ER Gauges

[Sadey]

Okay now that you all have helped me solve the TP issue. It’s time to install manual ER gauges with alarms and a start switch. I figure the minute I start the engines I go down to check things out why not just put a start switch with the most important gauges in each motor room. The question is what are those gauges? I current have fuel a fuel pressure gauge in each room. What say all of you? By the way I have turbo 892s. Thanks in advance!

 

[madhatter1]

I have thought about a multi camera system I can view from helm where I can see each set of gauges, shaft log area, outboard side of each engine, and down the center. 8th shot would be from top of enclosure over cockpit to assist with docking.

With price of today’s cameras seems like a lot of peace of mind at a low cost.

 

[Sadey]

I have a set of ER cameras, unfortunately the LED converted lights cause a wobble effect when viewing them on my Garmin MFD.

 

[Glory]

For start up, oil pressure trans and engine (and Raw Wayer if you have that)

It is unlikely temp would be necessary in the er for start up.

 

[Sadey]

Great point on the temp gauge. There is an AUX position on the monitor panels at the helms. I had planned to wire all or the most important gauge to that light as a visual warning that something is no bueno in the motor rooms. These are mechanical back ups to the electric helm gauges as well as start up verification that initially alls well. Thoughts?

 

[SEVEN]

I would install transmission and oil pressure gauges.

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

Electrical gauges at helm (unless you already have mechanicals) and mechanicals in ER. You need temp in ER as a cross check on your helm.

 

[MadHatter53]

ER start and shutdown buttons would be real nice to have.

 

[jim rosenthal]

Right. If you're going to have a start button there, you should certainly have a stop button as well.

One of your former members, MikeP, installed mechanical gauges in each of the engine rooms in his 53MY. Some of the things he did might be useful to you:
-the gauges panels were all direct reading mechanical gauges- oil pressure, engine temp and I think drive oil pressure.
-the gauges were oriented in such a way as to have the needle upright in normal operating ranges.
-the panels were near the doorway so that they were the first thing you saw when you opened the door to each engine room.
(all this from memory, admittedly)

My boat is far smaller than yours and I have a downstairs helm with gauges which I always use to fire them up from cold, but if I had a boat of your size, I would do what MikeP did.

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

 

[Glory]

If I were going to add additional gauges I would add fuel pressure and vacuum at at least one helm.

I did, I think I, post photos at some point.

It provides filter condition at a glance.

 

[RichardM]

I'm planning to do the same on my boat. Install mechanical pressure/temp gages and start/stop switches in the ER. Does anybody know how to wire the start/stop push buttons and the on/off key? I only have one helm on the flybridge.Richard

 

[jmooney]

I have oil pressure, drive oil pressure, and water temperature gauges in the engine room, all mechanical. I also have a start button, no need for a stop button as the stop solenoid linkage is easy to manipulate. No need for a ignition key with mechanical diesels.

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

I have oil pressure, drive oil pressure, and water temperature gauges in the engine room, all mechanical. I also have a start button, no need for a stop button as the stop solenoid linkage is easy to manipulate. No need for a ignition key with mechanical diesels.

There is need for an ignition circuit switch as a safety against inadvertently turning over the motor as a matter of safety. A stop button is also necessary unless you’re absolutely certain you’ll ever only be the one person down there. Neither are difficult enough to warrant much discussion.

 

[oscarvan]

There is need for an ignition circuit switch as a safety against inadvertently turning over the motor as a matter of safety

Bet you money the key would always be in there...... or risk being misplaced. No point in having it on the main helm key chain and running up and down with them.

Suggest a guarded switch, latched OFF right before the push button.

 

[rayswift]

Oil pressure,Water temp ,Gear pressure, Fuel pressure, Hour meter, start and stop.
Port and starboard.
Perfect for spring start-up and fall winterization.

 

[kelpy]

In 10 years or so, I don't think I have ever started or stopped the main engines anywhere but from the engine room. The ER DDEC displays are set up to show what I need at startup and I also have a mechanical oil pressure gauge coming off of each oil cooler/ filter housing adaptor.