Benzeenees Posted May 12, 2013 Share Posted May 12, 2013 I've always had problems with my sounder restarting when I start the motor on my topender. This happened occasionally when I had a Lowrance LMS 480, but became much worse when I upgraded to an HDS5. The HDS5 takes so long to start up so it was a real nuisance. I decided to replace the battery in case it was getting weak after 5 years. The new battery is much bigger, but I still had to put the HDS on standby before starting the motor. And then it began playing up even on standby. So I resoldered all the connections between the HDS and the boat electrics and gave the HDS power plug a thorough clean. Improved briefly. Mentioned it at the place where I bought the new battery last October as the battery had been flat when I bought it. So I was a little worried about the battery. The guy at the shop had a look at the battery and pointed out a little corrosion on the terminal. Not much but I thought I'd give the terminals a clean. The negative cable almost fell out of the lug! It hadn't been crimped down thoroughly! I'm surprised the boat was even starting. Down to an auto parts place and bought a car type connector that clamps to the cable. All appears to be fixed. The HDS doesn't even blink when I start the motor. I continue to be surprised at the (relatively) minor things that aren't right on this boat that I bought new. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benzeenees Posted May 12, 2013 Author Share Posted May 12, 2013 Thought I'd better check the other lug. I removed the shrink on insulation and found it was crimped perfectly but the wire was full of corrosion. Not a manufacturer problem - just confirmed the need for maintenance in a boat exposed to lots of salt water. I cut off the corroded wire and replaced the lug with a car-type connector. Lots of insulating tape and a liberal layer of petroleum jelly to try to keep the water out. The battery is in a battery box, but it still gets exposed to salt water. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jewhunter Posted May 12, 2013 Share Posted May 12, 2013 Thanks for the tip. My HDS has done the same thing ever since I had it installed. I'll re-do all the connections & keep my fingers crossed!! Cheers, Grant. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
locodave Posted May 19, 2013 Share Posted May 19, 2013 I really enjoy doing the electronics on my boat. NOthing better than doing it yourself and doing it properly the first time. Glad you got it sorted Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matyg Posted June 3, 2013 Share Posted June 3, 2013 there is a self fusing electrical tape available that when you wrap it tightly around the join it bonds to itself and creates a much better seal than plan electrical tape, might be worth trying that as it doesn't wear off like vaso Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benzeenees Posted June 4, 2013 Author Share Posted June 4, 2013 Must get some! Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jewhunter Posted June 4, 2013 Share Posted June 4, 2013 It is called self amalgamating tape I'm going to take some to Weipa to SHUT YOU UP!! :074: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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