Is there any way to have a light to tell if the engine is RUNNING?

[onehunglow]

I have a 1987 Evinrude 70 but I imagine this would be universal.

I don't have room on my dash for a tachometer but I would like to have a LIGHT to simply tell me that my engine is running (not just ignition on...but engine is actually running)

Since the tachometer connector on my boat feeds impulses to the tachometer to report engine speed (or cycles) there must be a way to simply detect if there ARE pulses or not.

This could also be an issue for people who would want to hook up an hour meter only when the engine is actually running rather than just power on.

There MUST be some commercially available device for this ...or perhaps a simple circuit would be possible???

ideas?

 

[bustermin]

Re: Is there any way to have a light to tell if the engine is RUNNING?

I used a pressure switch (similar to an oil pressure sender) and t'd into the water pressure gauge line. This way the sender/switch only closes and sends the signal when the motor is running (as long as there is water pressure). It?s not the ideal way to count hours, but it will not accumulate hours when the ignition is on and the engine is off. This also, verifies I have water pressure when im running the motor so I have light (and buzzer) on the dash so I will notice the instant I lose water pressure, and can kill the motor and avoid any damage from overheating.

 

[wicked]

Re: Is there any way to have a light to tell if the engine is RUNNING?

not trying to be an *** but is your motor that quiet that you cannot heard it running? or maybe i am missing the point, on my boat the tack does not work so i listen to the rpms .

 

[onehunglow]

Re: Is there any way to have a light to tell if the engine is RUNNING?

actually at low idle it is very quiet ...also while docking with waves and people talking ...I need to know that its running (and not stalled) in case I need to hit reverse

 

[Boss Hawg]

Re: Is there any way to have a light to tell if the engine is RUNNING?

actually at low idle it is very quiet ...also while docking with waves and people talking ...I need to know that its running (and not stalled) in case I need to hit reverse

I have the same motor (except its a Johnson)
I understand exactly what your saying- just dont have the answer
Dont really understand lack of room for a tach tho
I'm able to look at my tach but the idea of a lite to say "I'm running" is not a bad ideal
Good luck

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Is there any way to have a light to tell if the engine is RUNNING?

I have an idea. Angle the water pee outlet to hit you in the back

 

[Miroash]

Re: Is there any way to have a light to tell if the engine is RUNNING?

I used a pressure switch (similar to an oil pressure sender) and t'd into the water pressure gauge line. This way the sender/switch only closes and sends the signal when the motor is running (as long as there is water pressure). It?s not the ideal way to count hours, but it will not accumulate hours when the ignition is on and the engine is off. This also, verifies I have water pressure when im running the motor so I have light on the dash so I will notice the instant I lose water pressure, and can kill the motor and avoid any damage from overheating.

I think bustermin has a pretty good solution. I think I will do that to mine.

 

[skargo]

Re: Is there any way to have a light to tell if the engine is RUNNING?

I have an idea. Angle the water pee outlet to hit you in the back

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Is there any way to have a light to tell if the engine is RUNNING?

I agree with the listen to it thing !!!!
If you can not hear it at idle then I will be looking for the same motor myself !!!

 

[Boss Hawg]

Re: Is there any way to have a light to tell if the engine is RUNNING?

I agree with the listen to it thing !!!!
If you can not hear it at idle then I will be looking for the same motor myself !!!

I ***/u/me hes talking about being around a dock/ramp where other boats are running, people talking, radios playing & such - Mines quite enough to not "hear" it under those conditions but never really thought it a problem -
I always just ***/u/me mines running

 

[rolmops]

Re: Is there any way to have a light to tell if the engine is RUNNING?

The electric wire sending pulses to your tacometer sends 12 volt pulses.How about splicing a fitting into that wire and putting in a 12 volt bulb?

 

[oldrudedude]

Re: Is there any way to have a light to tell if the engine is RUNNING?

Good idea Bustermin, but where would I find the water pressure gauge line on my motor?

 

[bustermin]

Re: Is there any way to have a light to tell if the engine is RUNNING?

Good idea Bustermin, but where would I find the water pressure gauge line on my motor?

What motor do you have? Does it have a water pressure gauge, if not there most likely is not a line. You will have to install one, or just install the sender/switch and route the wires to the dash or where ever you are putting the meter/light/buzzer.

 

[oldrudedude]

Re: Is there any way to have a light to tell if the engine is RUNNING?

Hmm

 

[oldrudedude]

Re: Is there any way to have a light to tell if the engine is RUNNING?

I have a '74 Johnson 100hp. The boat does not have a water pressure gauge. Don't know where I would install a water pressure sensor on the motor. But I would if I knew where.

 

[ScottinAZ]

Re: Is there any way to have a light to tell if the engine is RUNNING?

I have an idea. Angle the water pee outlet to hit you in the back

Dont pee on my back, and tell me the engine is running!!!! (or that its raining)

 

[oldrudedude]

Re: Is there any way to have a light to tell if the engine is RUNNING?

Great picture of water jacket tap on this thread.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=339469

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Is there any way to have a light to tell if the engine is RUNNING?

The electric wire sending pulses to your tacometer sends 12 volt pulses.How about splicing a fitting into that wire and putting in a 12 volt bulb?

I like this idea, not for my boat, I can hear my engine just fine.

But I'm not too sure how much current the tach line carries, perhaps one of the 12V LED lights could be used, pick your color.

 

[onehunglow]

Re: Is there any way to have a light to tell if the engine is RUNNING?

good response about adjusting the pee-er at my back ..although I am wondering if at low speed the stream may only get the rear passengers

as for the pulses...are you sure those are 12v pulses? If so then an LED would work ...I guess it wouldn't hurt to try....

as for those who don't know where the water pressure line is ...all outboards have them ...but usually inside the cowling and the water comes out as the pee hole (that fine stream that shoots out the back down to the water). Just like someone who installs a water pressure gauge, they TAP INTO that plastic or rubber tube with a T-connector and run the line to their gauge.

But I cannot believe that there isn't something commercial available to just say the engine is RUNNING.

 

[onehunglow]

Re: Is there any way to have a light to tell if the engine is RUNNING?

I used a pressure switch (similar to an oil pressure sender) and t'd into the water pressure gauge line. This way the sender/switch only closes and sends the signal when the motor is running (as long as there is water pressure). It?s not the ideal way to count hours, but it will not accumulate hours when the ignition is on and the engine is off. This also, verifies I have water pressure when im running the motor so I have light (and buzzer) on the dash so I will notice the instant I lose water pressure, and can kill the motor and avoid any damage from overheating.

Where did you get the pressure switch?