "in" and a lead on the "out" of the battery switch. Switch to battery one. No continuity, switch is bad. Do the same continuity check when 2 and all is selected to make sure the meter is detecting continuity. If you read continuity when 2 is selected, and don't read continuity when 1 and all is selected, I 'd say the switch is toast. Rich
Mark D	posted 09-19-2007 10:13 PM ET (US) Thanks for putting that down is plain english. I am going to print that out and take it down to the boat. I let you know how I make out. Thanks again
Mark D	posted 09-28-2007 10:46 AM ET (US) Wireing was correct. Battery switch was bad. 25 years in open air. I guess it was time.
rtk	posted 09-28-2007 12:56 PM ET (US) That's an easy fix, good to hear. 25 years on an electrical switch isn't bad! Rich
Mark D	posted 09-30-2007 05:40 AM ET (US) There were some warning signs on the switch. It became very hard to move selector switch last cuple of years