Yanmar “Idiot” Lights Upgrade

[Compass790]

Originally Posted by cal40john

Some newer style alternators don't require the warning lamp, you'll have to determine that.

The warning light supplies the field current initially. Without that current the alternator produces little or no current. Once the alternator is working it supplies the current to operate the field. An LED with the appropriate resistor will not supply adequate current.

https://alternatorparts.com/understa...ternators.html

Have no idea if the circuit developed by this guy works. -
https://www.electro-tech-online.com/...ith-led.88735/

Yes agree with Cal40 John about alternator warning light supplying excite current for alternator field. I forgot about that thats why I added I'm no electrical expert in my 1st post. So dont use led unless you follow the rest of the advice in the link he sent you. Sorry, I better refrain from commenting on electrical stuff.

[MickB]

Often the "Idiot" lights are not noticed unless there is also an alarm sounding. By the time these warnings come up or by the time you can react to them the damage is already done.



There is always the option of upgrading to a full engine protection system.
The link is for an Australian version (I'm sure there are others but while I was involved in the industry these were considered the best) used extensively on mining machinery of all types world wide, an extra turbo timer shut down can be added to allow 3-5 minute idle down when shutting engine off to reduce turbo wear and damage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MsewmXxlEI

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by cal40john

Some newer style alternators don't require the warning lamp, you'll have to determine that.

The warning light supplies the field current initially. Without that current the alternator produces little or no current. Once the alternator is working it supplies the current to operate the field. An LED with the appropriate resistor will not supply adequate current.

https://alternatorparts.com/understa...ternators.html

Have no idea if the circuit developed by this guy works. -
https://www.electro-tech-online.com/...ith-led.88735/

Originally Posted by Compass790

Yes agree with Cal40 John about alternator warning light supplying excite current for alternator field. I forgot about that thats why I added I'm no electrical expert in my 1st post. So dont use led unless you follow the rest of the advice in the link he sent you. Sorry, I better refrain from commenting on electrical stuff.

You might remember the OP is not planing to change the alternator light, only the oil and temp light.

FWIW, if the OP is still using the original external regulator, this might well have a bypass resistor which is in parallel with the alternator lamp and supplies initial field current if the alternator lamp fails (open circuit).

[Compass790]

Hmm.... not too sure about that Wotname. He talks about the three warning lamps being in poor shape tho only 2 are blown. Only Homer can answer that but regardless Cal40 Johns' warning applies if he does the charge lamp

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by Compass790

Hmm.... not too sure about that Wotname. He talks about the three warning lamps being in poor shape tho only 2 are blown. Only Homer can answer that but regardless Cal40 Johns' warning applies if he does the charge lamp

Originally Posted by Homer Shannon

....... On my boat, these are all in terrible condition with the bulb sockets corroded and the rubber housing dried and cracking. I’m planning to replace all three.

.........

Hey Compass, you are right and I am completely wrong (again )...

Maybe I should hand in my CF password

[boatpoker]

After a few decades of surveying I am still amazed that the majority of sailboats I see do not have oil pressure gauges, temperature gauges, exhaust overheat alarms or raw water flow detectors.

The term "idiot lights" is self defining.

[odonnellryan]

So, after running the engine a bit hot I believe (though no symptoms of anything going wrong, but the engine was HOT) I wanted to replace the engine light (which did not turn on) with something a bit more this century.

I picked out the T60RND, which is a "Digital Water Engine Temp Gauge" that also has an alarm. Not many places sell this online and I hope the sender I have bought works OK with it (does not come with one, or any wires).

I haven't installed it yet, but the digital readout of numbers + audible (which you can set to whatever temp you like) alarm should be a pretty good indicator of what's happening, or at least I hope.

[Compass790]

Please dont hand in yr CF password Wotname, I so enjoyed Hmmmm...ing you Usually the boot is on the other foot .

[NorthCoastJoe]

I have a Yanmar 3gm30f . I set up gauges, a loud alarm and idiot lights.
Gauges and lights are only good when you see them. The loud alarm is hard to miss.

VDO makes dual senders for oil pressure. For temp I use two senders one for the gauge and one for light & alarm.

I also have a sender in my exhaust stream for exhaust temp.

[a64pilot]

Of course gauges need a transducer, lights or alarms need a switch

[Alita49DS]

The trouble with the warning lights is that by the time they come on you may well have seriously damaged the engine.

Rather than messing about with LED, just change the bulbs and holders if need be. Spend the time and effort on fitting an exhaust temperature monitor such as the NASA EX1. Digital readout for the temperature and an audible alarm. That way you have a gauge that is actually meaningful.

The other radical improvement I have made on my boat, again on recommendation, was to replace the useless shredding alternator V belt with a serpentine belt kit. From Electromaax. So the alternator light is now also meaningful.

[MCilenti]

Ahoy,
If I understand correctly, we're all talking about the standard Yanmar panel, correct? In my Yanmar manual it indicates there is an 'optional' panel which includes gauges.
I've been thinking about changing to that panel, but can't seem to find any other info about how/where to purchase it, etc.
Anyone else have any luck there?
Cheers,
Mike

[odonnellryan]

What's the benefits of an exhaust temp monitor over a coolant monitor?

[RainDog]

Originally Posted by MCilenti

Ahoy,
If I understand correctly, we're all talking about the standard Yanmar panel, correct? In my Yanmar manual it indicates there is an 'optional' panel which includes gauges.
I've been thinking about changing to that panel, but can't seem to find any other info about how/where to purchase it, etc.
Anyone else have any luck there?
Cheers,
Mike

It is a standard Yanmar part. Any Yanmar dealer should be able to tell you the part number and order one.

[NorthCoastJoe]

The gauges can be any brand. Avoid the cheap gauge kits, VDO makes very good gauges. They make a dual sender for oil pressure, one leg is for the gauge the other is for light and alarm, just match up your thread sizes.