Silly question, and I am only asking because the alarm is not working anymore.
Normally when I turn the key on the engine and have not yet started the engine I hear an alarm.
What is this warning me of?
It has stopped working which removes the annoyance but got me wondering…
Curt Danforth
Benefit 26C #181
I believe its the low oil pressure alarm which is a handy thing to have. If you are cranking alot and engine doesnt start, the alarm will go off because you are actually building up oil pressure.
John; it sounds like a low oil press. Alarm, it should stop once your engine starts and builds up oil pressure.
Reg Coombs
Summerwind
1985 N26 #171
St Jones Within
Newfoundland
It also verifies that the alarm is working. If it is not working, it cannot warn you of overheating or low oil pressure.
It should be fixed
Mark fagelman
On my 22, the wire for this alarm runs right near the top forward part of the engine. I accidently dislodged it when changing the oil. Noticed it was quiet when starting the engine and discovered the problem. Might check there first.
Curt,
It’s an alarm for both engine overheating and low oil pressure. If it’s working, it should sound as soon as the ignition is turned on. It turns off automatically as soon as the engine starts.
It’s good protection for your engine and should be working.
Joel Watt
N30U 258, “Virgin Gorda”
Kingston, On
Thanks all
Now a related question.
I have been watching the engine temp climb to 180 degrees , this summer. It hangs steady once there though.
Went through the Westbooke manual and could not find a normal operating temp.
Have good water flow out the exhaust so decided not to worry for now.
Curt
If the running temperature represents a change, you could easily have a heat exchanger that needs a clean-out. You would still have good flow out the stern, but a engine which runs on the warm side.
Mark fagelman
180º F seems normal in my experience (Universal M35).
Joe Tierney, Allegro, 1992 NS33 #64, Annapolis, MD
My M35 has a 165 degree thermostat, and has run at 165 degrees for 25 years
180� F is normal, I believe for a Westerbeke 27.
I do not use the engine below about 160, but
it always settles at 180 if I have water flow.
Jon Matthews EVENSONG 30U 266 Toronto
180° is the normal operating temp for a W-27 and most other engines except for the newer models. The owner’s manual for the engine is the bible.
Joe Valinoti
S/V IL Gatto NS30U #221 (1984)
Sea Harbour Yacht Club
Oriental, NC
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Find the alarm unit and there should be two wires going to it. One should be hot (12VDC) and the other goes to the oil pressure and the water Temp sensors. If you have 12VDC on the appropriate terminal (with the key on), ground the other and the alarm should come on. That will tell you if you have an alarm problem or a sensor problem. However, it seems unlikely that both sensors have failed at the same time.
Joe Valinoti
S/V IL Gatto NS30U #221 (1984)
Sea Harbour Yacht Club
Oriental, NC
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