Cat 3208's

jrhhtk1 · Post by **jrhhtk1** » Sat Aug 28, 2010 3:44 am

Just bought an '82 Bertram SF. This boat was lovingly cared for by previous owner(s) and runs well. One question I have is why did they mount a solenoid and what looks like a relay or voltage regulator on top of the engine?? I'm having some discharging issues while running (i.e. voltmeter reads less than 12 volts) but I can fix by tapping on the box next to the solenoid. What is that thing?? I think I need a new one. Thanks and glad this forum is here. Jeffrey R. Hughes M/V "Pescara" 1982 - 33' Bertram SF Santa Rosa Beach, FL

ckuppens · Post by **ckuppens** » Sat Aug 28, 2010 3:46 am

Congrats Jeff! You will get some answers here from the guys that have cats... Good luck!

buzzk · Post by **buzzk** » Sat Aug 28, 2010 6:19 am

Welcome the Cat guys we be answering your question. You may want to ask on boatdiesel.com. They are another good source of information. Buzz

jrhhtk1 · Post by **jrhhtk1** » Sat Aug 28, 2010 6:38 pm

Thanks guys. The box on the starboard side still has what looks like the original Cat yellow paint so it may be 28 years old. The port engine's box is silver so it looks like it was replaced already. I'll look for a part number next weekend. Jeffrey R. Hughes M/V "Pescara" 1982 - 33' Bertram SF Santa Rosa Beach, FL

lwrenn · Post by **lwrenn** » Sun Aug 29, 2010 2:56 am

Replace the alternator with a self starting self regulating new unit that eliminates all the old charging system. One wire to baterry, one wire to ground. The amperage can be increased and an easy job!

gskill · Post by **gskill** » Sun Aug 29, 2010 3:05 am

Jeffery the box that I believe you are talking about is the field relay. I would suggest cleaning all connections first, before replacing. You can also disassemble the part and look inside to determine the condition. (rusted?) I purchased a "standard MR 10" for my starboard engine at my local auto parts store, a few years ago.

jrhhtk1 · Post by **jrhhtk1** » Sun Aug 29, 2010 5:30 pm

Thanks Larry and George. I'll be on the boat this weekend and will take the relay apart and see how she looks. Who makes a "standard MR 10" relay?? Is that like a Motorola or Delco part or Caterpillar? In the end, I may replace both alternators with the kind Larry recommends. George, do you still have the original 3208's in your boat? Mine are called 3208 TI's (Turbo charged intercooled) as opposed to TA's. Can I convert these to TA's to get more HP? I'm rated at 300 HP each with the ones I have. Thanks Gents, Jeffrey R. Hughes M/V "Pescara" 1982 - 33' Bertram SF Santa Rosa Beach, FL

gskill · Post by **gskill** » Mon Aug 30, 2010 1:37 am

Jeffrey, I'm not sure about the manufacturer however it is not a cat part. I changed the relay a few years back and only wrote down the part number in my log. I do have the original 3208's which are rated at 260hp. There is a lot of discussion about upgrading the HP on the 3208's in this forum however someone else will have to answer your question pertaining to converting to higher HP.

franklyprice · Post by **franklyprice** » Mon Aug 30, 2010 4:30 am

Jeff, Standard is a manufacturer of aftermarket electrical parts sold through Napa. They make decent parts. I would assume for a start that you would go to a a Napa store and ask for a standard MR 10 relay. Not sure where to go if that didn't work. If that does indeed get you the right part, ask for their "blue streak" version of it, it's the same company but their very high end product.

CB35 · Post by **CB35** » Mon Aug 30, 2010 6:55 am

Hold on just a minute. Is the "box" you are banging on the voltage regulator? Sounds like it is. Does the "box" have a ground and a three wire plug? MY old 3208 NA's are running external voltage regulators. The voltage regulator box has four wires. Go peel the paint off and report on the color of the wires and number and if it has the connector plug. As for you engines being intercooled I really doubt that. Try 3208T. By the way your choices are NA, T, TA.

gskill · Post by **gskill** » Mon Aug 30, 2010 7:48 am

If it is the voltage reg, mine is a Motorola 8rd2018. I fought this issue about 3 years ago on the port engine and after researching and switching parts from starboard to port engines, finally determined that it was the field relay. I replaced with the unit mentioned above. I just went through trouble shooting the same issue last week on the starboard engine. (volt meter not showing charging) After having the alternator checked I found a wire off the field relay. Reattached and everything is back to normal. That is why I suggested cleaning your connections first.

jrhhtk1 · Post by **jrhhtk1** » Mon Aug 30, 2010 8:38 am

OK. Thanks guys. The box itself has 2 terminals coming off of it and 3 wires going to it. I have a picture but not smart enough to know how to insert it. I thought it was a VR so I ordered one from Cat here in Houston. When it arrived, I checked and this is not it. This voltage reg has 3 wires and a plug coming off of it. Not sure where it goes but I'm sure I'll need it sooner or later. Thanks again, Jeffrey R. Hughes M/V "Pescara" 1982 - 33' Bertram SF Santa Rosa Beach, FL

CB35 · Post by **CB35** » Mon Aug 30, 2010 9:16 am

You do not need the voltage regulator if your alternators already have one. My 35B with 300T's has a two wire alternator. One ground one 12V. The 3208NA has 4 wires with the external VR. Send your pic to cbhaws@verizon.net and I will compare that to my boats.

jrhhtk1 · Post by **jrhhtk1** » Thu Sep 02, 2010 3:16 am

Thanks again guys. I got 2 Standard MR-10 field relays here in Houston. Will change both out this weekend. Good luck to all of you on the East coast with Earl. Us GOM guys are praying for you!

Post by **dougl33** » Thu Sep 02, 2010 5:59 am

Thanks Jeff.