Engine-40 amp breaker-temp replace-email-101107
06 Nov 10: Email from Steve B. to skippers, subject "Nevermore Update":
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.
17-18 Nov 10 - Various emails among Fran & skippers about info for new owner to order replacement correct-form CB:
Steve B. suggests we give new owner info; he can order and install CB;
Thom S. has small "issue" wanting to tell vendor about change of ownership, since there are two agents involved and an online shopping basket set up and the like;
Fran C. wants what Steve recommends; he'll relay Thom's info to new owner;
Ted Y. recommends that present connection should be redone if owner doesn't want to install a new CB; here's his 18 Nov email:
- I would categorize our breaker installation as "temporary". We fabricated a terminal block out of wood and some machine screws. If it fails (it had started to crack) the connection will not be reliable. I had intended to replace it with something like the [terminal block shown below] (if we did not find the correct breaker to reinstall on the engine):
- see [http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail&name=WM5803-ND] 2-wire terminal block.
- [Ed. note]: T. asks whether this terminal block will require mounting on the engine somewhere to replace the wooden connector holder currently in place?
