pyro meters

[RICKEY]

When I purchased my 53' on the lower helm the is a set of port and starboard pyro meters, they were working for a while, then quit. I was told that the thermal couplings that screw into the maniflods were bad. I purchased new ones and instaled new cables from the motors to the lower helm. again they worked for a while then stoped. this time I saw that the gauges them self had condisasion were I could not read them. if I taped on them they seemed to work for a while. someone told me that having the meters are a good thing and they were on the boat already. sould I replace the heads? or can someone tell me if there is anything that can be done to get rid of the condensasion! I don't knoe enough about pyro meters, and can use some help. thank you folks

 

[REBrueckner]

It's a bit unusual to have condensation in a lower helm (interior) meter. Is there a drip from overhead?? Did this occur during cold weather and a subsequent warm spell? If so, it may dry out on its own. The problem with moisture is that over time it can corrode sensitive meter components and or eletrical connections.

You could always try a hair dryer..to remove current moisture. Or place it in a 100 (warm, not hot) degree oven for a while....Perhaps the easiest thing to check would be electrical: is there steady voltage supply to the meter and are the connections at the meters snug,clean and dry. An alternative might be to drill a small hole in the back of the gauge so a bit of air can get in to dissipate moisture....

If the meter connections and power supply are ok, then likely the best course would be to replace at least one pyro gauge at the helm and see if it works. If you have the time and interest, you can always remove and disassemble a current gauge and see if anything inside looks amiss...moisture,corrosion,etc..