Volvo Electrical System.

[Chief Engineer]

I have no problem per-se with the Electrical system on Volvo Diesels.

What I cannot understand is why they put those relays in there...that seem to complicate matters.

I was on a cat last week with twin volvos. One engine had the starting circuit "simplified". The other was a freaking birdsnest....The French manual that came with the boat was useless. The Schematics I got from this forum helped out.

Someday I would like to brain the guys that call themselves mechanics.

Oh well, tomorrow is another day.....(Ranting light has been extinguished)

[hellosailor]

Chief, if you had a son-in-law in the relay business you'd find a way to require them in your electricals too. [vbg]

Remember, "It Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time."

[never monday]

just wait untill you run into an electrically isolated one.

[Chief Engineer]

me on this? Thanx.

Originally Posted by never monday

just wait untill you run into an electrically isolated one.

[never monday]

on some of the older saildrive power units. They would electrically isolate the aluminum drive from the rest of the engine and DC ground system.

[Chief Engineer]

Gotcha....thank you....I suppose I could check that by a continuity test between saildrive and engine block.....This boat has been so "rigged" it is not funny......but I will persist in setting it right.

[colemj]

Originally Posted by never monday

on some of the older saildrive power units. They would electrically isolate the aluminum drive from the rest of the engine and DC ground system.

It's not just the older ones, the brand new ones are electrically isolated too.
(see #1) Features Saildrive : Volvo Penta

Why is that a problem? The saildrive isn't involved in the relay system or starting systems. The DC ground is through the engine block similar to designs from many engine manufacturers.

Mark