christophert

To elaborate on what I said above, the batteries indicators are showing green. If the batteries were damaged, surely this would not be the case?

It does, thank you all. Tomorrow I'll disconnect the batteries as they will have had an overnight charge. I'll take a reading straight away and then periodically as the day goes on. So the batteries may be damaged even though the green indicators on the batteries themselves show they are healthy? If the batteries check out ok, then there must be something draining them ... a dodgy wire somewhere on the boat maybe

What I don't understand is - the batteries are showing fully charged according to my meter - and another meter I have just bought, are showing 13.6. So if I am not mistaken the batteries are fully charging through the battery charger. I hate electrics, it's not my strong point at all.

Not necessarily, they are charging fine. The alternator is pumping plenty in when engine is running, and battery charger is doing its job too. The charger is a Waeco 1512, and how I monitor the batteries is by inverter letting me know there's not enough in them. I have recently on a few occasions put a meter to them once I've had the engine running, and they have shown to be fully charged. But after four or five hours, the inverter goes off as not enough power. If I don't restart the engine or plug into shoreline, the batteries will drain to the point that not even the twelve volt lights will work after several hours. Basically, where I could before take out the boat and have power on charged batteries for at least two days, not using anything of heavy consumption, now I can only do it for a few hours before batteries drain dead. The batteries are two years old, they have been tested. I'm wondering if there is a bad earth or dodgy wire creating this problem? Or - could it be the batteries? It's just strange, they charge really well, but the power is seeping off somewhere. Thank you for that, it's most useful. How are you finding yours? I've had this one a good while and it's proved to be a good one.

Hi all, The inverter is pretty tight to the wall and one side can't be seen. Today I stuck my phone down this side and randomly took pictures in the hope I'd find some info. And found this! I'm really pleased. Now just need to find out why my leisure batteries arn't holding their charge. I have had them deep charge tested and apparently they're fine.

Hi all, I've had a Powermaster inverter on my boat for the last eight years and has performed well. The problem is I don't know the output. I contacted the company, sending pictures. I had two replies from different departments there. One said it probably could be a 1200 w and the other said it possibly could be an 1800. It seems to run everything, TV, Microwave etc but not the washing machine, but the washing machine is a Zanussi, one of those small ones which for some reason cost twice the price of a normal size one. I also have an 1100cc Beta Marine generator and that wont run the washing machine either.

Thank you all, you've been most helpful. I settled on a Mahle OC23. Thank you Tony, I'll have a look at the block tomorrow in the daylight.

Hi all, Regarding the Fram filter, I watched an interesting video where oil filters were compared. Sadly, the mentioned above didn't come off very well. Has anyone heard of the Alco SP-816 filter? and does anyone know if you can tell the difference between an older BMC 1800 and the later one?

Can someone please help? I own an 1800 BMC Thornycroft 108 and can’t seem to find any information on which oil filter to use. The filter which presently on is a Fram PH2857A, but told these filters are not much good, and also still need to ensure I fit the correct one with my service which I’ll be doing myself. I have been told there are two types of filter to use depending on the age of the engine, but not sure how old mine is. There is an engine number – 120538 and a serial number – 10573 108R I have an Alco SP-816 filter, which was on the boat when I bought it, but not sure if this is suitable or if the filter is a quality one. I’ve heard Crossland is recommended, but again not sure which one.