REBrueckner
Legendary Member
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2005
- Messages
- 4,168
- Status
- OWNER - I own a Hatteras Yacht
- Hatteras Model
- 48' YACHT FISHERMAN (1972 - 1975)
Besides the traditional water temp, oil pressure, and transmission oil pressure alarms, here are a few ideas to take better care of your babies. Consider these for your genny(s) too.
Salt Water flow Alarms: These are basically a flow valve with magnetic senser and wire leads added to your engine salt water cooling. Cut a hose opening about 10 inches long and add one of these to each engine via hose clamps. Then wire to an alarm of your choice for INSTANT warning when salt water flow is lost. I got mine from West Marine. I use buzzers which test at each engine start.
RACOR fuel filterAlarms: You can upgrade your old style filter bowl with a new one, if not so equipped,to include a water level probe. Together with a RACOR alarm at your helm, this will indicate water in a filter bowl at about 2 inches depth. You can also add a RACOR vacuum guage with copper tubing and place the gauge at a helm to monitor fuel filter clogging. Mine is about 20ft to the lower helm. Match the dirt you see when changing a filter to determine when you like to change one. Look at RACOR online.
Transmission oil temp: Because your transmissions are so costly, adding an oil temperature gauge is a modest investment in safety. Oil can be way over normal temperature without your ever knowing. An electric sender to a helm provides a conveninent temperature readout. Normal temp is about 185 to 195 degrees on my 8V71T's.
Murphy Gauge: These monitor fresh water coolant level and should coolant begin to leak, will sound an alarm as coolant level drops BEFORE temperature rise does any damage. Comes with sensor and wires for alarm connection. Search online for the model of your choice. Mid Atlantic Engine Supply is one source.As a related safety feature, if your engines are not equipped, add an automotive type overflow tank. They are no more than $15 for truck/van size with a mounting bracket at most auto parts stores. Connect to your overflow tube at the fill cap. It will add fluid if a leak develops and you can see your coolant level thru the plastic...no need to remove the pressure cap and stick a finger down there.
Pyrometer gauges: For turbo engines, these temperature sensors read exhaust gas temperature and provide another safety readout of engine performance. I haven't gone this far (yet) but many who log high annual hours love 'em.
Salt Water flow Alarms: These are basically a flow valve with magnetic senser and wire leads added to your engine salt water cooling. Cut a hose opening about 10 inches long and add one of these to each engine via hose clamps. Then wire to an alarm of your choice for INSTANT warning when salt water flow is lost. I got mine from West Marine. I use buzzers which test at each engine start.
RACOR fuel filterAlarms: You can upgrade your old style filter bowl with a new one, if not so equipped,to include a water level probe. Together with a RACOR alarm at your helm, this will indicate water in a filter bowl at about 2 inches depth. You can also add a RACOR vacuum guage with copper tubing and place the gauge at a helm to monitor fuel filter clogging. Mine is about 20ft to the lower helm. Match the dirt you see when changing a filter to determine when you like to change one. Look at RACOR online.
Transmission oil temp: Because your transmissions are so costly, adding an oil temperature gauge is a modest investment in safety. Oil can be way over normal temperature without your ever knowing. An electric sender to a helm provides a conveninent temperature readout. Normal temp is about 185 to 195 degrees on my 8V71T's.
Murphy Gauge: These monitor fresh water coolant level and should coolant begin to leak, will sound an alarm as coolant level drops BEFORE temperature rise does any damage. Comes with sensor and wires for alarm connection. Search online for the model of your choice. Mid Atlantic Engine Supply is one source.As a related safety feature, if your engines are not equipped, add an automotive type overflow tank. They are no more than $15 for truck/van size with a mounting bracket at most auto parts stores. Connect to your overflow tube at the fill cap. It will add fluid if a leak develops and you can see your coolant level thru the plastic...no need to remove the pressure cap and stick a finger down there.
Pyrometer gauges: For turbo engines, these temperature sensors read exhaust gas temperature and provide another safety readout of engine performance. I haven't gone this far (yet) but many who log high annual hours love 'em.
