Engine-40 amp breaker-temp replace-email-101107

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From: Bussolari
Sent: Saturday, November 06, 2010 6:32 PM
To: bluewater-skippers@mit.edu
Subject: Nevermore Update

Ahoy,

Ted and I replaced the old 40-amp breaker in the engine electrical system with the new breaker that Thom purchased. We mounted the new breaker on the aft starboard side of the engine compartment where it can be reached. Attached is a pdf file that illustrates the new breaker location and how to operate the breaker. [Thom- will you please post this in an appropriate place on the Wiki?]. The engine glows and starts normally.
We hope that this will take care of the problem we’ve been having with the old breaker tripping. While we took care to mount it in a secure location, we still consider this a temporary installation. We installed the new breaker in such a way as to preserve the original connectors so that when we purchase a new breaker with the original form factor, it can go back in its bracket. Thom – please go ahead and order the Volvo Penta breaker in the original form factor. We can install it when it comes in. I placed the old breaker in the paper bag with the other electrical supplies that were purchased for this job.

(Ed. note): Steve and Ted took a few hour test sail; everything seemed to work; they didn't report whether they tried the starter/preheat circuitry, except of course to come back to the marina.

11 Nov 10 - (Below, Steve's email fills in details of connecting temporary CB using the wire connecters of the old CB, in terms of what kind of connections we prefer on a new CB, and how/when to re-dress the wire bundles for better access to e.g. oil dip-stick):

The old circuit breaker had two blades extending from the back, each with a threaded hole and a machine screw (about #10). The two heavy gauge red wires each have a crimp-on connector with a hole that is captured by the screw.

There was no cable clamp holding the wire bundle in place. Ted and I put some additional spiral cable bundle wrap (black) on the bundle to re-route the wire extensions to the new CB location. In doing so, we probably shifted the bundle.

Note that there is a wooden improvised junction block where the old connectors are attached to the new wires. It is wrapped in black electrical tape. Removing this block will restore access to the old connectors so the new replacement CB can be installed in its original location.

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