Fuse blowing on GHP 12 linear drive unit after 30 min

[svensrud]

Hi. I have the GHP 12 with the Class A drive unit from Jefa ( LD100/GA)My problem is that the fuse (7.5Amp Brown) on the drive unit keeps blowing after about 30 mins of opperation. I have had the unit working perfectly for about 4-5 years. The only change I have made recently is new batteries (2x110ah AGM to 2x140ah WET). I am cosidering that the balls on the draglink might be causing resistance but I might have broken something else while using the boat. Any clues to what the problem could be? Regards Thomas

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Thomas.

[zboss]

Did you recently update the Garmin autopilot software? I noticed that when I applied the latest updates it changed my max amp setting.


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[smac999]

7.5a on a pilot seems really small.

[artisanmach]

my GHP10 linear actuator has a 25 amp fuse

[svensrud]

Yes I did but only after this problem occurred.

[svensrud]

Well it's what Garmin/Jefa provides and it has been working for several years.

[Brewgyver]

Have you made any other changes to the boat recently? Looking at the performance graph from Jefa, it appears that the output torque would have to be in the area of 70 kg/m (over 500 ft lb!) to blow that fuse.

So, I would think there are three possible causes:
Boat seriously out of trim in heavy wind/sea state
Internal problem in the drive, check the planetary gears, clutch.
Intermittent electrical issue, additional resistance spiking current

I doubt your boat is the problem, it would be very noticeable when not using the drive. Internal problem is certainly possible, but my money's on a bad electrical connection. Check for corrosion in the male and female connectors, both the plug and socket contact the point of connection of the individual wires to the contacts. I had an intermittent issue with my Autohelm GP tiller drive that was solved by replacing the connectors.

[Brewgyver]

Originally Posted by artisanmach

my GHP10 linear actuator has a 25 amp fuse

Isn't your GHP 10 a hydraulic drive?

[DSW]

Something bent or damaged, the rudder stock out of alignment, too much friction.

[zboss]

Originally Posted by svensrud

Well it's what Garmin/Jefa provides and it has been working for several years.

Yes and that is correct. We have a jefa direct drive with the same head unit with the same fuse. It rarely draws more than 2 or 2.5 amps. Mostly closer to 2.

I'd suggest putting a clamp meter on it and see what you are normally pulling.