Temperature alarm install

[redlinj]

I just had my 1982 Grady White tournament 224 repowered with a 5.7. The original 3.7 did not come with an alarm. How would I go about hooking one up? I've searched but can't quite find what I'm looking for. Anyone point me in the right direction? Thanks.

 

[NHGuy]

The best way would be the OE way. Get an OE buzzer, get a temp switch, as opposed to a sending unit. Copy the wiring and power sourcing from the OE manual for an engine with a buzzer. I think I remember they use tan with blue stripe wiring. You can also add oil pressure and gear lube level monitoring. The warning system normally has these 3.

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

You may want to try this kit [FONT=&quot]MP41400 Sierra[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT]

I have added these to 2 of my boats now and would not be without one. I have heard many overheating stories -- mostly impeller related.

The circuit would be a 12v supply from the ingnition circuit -- to the buzzer + terminal and then to the temperature and oil switches (in parallel ) to complete the circuit to GND on your engine when activated.

On my current boat I also added a red panel warning light in parallel to a pulsating on/off piezo electric buzzer. I try to remember to check the circuit is working properly by turning the key from off to the run position ( not starting the motor ) . The oil pressure sensor will complete the circuit at that point and I can see & hear the result.

Avoid using Teflon tape as a thread sealer on the sensors as it can leave your Circuit open. They will usually seal no problem without sealer into a brass fitting. If not a paste may still allow some electrical contact.

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

I should have mentioned -- I boats sell these for about $32 which is a good price.

 

[redlinj]

The alarm on my evinrude has saved me several times! I feel very insecure without one on my Mercruiser 5.7. Kinda like leaving the house without my chapstick and pocketknife! Ill check that kit out. Thanks!

 

[redlinj]

The best way would be the OE way. Get an OE buzzer, get a temp switch, as opposed to a sending unit. Copy the wiring and power sourcing from the OE manual for an engine with a buzzer. I think I remember they use tan with blue stripe wiring. You can also add oil pressure and gear lube level monitoring. The warning system normally has these 3.

I ordered the sierra alarm kit but the temperature sensor section is too big to fit into the thermostat housing. I suppose I could take the housing off and try to enlarge the opening a bit. If I can get this temp switch to fit and replace the oil pressure unit along with it, will it allow me to still utilize the gauges? Do you kinda get a two fer one with the switch vs the sending unit?

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Where do you mount the water temp switch?

 

[redlinj]

Since the alarm kit temp switch didn't fit i went to auto zone and picked up a temp sensor that fit. Looks just like the one that didn't work. Looked on the port side of the t-stat housing and there was a plug. I removed it and the temp alarm switch was a perfect fit. Is it supposed to go there? I don't know! Haven't hooked any wires up yet. Did find however, that the tan/blue tracer alarm wire originates from the #4 hole on the engine female plug. Two questions I have: is this lead supposed to be hot all the time? Even with the key off? Lastly, where do i install the oil pressure switch? The oil pressure sensor is just behind and to port of the distributor. Thanks!

 

[Bondo]

Looked on the port side of the t-stat housing and there was a plug. I removed it and the temp alarm switch was a perfect fit. Is it supposed to go there?

Ayuh,... That sounds right,....

The circuit is powered only with the key "On",....
Power should go to the buzzer, then to the switch, which grounds the circuit, ringin' the alarm,....

Oil pressure switch can be "T"ed into the port where the sender is, or the other port, down low, port-side, just ahead of the oil filter boss,...

 

[redlinj]

Ok! Thank you Bond.