Wellcraft 270 Coastal, Owner'S Manual, Page: 36 / 121

4.8 Electrical System Maintenance
12-volt DC Electrical System Maintenance
At least once a year, spray all exposed electrical
components behind the helm and in the plugs, with a
protectant. Exterior light fixture bulbs should be
removed and the metal contact areas coated with a non-
water soluble lubricant like petroleum jelly or silicone
grease. The sockets should be sprayed with a
protectant. Care must be taken not to get any oil or
petroleum jelly on the glass portion of the bulbs as this
will cause the bulb to overheat and burn out.
Check all below deck wiring to be sure it is properly
supported, that the insulation is sound, and that there
are no loose or corroded terminals. Corroded terminals
should be thoroughly cleaned with sandpaper, or
replaced, tightened securely and sprayed with a metal
and electrical protectant. Inspect all engine wiring.
Check the electrolyte level in the batteries regularly and
add distilled water as necessary. If the batteries are
frequently charged by the automatic battery charger, the
electrolyte level will have to be checked more often. The
correct fluid level in the cells is usually approximately ¼
to ½ inch above the plates. If fluid is needed, fill to the
proper level with distilled water. Do not over fill!
Please note that some batteries are sealed and cannot
be filled.
Keep the battery tops clean and dry. Dirt and water can
conduct electricity from one post to the other causing
the battery to discharge.
The battery posts should be kept free of corrosion.
Remove the cables and clean the posts and cable clamps
with a battery post cleaner or sandpaper as required.
Coating the battery posts and cable clamps with
petroleum jelly or silicone grease will protect them and
reduce corrosion. Battery cables, both hot and ground,
must be replaced when they show signs of corrosion or
fraying. Deteriorated cables cause a considerable
voltage loss when high currents are drawn, as for
starting the engine.
12-volt AC Electrical System Maintenance
Periodically inspect all wiring for nicks, chafing,
brittleness, improper support, etc. Examine the shore
power cords closely for cracks in the insulation and
corrosion in electrical connectors. Spraying receptacles
and electrical contact cleaner or a metal and electrical
protectant will reduce corrosion and improve electrical
continuity. Inspect all wiring for proper support, sound
insulation, and tight terminals, paying particular
attention to portable appliance cords and plugs.
The entire 120-volt circuitry, especially the shore power
cords, should be seasonally tested for proper continuity
by an experienced electrician. This will detect any
shorts, open wires, or ground faults. Ground fault
interrupts should be tested periodically to ensure proper
operation by pressing the test/reset buttons in the
center of face plate. The polarity indictor system also
should be inspected for proper operation.
The engine maintenance required on the optional
generator is similar in many ways to the engines. The
most important factors to the generator’s longevity are
proper ventilation, maintenance of the fuel system,
ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system and
the AC alternator.
Maintenance schedules and procedures are outlined in
your generator owner’s manual. They should be followed
exactly.
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