Diesel Engine Wiring

[nikrud]

Hello,

Can you help me wiring up a Diesel Engine I bought second hand with no wiring loom or instructions.

I have a panel with an ignition switch Lucas 128SA c/w 5 Contacts

There are 4 small lights, 2 red, yellow & green

Temp Gauge c/w 3 contacts marked +, G, E


On the engine I have a starter Solenoid, Temp Sensor, Heater Plug & Alternator

I also have a small black metal box with cooling fins on top 6 wires coming out of it to a plug (no socket) Green, Yellow, Red, Blue, Black, Blue.
Marked on side is RS51 68A 8HBH.

I have a copy of Electrics Afloat but its not helping me with alien subject.

Thanks Nik

 

[Forbsie]

Hi Nik and welcome to the forum.

Do a search on all forums for Reading College Marine Diesel as they have an online section detailing wiring advice. I've just had a look on the site and can't immediately find what I'm looking for. Unfortunately, I'm not at home to look at my bookmarks, if fact I'm about 15 miles from you. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Stemar]

I think this is what you want for starters (groan /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif)

Ultimately, if this is an alien subject, I think you're going to need practical help from someone who knows what they're doing.

You may be able to find a circuit diagram and manuals here if you can identify the engine

 

[oldharry]

You really do need to identify the engine. Once you know that you can generally find websites with all the info you need.

The switch you can do a continuity test with a meter or battery and bulb to see what comes on when, and positions will include power on for engine metering and ancillary, heater plugs, and start. There may be other positions specific to the engine too.

The warning lights may be: Red Alternator warning, Red Oil pressure warning (same as on your car), yellow heater plugs 'on' indicator, and green ??? maybe just 'power on'.

The gauge + is the 12volt supply, E is probably earth return, if so, G goes to the sender on the engine. But it could equally be that G represents Ground, in which case E goes to the sender. Get it wrong and you could blow the meter.

The starter solenoid circuits will be the same as a standard car starter, and the heater plugs will need 12volts at around 10 amps per plug, switched via the starter switch and possibly a relay.

The black box could be anything. Possibly an alternator controller, or maybe a temprature sensitive timed relay for the heaters.

Or not!!!!!

If this is alien science you really do need either the makers instructions, or an alien from the right engineering galaxy. Otherwise you will wreck the electrics, and could blow yourself up and set fire to everything.

There is a very good reason why 'Electrics Afloat' does not attempt to generalise about engine wiring arrangements. Each engine maker has their own specific wiring set up and what is right for a Ford will not be right for a Volvo, and there is a wide difference in the way components are wired, identified and coded.

 

[nikrud]

Thanks,

For all the help, the engine is a 2 cylinder Perkins Type KA50348J I was told it was about 10 HP.

I have e-mailed Perkins for help a couple of times over last three months for info but have never had a reply.

Thanks again

 

[Trevethan]

Are you sure the KA number isn't the serial number rather than model number?

 

[oldharry]

The number is almost certainly the engine serial number. If it is new, it could be a 400C. Perkins are not terribly helpful with info - as you have found.

You rally do need to find and talk to a Diesel specialist - need not be marine based as Perkins are popular industrial engines and used widely in plant applications. The wiring will be sufficiently similar to give you must of what you need to know.

 

[poriordan]

Hello there Nik,

As Oldharry said, Perkins are certainly not the best company in the world to deal with. Unhelpful would be a better answer.

Electric installations are probably easy for me to say, but, how much do you know about them and feel easy with. Happy to be of any assistance with same . Do email or get back on the forum with this one as I know It can be a little bit confusing for some boat owners.

info@abcsmarine.com

Patrick.