2000 Challenger 2000 240EFI Engine Bay Rattle while not running

[jharlow]

I went to get my boat out of storage today and after hooking up the battery I turned the key to the Aux position and there is a rattle coming from the engine bay. It sounds like a ball bearing bouncing around inside of something plastic.

I didn't actually try to start the boat because that sound made me nervous. Has anyone experienced that in the past? If so what is it? My boat never did this last year.

Also, when I would turn on the exhaust fan or push the low fuel rest button the rattle would stop. It’s almost as if the battery didn't have enough juice to run both functions at once. The fan also seemed to have less power than it did last year.

I haven't tested the battery but could a low battery cause anything like this? I ran the radio a little bit and it seemed to be working fine...

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[jharlow]

Anyone....? [MENTION=16022]Dr Honda[/MENTION]...?

 

[Dr Honda]

We will help... but give it a little time !! Your first post came in at 10:23 PM my time, and the second was at 1:05 AM. I was sleeping... along with the majority of our members.


Anyway... I can't say I've heard of that sound with simply turning on the key. Did you open the deck lid, and try to locate where it was coming from?

If the fan sounds like its running slow... I would start with a good charge on the battery, since it just came out of storage. If the battery was questionable last season... go buy a new one. It may not be power related, but a weak battery isn't any fun on the water.

 

[jharlow]

Sorry for the impatience [MENTION=16022]Dr Honda[/MENTION]. I'm a member of a couple of forums for other toys and I've become a little spoiled because I swear those guys never sleep.

Anyway, I did have the engine cover off and it sounded like it was coming from the rear port side of the engine. I hope that helps.

As far as the battery goes, I didn't have any issues with it last year and it was on a maintainer/trickle charger all winter but I still plan to replace it today and see if that helps.

What battery series is best for these boats? The battery that I have now is a 27 series but it is the one that was in the boat when I bought it and it's too long for the stock battery tray. That makes me think maybe I would be better suited with a different battery that would actually sit flat in the tray. What battery are you all running for your starting/dc batteries?

 

[Dr Honda]

On your boat... I'm pretty sure it was setup for a Group 24. The 27 is about 2" longer, and that's why it doesn't fit in the tray.


The Islandia (that I have) came with a Group 27 tray for the main battery. I have installed a second battery... and it's a Group 24, just because that's what I had room for.

Just as an FYI... I almost always buy Die-Hard batteries. They are a good price, and are generally some of the best available.



Port side, with the key on........ Still don't know. There is a small electric fuel pump... and if it was dry... you would hear it rattle. But, on my engine, it doesn't turn on until you start to crank the engine.

 

[jharlow]

I'm considering an Optima battery. I've used them in automotive applications before with good success but never in a marine application... My problem may be finding a place locally that stocks a marine application Optima.

Do you have an experience with Optima and/or have you heard any feedback on them in a marine application?

What other batteries do you recommend besides Die Hard? I only ask because the closest Sears is about an hour drive away from me so a Die Hard isn't really an option...

 

[Dr Honda]

Yep... back in the day... Optima's were the "king of the hill" for the off-road guys. (going back into the 90's) But, over the years... the quality has dropped. I started to have buddies who would have one for a year or so... and they would give up. (off-road bouncing, winching, a lot of start/stop) AND... all the while... my $60 die-hard's would out perform them.

For about 10 years... sears use to carry them, but once Johnson Controls started making them... they went to crap, and sears stopped stocking them.

Ok... Die-hard batteries aren't that cheap anymore... but they are still half the price of an Optima.


Personally... they aren't worth the money anymore. But... if you like them... buy it.


K-mart also carries Die-hard, if you have one close.


I know Napa marine batteries come recommended, and are at a good price. Also... the Autocraft marine batteries are OK. They aren't the best bat in the world... but they are reliable, and cheap. Advance auto was running a sale recently, and the Group 24MS was only $65.



***EDIT*****


I was out with the fam last week, and we were parked/anchored for about 5 hours. The radio was on... we inflated a BIG tube for the kids... we ran the fresh water pump, and the fountain pump... and in all that time, I never got a low battery warning, and I never even switched to my second battery. (you can count on the ratings of a die-hard)

 

[Seadoobuddy]

I agree with the DR., K-Mart carries Die hard also some ACE hardware stores carry the Craftsman brand of tools so they may also carry the batteries.