Issue with my am/fm radio.

[Nutz]

Bought my 2001 28' CC in October. I have noticed that when on shore power the radio works normal in regards to all functions. When off shore power and with the gen off the radio will not attain the same volume level. Also the volume level will fluctuate between barely audible to loud. I have noticed too that the battery voltage for both motors fluctuate between 12v and will drop below 10v. Over time the battery voltage fluctuations stop. Is this a result of the alternators recharging the batteries after start?

Jim Boltz
FLY'N FISH

[deepwater]

Measure the output voltage at the alternators and if you have a battery/alternator power isolator check the input & output voltage there. I have a 25 so I'm not sure of the 28 configuration. If the voltage for both is varying it sounds like you have a problem after the alternators as I doubt that you would develop the same trouble on both at the same time.

You could also measure the voltage at the house power bus in the console to see what's happening there also but that should be after the alternator outputs have combined. Your boat voltmeter readings are probably taken from the ignition source for each engine????

[biteme]

music radio

are you having probs.with any other 12v electronics vhf.depth etc. if not is this a sony radio. i had this radio in my truck and had lots of trouble with it. when i bought my 01 28 cc same radio and i had trouble with it. i traded that boat in for a 03 28 cc because of other issues and guess what...the same radio in new boat.what a surprise that after a year i started having trouble.i called my electronics guy and told him if the power to the radio is ok replace the f#@%ing thing with a new system..this was done and i havent had a prob. in 2 seasons. the sony did not go to waste- i added it to our local seabass wreck where it is doing a fine job! Charlie

[Nutz]

Think I figured it out

Called the manufacturer and had a chat with Keith Privott about wiring a CO2 detector and high water alarm, so I asked him about the radio and the fluctuation in voltage. He said it is caused by the engine heaters after startup, as the heaters draw alot of power until the engines are at operating temp.

[backman]

engine heaters?

what engine heaters? Do you mean an external heat source such as a Wolverine heater or do you mean glow plugs?

[Nutz]

I can not remember exactly how he explained the system but it was not glow plugs or an add on. I have Cummins 330hp motors so I dont know if it is specific to the motors or is on all types. Maybe it is an option that the original owner had installed at the factory, as the boat was originally purchased for use up at Sandy Hook, NJ. He did explain that the system draws alot of electricity until it reaches operating temp. Maybe someone else knows this system and can explain. I think it had to do with circulating coolant thru heat off the exhaust somehow.

[CClassic28]

The B series Cummins have an combustion air preheat grid that draws a great deal of juice. They function at under 900 RPM's and you can see/ hear them cycle. Much more frequent in the colder weather.

Chris