kad32

[sparex]

Hi, maybe someone could help.
I happened to fit an Alternator belt recently and when I switched on the Ignition to start the engine, I didn’t have any instrument lights. When I press the test switch I have all three (Ing Oil Temp) and also the test siren works fine.
I am not sure if the Instrument lights were working before I fitted the belt (but they were working a couple of week ago when I was out last) so I assume all was fine and it did work OK.
I have also pressed the re set on the black fuse box – to no avail.

My question is, what would cause all 3 light not to work – if there was something loose or corroded on the Alternator then the oil and temp warning light should work?
Is it strange that when test is pressed they light up OK? Is there something really obvious that I am missing?
Thanks in advance

 

[Sandyman]

To be honest I dont think its anything to do with the belt or the alternator. I would suspect that it is something more like a plug or other connection coming off the engine you may have disturbed when fitting the belt.

The test is just of the lamps to indicate they themselves are OK.

 

[sparex]

Thanks Sandyman, think you maybe right, going to the boat again today so hope to solve it. Will recheck everything and see if a lead or cable has come loose as we were hoping to go west to Cape Clear & the Fasnet.

Thanks again

 

[Peanuts]

Hi
I am slightly confused by your posting, I will explain.

You refer to the instrument lights, then to the alarm lights. Can you confirm that the alarms lights are still working but it is the actual instruments lighting that are not.

 

[sparex]

Hi Peanuts,
Sorry for the late reply - I was away and not on line...

When the key is turned there is no ignition, oil or temp light in the panel, turn the key further the engine starts. All gages work fine fuel, temp, rev counter etc.

If you press the test button the (same) three light's will light up in the panel and the siren will sound. On my instrument dash the panel lights and alarm are all in the one unit, standard panel for the KAD32 setup I would guess.

I have checked the cable running into and out of the fuse box and everything seems fine - nothing loose - Someone said to check the key switch as it may be the cause? - will try this maybe this weekend.

We have used the boat over the weekend and everything is well, but I just wonder if its charging correctly, even though the voltmeter shows V while under way at 4000rpm - i though it should read a little more. When you trim in and out the voltmeter drops to 8 /volts and then back to V

thanks

 

[spannerman]

Not sure what 'V' is, but the voltmeter should read between 13.8 and 14.2 when under way.

 

[Peanuts]

Hi

Although you say you only changed the belt I would first check everything is charging, it should not drop to 8v when using the trim. Check on the alternator with the engine running between B+ and B-, you should have 14-14.4 volts. That would be a good place to start from. Of course it just be the belt change is a red herring as they say.

From there I would check the volts on pin 15b on the ignition switch (+ve) this does supply the instruments and the lamps and also the alarm unit. However as you have a reading on the voltmeter tells me that that is working so for the moment check the alternator output and let us know what you find - OK

This will do for starters - good luck

 

[sparex]

Hi Spannerman

Typo - should have said 12VOLT - it drops to 8v and then back up to 12v when I trim in / out while underway.

Peanut
I agree we should have a stronger charge about 14 volt.

I have arranged a electrical engineer to have a look next week so i will know more then?

Thanks guys for you input - sometimes an extra opinion helps - knew all along I needed some expert help, hence the service eng.

We'll see how we get on..............

Weather been **** here - went golfing over the weekend instead.

Tks
John