Basic checks on batteries, fuses, and heaters are a key component to include in annual spring maintenance. Below are some tips to help keep your power systems running optimally, including checking fuses, tightening and cleaning battery connections, and diesel heater filter maintenance (Northwest Edition boats only).

Checking Fuses

To verify the fuses are not the source of a problem, use a multimeter on the continuity function setting. Also, you can visually inspect the fuse to see if it’s intact; if the fuse is broken or burned, it needs to be replaced. Make sure to use the correct amperage when replacing fuses. When finished, make sure your bilge pump fuse or fuses are properly installed.

Tightening Battery Connections

1. Turn off all battery switches.
2. Check the battery terminals and bus bars for tightness, ensuring they are snug but not overly tight. While checking battery terminals and bus bars, make sure corresponding positive and negative terminals do not contact each other.

Cleaning Battery Connections

1. Turn off all battery switches.
2. Check battery terminals and bus bars for corrosions.
3. Using a battery terminal cleaning solution, spray the battery terminals and bus bars, and scrub with a bristle brush.
4. Afterwards you can use a corrosion inhibitor to protect the contacts, making sure beforehand the material is safe for battery connections.

Diesel Heater Maintenance (NW Edition boats only)

1. Remove the 4 Phillips screws on the black box containing the heater’s filter and pump.

2. Inspect the filter. If the filter is completely full of fluid, it is due to be replaced. If it is not full, it is good practice to replace annually.

3. Remove the two hose clamps on either side of the filter using a Phillips screwdriver.

4. Remove the hoses from the filter and install the new filter. When replacing, make sure the new filter faces the same direction as the previous filter.