I just bought a 1996 37 Sea Ray Sundancer with Cat 3116 diesels and there seems to be a problem with the engine alarms. When the ignition switches are in the "on" position, they only occasionally beep. When the test switch is pressed, the alarm works fine. Has anyone else had this problem with their alarms? Any ideas what the problem could be? Thanks for any help!!!
Engine Alarm Problem
- Thread starter njb3636
- Start date
ImpulseIII
Active Member
I don't think you have a problem. The alarm should sound when you first turn the ignition switches on. I believe its actually telling you that you have no oil pressure. (makes sense since the engines are not running yet) Once the engines start and OP comes up, the alarms go off. I think that is what you say you are expereicing....
By the way, I think the 370 is one of the nicest looking boats in the Sea Ray line :thumbsup: and the fact that you have one with oilers.......sounds like a great boat..Good luck.
By the way, I think the 370 is one of the nicest looking boats in the Sea Ray line :thumbsup: and the fact that you have one with oilers.......sounds like a great boat..Good luck.
Thanks for the reply. My problem is that the engine alarm DOESN'T beep most of the time when the switches are in the "on" position. Occasionally I can get them to beep if I flip the switch a few times. Both engines do the same thing and it doesn't matter if they are warm or cold. Any further help would be appreciated.
xravenx
Member
ImpulseIII said:
Hey thanks Frank :grin:
Frank is correct, mine does exactly what he described.
John
osd9
New Member
What is the "test" switch? Do I have one?
On my boat, with 3126-TAs, when I have the ignition switches in the on position, before I "momentarily depress to start the engines, and before they come to life, the alarm is "constant".
Both engines, and alarms, act the same.....
On my boat, with 3126-TAs, when I have the ignition switches in the on position, before I "momentarily depress to start the engines, and before they come to life, the alarm is "constant".
Both engines, and alarms, act the same.....
- Oct 6, 2006
- 12,155
- Boat Info
- 1996 450DA
- Engines
- 3116 Caterpillars
If you are pressing a test switch, it is on the system monitor which is not part of the engine gauge system. When you depress the test switch, the indicator lights should go on but the alarm shouldn't sound.
As Frank says, with the ignition switch on and the motor not running, you should get both a red light on the systems monitor and an audible alarm which will sound until you have oil pressure. If you must flip the ignition switch off and on on both engines to hear the alarm for either , it is likely that your systems monitor control module is bad or a loose connection in the module wiring harness. If it were only one engine, you could have a faulty oil pressure sender.
Caterpillars have engine mounted gauges...check the mechanical gauges on the engines vs. the dash mounted Sea Ray gauges to be sure you have oil pressure and that the Sea Ray gauge package is working properly.
As Frank says, with the ignition switch on and the motor not running, you should get both a red light on the systems monitor and an audible alarm which will sound until you have oil pressure. If you must flip the ignition switch off and on on both engines to hear the alarm for either , it is likely that your systems monitor control module is bad or a loose connection in the module wiring harness. If it were only one engine, you could have a faulty oil pressure sender.
Caterpillars have engine mounted gauges...check the mechanical gauges on the engines vs. the dash mounted Sea Ray gauges to be sure you have oil pressure and that the Sea Ray gauge package is working properly.
- Oct 6, 2006
- 12,155
- Boat Info
- 1996 450DA
- Engines
- 3116 Caterpillars
that, or the alarm portion of the systems monitor module...........
DAVECS1
New Member
I am going to ask a few questions if you do not mind. I am unfamiliar with the boat because i am too poor :smt001 , but I am highly familiar with the engine when it is in a truck or machine.
1. Does the oil pressure sensor run to the ECM (Electronic control module)
2. Is the Alarm run to the ECM?
Also a picture of the ECM would be great if either of the above are a yes. Chances are the alarm is on a sinking driver. If this is the case, the wire running to the ecm just needs to be grounded to make noise, if it is chafed broken or corroded this can be a problem since the drive can only sink about 300ma. Also make sure that there is a strong 12V going to the other side.
As for the oil pressure sensor, It could be using two tyoes of sensors: Analog or PWM (Pulse Width Modulated) If it is the PWM type there is a chance that if it is not returned to the ECM properly the lower value could float in and out of the good oil pressure range with engine off key power on (common problem with these sensors) If it is the analog type need to check to see if it is a 3 2 or 1 wire type. Whatever type it is, it needs to be checked to make sure that the correct voltage signal is be sent to the ECM, This sensor could also drift in and out of a valid range during start up.
If you need any more help let me know
1. Does the oil pressure sensor run to the ECM (Electronic control module)
2. Is the Alarm run to the ECM?
Also a picture of the ECM would be great if either of the above are a yes. Chances are the alarm is on a sinking driver. If this is the case, the wire running to the ecm just needs to be grounded to make noise, if it is chafed broken or corroded this can be a problem since the drive can only sink about 300ma. Also make sure that there is a strong 12V going to the other side.
As for the oil pressure sensor, It could be using two tyoes of sensors: Analog or PWM (Pulse Width Modulated) If it is the PWM type there is a chance that if it is not returned to the ECM properly the lower value could float in and out of the good oil pressure range with engine off key power on (common problem with these sensors) If it is the analog type need to check to see if it is a 3 2 or 1 wire type. Whatever type it is, it needs to be checked to make sure that the correct voltage signal is be sent to the ECM, This sensor could also drift in and out of a valid range during start up.
If you need any more help let me know
