| [GMCnet] Battery Boost Switch [message #290364] |
Sun, 15 November 2015 19:13  |
Advanced Concept Ener
Messages: 112
Registered: December 2014
Karma: 0
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Sorry if I was not clear. I have an existing wire ( looks like #4) from rear to front boost solenoid. Existing switch is momentary but my 78 I believe was maintained. I can see no reason for momentary and if I loose my alternator I might be very glad to have the house batteries available to keep me going without holding that switch. Just trying to understand the reason for the design. All I can think is that the original solenoid couldn't take the current load continuously. I didn't know about the Honda charging circuit problem and I will be sure to snip the white charging wire.
Any other advice will be gratefully accepted. If you already found a problem I would like to learn from it.
Jon Darcy ACES
North Jersey 76 stretch, flares, 4 bag, Alcoa's, bunkhouse,MAC Dash
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| Re: [GMCnet] Battery Boost Switch [message #290365 is a reply to message #290364] |
Sun, 15 November 2015 19:37  |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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In my 75 GMC, the switch is continous. I do not know the rating of the boost relay used, however, it appears to be OEM. I have not had to use it to keep the engine alive with the rear battery. I have used it to start the motor on occasion. I know on a friends 77 Palm Beach the switch is momentary.
West Marine and other suppliers have a continous rated relay that will do the trick. Ford has a continous relay also available. I do not have the Ford part number, but I believe that a search on the forum will find it. Ford relay is probably less expensive, as if the word marine is used, the price goes up.
You can always rig a short piece of wire with clips on each end to jump the relay, and carry it as a "get you home" item. Others have reported doing this to get home.
The #4 wire from the rear of the coach to the front boost switch is probably OEM. GM wiring diagram is availbe on bdub's excellent site. You can also get a large print ( that is readible) from Allen Henderson for very little money, and worth every penny.
Tom, MS II
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: [GMCnet] Battery Boost Switch [message #290383 is a reply to message #290364] |
Mon, 16 November 2015 08:23 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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For whatever reason, Transmodes had a fixed boost switch, while Motorhomes had a momentary. Another idiosyncrasy, Transmode turn signals will work with the ignition off, Motorhomes don't. This is true for the '76es I have owned at any rate and appears to hold true through other model years as well. As to why, surely someone at GM had an Idea.
--johnny
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: [GMCnet] Battery Boost Switch [message #290385 is a reply to message #290364] |
Mon, 16 November 2015 08:46 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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Because if you forget and leave it latched you will return to a totally dead coach and be immobile. A better solution is to carry a short jumper with insulated clips on each end to jump the boost terminals. Or better yet add a combiner for under $100. Solenoid duty is not the issue. Transmodes were for industrial applications where you many need the batteries latched durring a parked presentation etc. i'm sure GM went eventually to momentary after too many dead batteries customer complaints and warranty battery replacements.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| Re: [GMCnet] Battery Boost Switch [message #290392 is a reply to message #290364] |
Mon, 16 November 2015 10:24 |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
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My experience, it is best to use a 10awg jumper, to Activate the boost switch, rather then jumping across it. it seemed to me jumping across the 2 AWG4 wires with a smaller wire, is not a good practice, and one time I did that, that wire got pretty hot. I made a slightly longer one to be able to activate the solenoid and I keep that jumper in my glove box.
Some boost switches are rated differently, I believe the correct one for the GMC is rated for continuous operation. Some solenoids (usually starter solenoids) are not meant for continuous operation. I think the boost switch would be meant as a Temp situation, and issues could be caused, by having it engaged all the time.
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
[Updated on: Mon, 16 November 2015 10:24] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] Battery Boost Switch [message #290396 is a reply to message #290364] |
Mon, 16 November 2015 11:21 |
habbyguy
Messages: 896
Registered: May 2012
Location: Mesa, AZ
Karma: 3
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My Royale (aka Transmode) has a fixed boost switch. FWIW, I leave it engaged full-time when it's plugged in - otherwise my chassis battery will eventually go dead (probably something that shouldn't happen, but that's how it is with my rig). I've done that for years without bad effect, so I guess it's safe to say that my boost solenoid is rated for full-time use.
Mark Hickey
Mesa, AZ
1978 Royale Center Kitchen
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| Re: [GMCnet] Battery Boost Switch [message #290398 is a reply to message #290397] |
Mon, 16 November 2015 12:00 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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Combiner should cure the dead engine battery problem. Combiner attached to the outside posts of the isolater and done. If the engine battery still goes flat, you have a different problem. Need to find the current drain.
Tom,MS II
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: [GMCnet] Battery Boost Switch [message #290425 is a reply to message #290364] |
Mon, 16 November 2015 18:29 |
habbyguy
Messages: 896
Registered: May 2012
Location: Mesa, AZ
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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Yeah, I agree something must not be working right with my combiner - I just haven't taken the time to trace it out yet. I leave the boost switch off when we're actually using the coach, so I end up with some options if I do run down some battery(ies)...
Mark Hickey
Mesa, AZ
1978 Royale Center Kitchen
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