Crusader Boat Engine

My Bertram 30 w/ twin Crusaders 454s. Both Engines each run off of 2 4D Battery. On the Starboard side, the 4D runs all the boat DC electronics and appliances. Now Battery, even after being charged has very little juice to crank the starter.

When running, the reading of the Volts is around 12 to under 13, while the other side is reading a strong 13.5 volts.

Is this a battery problem, or is it a charging problem? Also, how do I test the Alternators output to insure she is putting out the proper charge?

A little history, I have owned the boat since 2001. I have replaced the Starboard 4D 2 times, this maybe the 3rd time. When at Anchor for hours, many time the Battery will run low to the point I need to jump with parallel switch to start the Engine. However once started, the Volts would go up to 13.5. Also, at the dock, after being charged, she starts right up. Now, there is not enough juice to start.

Is this normal for a Battery to die that runs all the Electronics / Appliances?

Those big blocks like voltage is it a high torque starter. Check cable ends & grounds, Battery may have a dead cell do a load test. If every thing checks out. Timing may be a little advanced.Check the belts as it may be lose or warn.adj or replace.The battery will die if not being charged from belt issues. Also check the red wire from the alt as i always increase the size to #8 wire replacing the #10 good luck doesn't sound serious.Just a boat thing.

2007-07-17 06:47:54 by Edward P

This is the second installment in Performance Product Technologies video series covering the topic of Terminology used for replacing marine ...

I have a 1987 boat with twin crusader (chevy) small blocks. My oil pressure on one engine dropped from 25-35 psi @ 2500+ RPM to less than 10 psi. I also have a metal to metal bearing noise in the top front of my engine. I assume I lost the front cam bearing. If I pull the cam and I have a bad cam bearing, can I replace it without removing the engine?
I have installed cam bearings in a bare block before, but have never removed them. I guess I'll have to remove the oil pan to get the bearings out once I drive them out of the journals?
Can I just knock the old bearings out and drive new ones in?
I know I'll be replacing the cam and lifters along with the bearings.
This is in a 34' boat and for me to pull the engine I will have to get it out of the water and blocked. It will cost over 500.00 just to do that plus storage by the day. I am hoping I can do this in the boat while tied up in my slip.

Thanks in advance

yes you can be sure and remove all of the bearings. also remove your rod bearing caps to See if any one have spun and broke the tabs. that will also cause low oil pressure.

2008-06-22 15:25:02 by John M

Price: $671.99 $529.40

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Replacing camshaft bearings while engine installed?
I have a 1987 boat with twin crusader (chevy) small blocks. My oil pressure on one engine dropped from 25-35 psi @ 2500+ RPM to less than 10 psi. I also have a metal to metal bearing noise in the top front of my engine. I assume I lost the front cam bearing. If I pull the cam and I have a bad cam bearing, can I replace it without removing the engine?
I have installed cam bearings in a bare block before, but have never removed them. I guess I'll have to remove the oil pan to get the bearings out once I drive them out of the journals?
Can I just knock the old bearings out and drive new ones in?
I know I'll be replacing the cam and lifters along with the bearings.
This is in a 34' boat and for me to pull the engine I will have to get it out of the water and blocked. It will cost over 500.00 just to do that plus storage by the day. I am hoping I can do this in the boat while tied up in my slip.
I guess I'll know when I pull the cam. I have plenty of room in front of the engine, ablut 4 feet. as far as removing the oil pan, I think I do, I'm not sure how far the oil pick-up extends. I can always raise the engine in the boat.
I think that this is a result of the engine being kicked into neutral while at cruise, and it over revved with no load.

short answer yes you can but you really shouldn't

replacing just the cam/bearings will put more stress in the other bearings/parts of the engine
at that point more then half of the engine is going to be torn down you might as well remove the engine and do a rebuild

Is there anyway to leave the boat in the water and remove the engine via a crane/hoist of some type and then tug it to the dock then send the engine out or have a mechanic come out and rebuild the engine on the boat?
I would contact a marine mechanic and see what they suggest

goodluck

2008-06-22 17:00:07 by John M

Price: $9.96 $7.48