Beta Engine Wiring Harness - Connecting Fittings

[Slowboat35]

The plastic multi-pin connectors that plug our engine system wiring looms together are surely not individual to the engine manufacturer, are they?

It would seem impractical for a 'mere' (no offence intended) engine modifer (Beta, Yanmar etc) to develop their own - so where do they get theirs from?

Are there retail sources for these items?

The reason I ask is that I'd like to establish a remote (ie instant) engine start facility on deck in addition to the main panel below. I don't need an additional £££ branded remote panel with gauges and keys, just the ability to fire up the donk on the instant if I need it.

My engine manufacturer offers a panel to do just this but at predictably ruinous cost. 'All' it requires (yeah, I know...) is a "Y" connector inserting into the wiring loom enabing a remote 'igntion' key switch and starter button.

Given the identity of the "Y' connector the rest should be easy.

How do I find it though?

ps. It is a Beta.

 

[Boater Sam]

I bet there is a makers name moulded into the connector blocks.

There are many manufacturers of these item, AMP, SMC to name just 2.

 

[neilf39]

Probably standard automotive plugs although the looms and pin-outs are probably vendor specific to match their panels. Wiring diagrams are in the manuals. If you can see an imprinted part number on any of the connectors you have you may be able to lookup what they are online to get manufacturer/type.

 

[earlybird]

A good while ago, I looked into adding a remote start button for an engine. I forget the details, but ISTR that a possible complication was ensuring that the engine alarm system was also powered up.

 

[BabaYaga]

. 'All' it requires (yeah, I know...) is a "Y" connector inserting into the wiring loom enabing a remote 'igntion' key switch and starter button.

Given the identity of the "Y' connector the rest should be easy.

Don't quite see how such a Y connector would function. But would it not be simpler to wire the remote start button from the existing panel, rather than from the multipin connector?

 

[Stemar]

But would it not be simpler to wire the remote start button from the existing panel, rather than from the multipin connector?

"All" that would require would be a bunch of piggyback spade connectors. I'd want all the wires from the key - "ignition", heat and start - plus the stop button. Were it practicable, I'd move the whole panel to the helm, so you've got the warning lights as well. If an alarm goes off, it's nice to know what it is, hence how panicked you need to be about it.

I agree that it's a worthwhile project. There are times when you want that engine in a hurry, and not always because you've got it wrong!

 

[Alex_Blackwood]

"All" that would require would be a bunch of piggyback spade connectors. I'd want all the wires from the key - "ignition", heat and start - plus the stop button. Were it practicable, I'd move the whole panel to the helm, so you've got the warning lights as well. If an alarm goes off, it's nice to know what it is, hence how panicked you need to be about it.

I agree that it's a worthwhile project. There are times when you want that engine in a hurry, and not always because you've got it wrong!

Put in a suitable connection block in the area of the existing panel and parallel off from that. Have a look for automotive wiring looms and utilise that.

 

[dankilb]

Yup piggy back off/close to the existing panel. The fact Beta provide all the wiring diagrams will help.

Having recently fixed a problem with the wiring to our Beta (VDO) tach, it was clear that all the panel parts are available separately.

 

[Slowboat35]

Good ideas all, thanks.
I know Beta offer Y connector and remote panel but not at prices I want to be involved with. (So said Y connector must be available somewhere - maybe not retail)
A simple remote starter button is a deliciously easy idea but relies o the 'ignition' being already selected 'on' below.
To work it requires a genuine two-headed system.

 

[Alex_Blackwood]

Good ideas all, thanks.
I know Beta offer Y connector and remote panel but not at prices I want to be involved with. (So said Y connector must be available somewhere - maybe not retail)
A simple remote starter button is a deliciously easy idea but relies o the 'ignition' being already selected 'on' below.
To work it requires a genuine two-headed system.

If you are sure that a "Y" connector is your only option then "GOOGLE" "Automotive Y Connectors" Should pass a couple of hrs!