[VernB63]

Hi Mike, the deck / speakers & amp were new last year. So I don't think it's that. At least I hope not $$$. Replacing the plug wires is a good idea. Anything else to consider replacing in the spring tune-up?

No family in Brantford, a cuz-in-law in Cambridge, but most are up on the Bruce Pennisula. Dad grew up south of Lions Head (Hope Ness - Greigs Caves & area) and myself in Wiarton. Nice area.

[indykoch]

Hey Vern... now that I see you're using a separate amp (not the in-dash amp), I can almost assure you it's a grounding issue with the amp itself. Where do you have it grounded? If it's to the engine block, you could have a grounding loop as discussed earlier. Try using the negative terminal of the battery. Don't use a composite metal or alloy to ground - make sure it's highly conductive. I've also heard of using *SHIELDED* RCA cables to fix it. There's a chance it could still be the head unit ground, so check all of those connections as well. A marine environment is torture on low/standard grade wires, terminals, splices, etc.

Personally, I wouldn't mess with plugs or plug wires since they won't "fix" a bad ground. And a bad ground is probably the culprit. Good luck with it.

[ShabahZ280]

I second the grounding to the battery terminal. It really is starting to sound more like a grounding problem than anything else, but your amp could be an issue too. Is there adequate ventilation around the amp to reduce the chance of overheating? Amps usually have a thermal protection circuit, maybe it's kicking on prematurely?

One of our resident stereo people is Doug (moondance100), he's got probably the most impressive setup on here, if I remember correctly, it's somewhere between 2000 and 4000 watts. I'll bet you he could help you figure out the problem. Drop him a Private Message and see!

[mikeyt]

Originally Posted by indykoch

Hey Vern... now that I see you're using a separate amp (not the in-dash amp), I can almost assure you it's a grounding issue with the amp itself. Where do you have it grounded? If it's to the engine block, you could have a grounding loop as discussed earlier. Try using the negative terminal of the battery. Don't use a composite metal or alloy to ground - make sure it's highly conductive. I've also heard of using *SHIELDED* RCA cables to fix it. There's a chance it could still be the head unit ground, so check all of those connections as well. A marine environment is torture on low/standard grade wires, terminals, splices, etc.

Personally, I wouldn't mess with plugs or plug wires since they won't "fix" a bad ground. And a bad ground is probably the culprit. Good luck with it.

The only reason i suggested the plugs/wires is because Vern indicated the motor was due for a tune-up anyway. Check with the marine mechanic but i think the 8mm silicone resistor wires are marine approved as are the Champion resistor plugs. I've used them on a 115hp Evinrude outboard in the past & got good performance.

I agree with the rest of you though...it does sound very much like a grounding issue with the radio and / or antenna and getting a proper ground in a boat can take a little extra work. I would still check the power source connections also to ensure they are clean and once sure of that you could use a little of that liquid electrical connection protector to seal out any moisture.

[VernB63]

Mike, Chris, Ryan ... thanks for all the input on how to fix the stereo.

The Jensen is driven by a 100 watt amp that is located on the outside of the protected walls beside the engine and is ground to the battery as suggested. FYI - I had a audio shop guy install all at their shop (unfortunate trailer mishap while I was there - clipped a car bumper - rookie mistake). Stereo sounded great, but not when I returned to the water and the engine was running. I will contact mondance 100 as suggested. Thanks.

[Z 202]

Originally Posted by VernB63

Dad grew up south of Lions Head (Hope Ness - Greigs Caves & area) and myself in Wiarton. Nice area.

We've had place in Lions Head for over 30 years. I know a bunch of the local folks, probably several that know your dad. The family cottage is at 26 William, just down from the Hospital. I've got a slip at the marina.