Dear Fellow Sailors,
I went through a successful
DIY upgrade of my original limping
charging system and enjoy healthy
charging with brand new
Balmar alternator that is regulated by external M618
regulator. I followed Marine-how-to precious guidance on the web and got a great support over the telephone from
Balmar people.
All worked so well that I quickly ordered spare
regulator and
alternator.
But....
1. The
engine control panel is now slow to shut down the
alarm (oil low pressure light and the horn). It takes say 20 to 30 seconds to get silence and no red warning light.
2. During this time, the rotameter does not show any
RPM even though the
engine runs OK and reacts to the throttle.
3. Worried about the
oil pressure, I tested it (perfect as per spec), and installed another
oil pressure switch and a green OK light on the panel.
4. This weird thing used to happen during start up, so no way the temperature was a problem, but I have an independent temperature switch now and a high warning light anyway, so I know the
coolant temperature is OK.
Since the basic parameters are OK, I did not think much of it, but recently, the alarms do happen occasionally when the engine is hot and running say 2000 to 2500
rpm and last a bit longer say up to a minute. Note that both oil pressure and temperature are monitored independently and are fine during these alarms.
My thoughts are that the old panel (2001) somehow does not like new hi-tech regulator and makes some unnecessary noises occasionally. Why? Old
wiring perhaps? It bits me. The hookup was carefully reviewed by Balmar guys including the engine
electrical schematic.
Should I try to get to the bottom of it or just ignore it. Needless to say it is unnerving to me and the Admiral panics easy, so I need to act as she is a great crew
member.
Anybody had similar symptoms after the upgrade like this?
Thanks in advance.