Tried to start engine with shore power

[Agorist88]

So I just bought a clipper marine 32 and have been working through some repairs from a previous owner. I just replace the cable clamps on my batteries (3 out of 4 were loose) as the diesel was having trouble starting, slow charging etc. Anyway was running a generator with my shore power hookup and I tried to start the engine. I have now lost power and can't find any breaker tripped Or fuse blown. Please help.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Agorist.

[Sailmonkey]

When you say you lost power, did you lose AC power, or DC power.

These are two separate systems only loosely joined by a better charger

[Agorist88]

I've only been running DC since I've had the boat still need to figure out the AC

[Larry T.]

Circuit breaker on post where you plug your shore power in?

[Shrew]

Originally Posted by Agorist88

S.... was running a generator with my shore power hookup and I tried to start the engine. I have now lost power and can't find any breaker tripped Or fuse blown. Please help.

Originally Posted by Agorist88

I've only been running DC since I've had the boat still need to figure out the AC

Generator = AC

Shore Power = AC

Battery Charger = AC (in); DC (out)

Batteries = DC

Starter = DC

Lights = DC

1) I don't really understand why you would be running a generator AND shorepower.

2) You have three power sources here (Generator, Shore Power, and Batteries). Could you provide details on what is not working??

[Cheechako]

What engine? Some engines have a fuse behind the control panel or in the wiring harness near the engine.
Be very careful touching any metal in the boat while the Gen is running etc. Just in case something weird is going on or wired...

[PineyWoodsPete]

I imagine he's probably running a portable generator's output through his shore power cable.

[jmschmidt]

Like many on this Forum, the posters description of the issue is too confused and incomplete to comment on.

[singlespeed]

If you are using the pathetic 12VDC output on a portable generator to try and start the engine, forget it. Run the generator's AC output to your shore power inlet for an hour or so, then disconnect the generator and try cranking the motor.

[Agorist88]

Correct. I'm out at anchor.

[Agorist88]

I am running a large 3600 watt Generator to my shore power outlet. The problem is that before I tried starting the engine I had cabin lights(12v system) running and now nothing is on .

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by Agorist88

So I just bought a clipper marine 32 and have been working through some repairs from a previous owner. I just replace the cable clamps on my batteries (3 out of 4 were loose) as the diesel was having trouble starting, slow charging etc. Anyway was running a generator with my shore power hookup and I tried to start the engine. I have now lost power and can't find any breaker tripped Or fuse blown. Please help.

Let me see if I understand this correctly.

1.You had trouble with slow charging and hard starting.
2. You replaced some (3 or 4) cable clamps on your batteries.
3. You tried to start the engine and lost all 12VDC power.
4. You can't find a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker to explain the loss of all 12VDC power.

If the above is accurate or very close to the sequence of events then I suggest you haven't replaced the cable clamps correctly OR there is a hidden fuse (circuit breaker) that needs finding OR both.

Questions -

Did the DC lights etc work after replacing the cable clamps but before starting the engine?

Do you have a multimeter or DVM etc and know how to use it.

Is there a 12 V meter on your electrical or engine panel?

Most likely there is simple explanation but you will have to help us to help you.

If you have a suitable 12V DC meter, measure the battery voltage at the battery terminals, measure again after the master switch (if fitted) and also at DC distribution panel (if fitted). Make all measurements with the DC lights turned ON and report back.

[PineyWoodsPete]

Originally Posted by Agorist88

I am running a large 3600 watt Generator to my shore power outlet. The problem is that before I tried starting the engine I had cabin lights(12v system) running and now nothing is on .

So you're running 120VAC into a 120V inverter-charger? Are you sure that the charger 12V leads are connected to batteries with correct polarity?

[Agorist88]

Thanks yes the DC lights worked until I tried to crank there engine. I don't yet have a multi meter but that's definitely on the list to buy this weekend. I have gauges in the panel that worked but are now dead. I can't seem to find any fuse anywhere in the system.