electrics take a while to turn on

[Waternut]

I've been trying to figure out what's been going on with my ski all summer. After sitting for a day or two, I'll switch on the bilge and ignition and nothing will happen. 15-20 seconds later they will both come on and usually work all day but they've been known to shut off again within the first 5 minutes of riding and then a minute later everything will work for the rest of the day.

The battery is a Deka and less than a year old...measures 12.3v after sitting for 4 days. Originally I thought the problem was related to the LED lights. I the LED's to indicate when things were on figuring the electrics were working but the lights just weren't coming on. When the LED's were out of the picture, the problem persisted so I thought maybe it was the switches. I've replaced both switches and still don't know what's up. The wires for the bilge are dedicated straight from the battery. The wires for the total loss are dedicated from the battery as well but I have them attached to one side of the starter solenoid.

All wires are soldered and shrink wrapped but if I wiggle random wires, the bilge pump will change pitch with varying voltage going to it.

I don't know what else to try except replacing all wires which would be a nightmare and take all day. Any ideas?

 

[Cliff]

you answered your own question

 

[demolition_x]

my bilges used to do that. it was because my switch was failing. as soon as the switch was replaced it worked great.

 

[cmeripper26]

Sounds like a loose connection somewhere within your wiring if you can change pitch of the bilge pump with a wiggle of a wire, that individual wire may be arcing out not making a good contact. Sounds like you gotta go through all your wiring. Good luck with the fix!

 

[Waternut]

Well if the problem ends up being switches again, I'm going to seriously consider going without switches completely and just running inline fuses as my switches. I ride freshwater and I've tried just about every switch I can get my hands on including waterproof switches. So far I'd estimate that I've spent $100 on everything from $3 walmart switches to $8 heavy duty switches to special ordering waterproof switches.

 

[AdamOntario]

hook up voltmeter to battery and try and move the terminals around, might be a connection inside the battery as all things connected behave the same.

 

[Matt_E]

Well if the problem ends up being switches again, I'm going to seriously consider going without switches completely and just running inline fuses as my switches. I ride freshwater and I've tried just about every switch I can get my hands on including waterproof switches. So far I'd estimate that I've spent $100 on everything from $3 walmart switches to $8 heavy duty switches to special ordering waterproof switches.

I've been using the JSS switch for four years now, in salt and fresh water without any issues.

Finding a wiring problem isn't that bad.
Just check the positive wires with an Ohmmeter, then the negatives.