Help! Lights or genny problem?

alphamax · Sep 9, 2013

I have been bowfishing 4 different times recently. 3 out of the 4 times my lights have shut off on me. The lights will shut off anywhere from 5 - 55 mins after they have been on. The lights warm up completely, to the full brightness, and then cut off during this time frame. All lights cut off at the same time. After I let them cool off for 5 mins and turn them back on, all lights work the rest night. Is this a problem with the lights or the generator?
Im running 6 400w MH with ballast built into the lights. The lights are wired to where 3 go into one plug on the generator and 3 go to the other plug. Im using a 2012 Honda eu3000 generator to power them. I always cut on the generator and let it warm up for a bit before I turn on the lights. I turn the lights on 2 at a time so there is not 2400w at one time going to the generator. I have been using the same fuel from the same gas station (ethanol free and fuel stabilizer in it) since I got this boat. Ive had the boat, lights, and generator since June with no problems. The light issue occurred in the last 4 or so weekends.
Any help will be appreciated! Thanks!

upsouth811 · Sep 13, 2013

Does it do it everytime you turn the light on? Check your voltage at your source (genny) to make sure your getting enough. Could have an internal break down. Seen something similar to this before b/c youll have a break down and get full voltage sometimes then sometimes get up to only have half of rated output voltage. If you have access to another genny try hooking it up and running them on it to see if issue goes away.

Denver1432 · Sep 10, 2013

Start the generator up, and then plug all of your lights in and then do an amp draw on your lights. Sounds like your exceeding the amp draw(total watts) of your generator.

KMckie786 · Sep 10, 2013

Im running hps with digital ballasts. I've had my genny get hot and the temp switch begins to make the genny fluctuate badly enough to drop the lights out. I cycle power on the lights and they come right back. I'm thinking the digitals ballasts drop the igniter after they are lit, so that's why I have to cycle power. Not sure on the standard ballasts but sounds like the same scenario.

I tried using a mud flap from a big rig to muffle the sound from my genny and that is when the genny started cutting out after it warmed up. So I know it was a heat issue with the genny. Took it off and haven't had a problem since.

Maybe your genny is throttling some how and fluctuating the voltage enough to drop your lights?

JpEater · Sep 10, 2013

Let me know when you figure out what it is... I have been chasing this same problem on a buddies boat for a few weeks. I have replaced four ballasts with new GE ballasts. His will run the lights all night when you turn the Eco throttle off. His generator is only a month old too. I'm stumped and I bet its the same problem.

alphamax · Sep 10, 2013

I missed this comment last night, and I'm just now seeing it. Now that I think about it, when I turn the lights back on, after they cool, the eco throttle is turned off. I am not sure if eco throttle is on when I first start up, but it is definitely turned off when I turn on the lights again.

Relentless · Sep 9, 2013

6 400's will not run on a 3000w honda

2600 watt max on the genny and each light runs more than 400 watts

JpEater · Sep 10, 2013

A 3000iS is rated @ 2800 watts, which is less than 6-400's pull. The 3000 Handi is only rated for 2600 watts.

Buell Man · Sep 9, 2013

check the oil in the genny , mine was low and when the boat would rock really bad the sensor would kill the genny

alphamax · Sep 9, 2013

I will check on that, but when the lights go out, the generator stays running.

Help! Lights or genny problem?

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