Arrive at boat, all good. Load tools in. Turn on AC for a 10% relief factor from the oppressive heat and humidity. Remove engine cover and assess what to do. Alternator must be removed to access starter thru tiny access panel on port side. No biggie.
As I reach into the 10″ square opening with a socket driver, sparks fly everywhere when I ground the positive alternator conductor to the engine despite the fact the battery switches are off. Clearly there is power somewhere.
- Remove starting battery negative. Test power at ignition, nope, still powered up.
- Remove house bank negative. Test at ignition, nope still powered up.
- Keep in mind, each time I need to “test power at the helm, I need to climb 5′ up and over the open engine compartment using minimal spots to actually bear weight. Slipping on anything would result in both significant injury and expense to the diesel engine below me.
- Disconnect ac power to boat charger. Test again… voila! No power.
Now I just need to figure out how to power the air conditioner so my shoes don’t melt to my feet. Next I locate every extension cord in the boat and dock box so I can daisy chain them together and connect to pedestal. Great, just it made with 6 inches to spare! Plug in, no power. Try other outlet at pedestal. No power. Reset GFCI and 20amp breaker. No power.
Ugh… I wanted to lose a few pounds, here’s my chance. It’s at least 115 in here.
Yippie.
At least now I can start working on removing the alternator without shocking myself or welding tools to the engine. Then I can embark on why I’m here to start with… to remove the starter which is akin to a chihuahua giving birth to a hippopotamus.
