HPDI Auxiliary charging lead

[fireman_bob]

Hi, I'm considering using the auxiliary charging output from one of my 200HP HPDI's on the house battery. The way the boat came, there were 3 batteries. Two were in parallel for stb and house, and one was all alone for port. The AC shore charger uses 2 outputs, one for each "bank". I don't like this setup due to having 2 batteries in parallel. I would prefer to have 3 separate batteries, one for each motor and one for house. My AC charger has 3 outputs, so that's not a problem.
My question is, is there anything special about the Yamaha charging cable that connects to the extra charging output on the HPDI motor's other than the price? Is this just a piece of wire with a connector on it, or is there any sort of isolation device in the cable?
Thanks,
Bob

 

[Doc Stressor]

There is an isolator in the engine that is used by the auxiliary charging cable. Basically, it lets you charge a second battery while running once your primary battery is fully charged. You just leave the battery switch in the #1 position and battery #2 will start charging after #1 is topped up. That way you don't need to remember to change the battery switch in order to charge the second battery and it will be fully charged in case you need to switch to it. The Grady wiring system basically runs everything off of which ever battery you switch to. The isolator prevents one battery from draining the other which can occur if you have the switch in the "both" position.

With your twin engine setup, just use one auxiliary charge cable to keep your house battery topped up when you run. Don't leave 2 batteries in parallel. Remember that computer controlled ignition systems draw juice from the battery at idle and slow trolling speeds. They will stall at idle if the connected battery becomes discharged.

 

[ROBERTH]

I purchased the aux. cables from Sim Yamaha and it was recommended to run one from each engine to the house battery so that if either motor was off, the battery was still getting a charge.
I since have put a second house battery in now so have 4. I tied both house batteries together and run one charge wire to one side and the other to the second battery so there would be a more direct charge going into the cells.
Seems to be working like a charm so far.

 

[Doc Stressor]

Having 2 house batteries is the ideal setup. But I would not operate them in parallel if I were you. I made that mistake years ago. A cell went bad in one battery end totally drained and destroyed the second one. It's best to use a switch and keep them isolated.

 

[ROBERTH]

Agree Doc, but really only choice I had. I don't have room for 4th switch, and wanted more reserve on house. Putting 2 in parallel is like having one large house 8D battery. I test mine very often (OCD) since I am wired that way... :mrgreen:

If they fail, I have the starting batteries to run on if needed to get me home or use for the day. When I first got this boat, it only had the 2 starting batteries with no house, so I have way more battery power now than what it was originally, so feel it is a plus from where I came from.

 

[fireman_bob]

Thank you for the replies and discussion. I will run a lead from one of the motors auxiliary charging lead to my house battery. When I got the boat last year, they had a deep cycle in parallel with a starting battery. At one point soon after I got the boat I noticed the deep cycle smoking and extremely hot while on shore power charger. Apparently a cell had failed and the battery was burning up. I realized at this point it was a bad idea to put batteries in parallel.

 

[fireman_bob]

I was going through my 282 Sailfish manual looking for the wiring diagram and came across the battery to selector switch wiring drawing. It clearly shows 2 batteries in parallel on the #1 side of the switch, just the way my boat is wired. I thought it wasn't recommended to wire 2 batteries in parallel, but Grady shows it being done, right in the manual.

I did some research and found that it's OK to do this as long as 1) Both batteries are the same age 2) they are in the same condition 3) they are both the same chemistry 4) they are both the same AH rating 6) they are both from the same manufacturer) and 6) they are both the same type (both lead acid AND both starting). So basically buy 2 identical batteries from the same manufacturer at the same time and you're good to go.

When I got the boat, one of the paralleled batteries was a starting and the other was a deep cycle. The deep cycle was older and apparently had some issues. I guess that explains why I had charging problems.

Hope this helps.

 

[Tuna Man]

Not to derail, but I have a question on this subject. Our recently purchased 2002 209 has a 200 HPDI from the same year, I was going over the engine making a want list and did not notice the auxiliary charging lead. Do 200 HPDI outboards always have this additional lead on these ? I do not really plan on using it, I am just curious and want to know what I'm looking at.

 

[ROBERTH]

Glad you found that info Firemanbob, using parallel batteries is a normal practice. As stated, they should be same type chemistry. Think of it as comparing an 8D battery, which has the capacity of 2 group 27's I think or close to it, but with ability to lift the weight and put in smaller places the individual batteries.
I think too many folks don't pay close attention to their batteries. I do load testing every 6 months and make sure the charge on each one is correct after charging. If one starts to show some weakness, it is removed.
I have one AC Delco Dual Cycle battery left now going since year 2000 and it is still as strong as a new battery from Interstate. I will keep it going until is shows first signs of lower than normal voltage or load test is either on the weak side or fails.
The backup is to turn off the house switch if these in parallel become a problem during an outing and then switch starter batteries to all to get home will work fine.

Tuna Man, not sure the specifics, but from what I recall reading, most of the Yamaha's have the aux. lead connection. All you have to do is connect it up.

 

[fireman_bob]

RobertH that's impressive that you still have a battery from 2000 going strong. Goes to show they didn't skimp on the plate material.
Tunaman, as for the Aux charging lead, with the cover off look on the starboard side of the motor for a heavy red wire (10 gauge or so) with a black connector on the end that's not plugged into anything. This end may be tucked under the block making the end hard to find. The other end comes from the fuse panel. There may be a blank insert in the plug to keep out the gunk. This is the Aux charging lead. If you don't want to pay $55 for a wire with a mating plug, cut the end off and crimp/shrink a wire to this one and run that to your battery.

 

[Tuna Man]

Fireman Bob,
Thank you for the advise, I will look near the engine block and in the cowling next time I pull the engine cover. I was reading my HPDI manual and it mentioned that "the small red lead for accessory charging is optional." I have no intention of using the accessory lead if I even have one, as I plan on using the factory battery selector switch as I've always done in the past.

 

[ROBERTH]

AC Delco Voyagers of that era were amazing. I had 3 total and one went with the old boat when I sold it a couple of years ago. Battery was still strong in that one. The other secondary one I had I just used around the shop and it finally started to dwindle down and I just used it as a core to trade for one of my new Interstates. Probably if I had known about the smart chargers a few years ago, it too might have lasted longer, but in the end, yes, it is amazing. I compared load test of 550 Cranking amps on new Interstate and the 2000 year AC Delco and the AC Delco actually beat it in reserve! So I just couldn't take it out of service based on age....it is a proud battery so let her continue as long as she will go! :mrgreen: