Low oil pressure alarm and warning light, on Volvo Penta 2003.

[NealB]

When I press the 'power' button on the standard VP 2003 engine panel, should the audible alarm sound, and the warning light glow, until oil pressure builds?

Apologies: I feel rather embarrassed at not remembering this (but it is 3 years since the engine was last used, and, in the meantime, I have had a serious whack to the head)!

 

[Boater Sam]

Yes.

 

[MoodySabre]

Mine doesn’t.

 

[VicS]

When I press the 'power' button on the standard VP 2003 engine panel, should the audible alarm sound, and the warning light glow, until oil pressure builds?
Apologies: I feel rather embarrassed at not remembering this (but it is 3 years since the engine was last used, and, in the meantime, I have had a serious whack to the head)!

What nhappens will, I think, depend on the age and exactly what generation of control panel you have . The original owners manual should tell you what to expect. The version I have read says that all three waring lights should come on but go off after the engine has started.
If there is an alarm test button the audible alarm will sound when it is pressed after initial switch on.

 

[NealB]

Many thanks for that Vic: from my point of view, that sounds hopeful.

I did have a look at the user's manual yesterday, but I don't remember seeing anything too specific about what should happen: I'll take another skeet later today.

What happens with mine (I think!) is:

- the oil pressure, and charging warning lights, both come on, but the alarm stays silent unless the 'test' button is pressed.

- I don't think the temperature warning light comes on.

I was thinking that the oil pressure alarm should sound, as the sender unit will be closed until pressure builds. The silence had me a tad worried.

 

[NealB]

Yes.

Thanks!

That's what I thought should happen .... but mine doesn't: the alarm doesn't sound.

Mine doesn’t.

Thank you: neither does mine.

There might be hope, for me, after all!

 

[NealB]

The user manual is onboard, but I found one online.

I've copied a bit about starting, below.

I'm intrigued that the 3 warning lights should light up when the power switch is on (so I do need to check my temperature warning light), but there's no mention about the oil pressure alarm sounding.

 

[MoodySabre]

I don't have push buttons just a key that turns, puts the ignition on and fires up the starter like a car.

 

[Boater Sam]

I would expect the warning buzzer to sound if any of the lights are or come on. Usually they are all connected to the buzzer with diodes so that any one sounds off but there is no cross feed from one light to another.

I may be wrong, often am.

I would check that there is not a faulty diode before you miss the warning and wreck an engine.

 

[NealB]

I don't have push buttons just a key that turns, puts the ignition on and fires up the starter like a car.

It sounds like you might have the 'Type B, De-Luxe' instrument panel.

It's alright for you posh, Moody types, but us working-class Westerly owners, have to get by with the 'Type A, Standard' panel.

 

[NealB]

I would expect the warning buzzer to sound if any of the lights are or come on. Usually they are all connected to the buzzer with diodes so that any one sounds off but there is no cross feed from one light to another.

I may be wrong, often am.

I would check that there is not a faulty diode before you miss the warning and wreck an engine.

Yes .... that was my thinking, too (but I'm more often wrong than right, when it comes to electrickery).

I was wondering how I know if the alarms are working, if they only work when oil pressure is low, or when the engine is overheating. Using the 'alarm test' button doesn't strike me as a very stringent test.

It's definitely worth delving further ..... thanks.

 

[Seashoreman]

I installed a new and unused 2000 series panel 5 years ago. Button start, no key. Alarm sounds on test AND for a few seconds on start .
Presumably when the oil pressure gets up to working condition. Have you checked the wiring of the sensor? They are a Volvo bargain at about £20 I think?

 

[AntarcticPilot]

It sounds like you might have the 'Type B, De-Luxe' instrument panel.

It's alright for you posh, Moody types, but us working-class Westerly owners, have to get by with the 'Type A, Standard' panel.

This Moody31 MkII owner has the Type A Standard panel! And all the lights come on and the horn sounds until the engine starts.

 

[NealB]

I installed a new and unused 2000 series panel 5 years ago. Button start, no key. Alarm sounds on test AND for a few seconds on start .
Presumably when the oil pressure gets up to working condition. Have you checked the wiring of the sensor? They are a Volvo bargain at about £20 I think?

The plot thickens: thank you!

Sorry to be pedantic, but does "on start" mean whilst you're cranking, or only after actually running? (yes, hopefully not much delay between the two, but I just want to be clear which you mean!).

 

[NealB]

This Moody31 MkII owner has the Type A Standard panel! And all the lights come on and the horn sounds until the engine starts.

Thank you. That was certainly what I expected.

 

[Seashoreman]

The plot thickens: thank you!

Sorry to be pedantic, but does "on start" mean whilst you're cranking, or only after actually running? (yes, hopefully not much delay between the two, but I just want to be clear which you mean!).

Alarm sounds for 3 or 4 seconds after engine fires up, which is almost immediate. OMG will have to check that sorry, but I dont think it sounds while cranking.

 

[NealB]

Alarm sounds for 3 or 4 seconds after engine fires up, which is almost immediate. OMG will have to check that sorry, but I dont think it sounds while cranking.

"OMG"?

Hey ...... stay calm!!

 

[VicS]

Thank you. That was certainly what I expected.

Alarm sounds for 3 or 4 seconds after engine fires up, which is almost immediate. OMG will have to check that sorry, but I dont think it sounds while cranking.

Exactly what happens regarding the warning lights and audible alarm depends on what generation of the electronic module is fitted.
That is why you should refer to the edition of the Owners Manual which was supplied with the engine.

 

[NealB]

Exactly what happens regarding the warning lights and audible alarm depends on what generation of the electronic module is fitted.
That is why you should refer to the edition of the Owners Manual which was supplied with the engine.

Thanks again, for that, VicS.

My owner's manual is onboard, so I'll take a look tomorrow.

Hmmmmmm ......... Do you know if there's a way to confirm that the manual is the one supplied with the engine? eg does the manual give a serial number, or some other, cross-reference?

My boat is from 1987: it's easy to imagine that the original manual could well have gone astray in the intervening years.

 

[NealB]

Just in case it's of any interest to anyone, here's an update, after a brief visit to 'Celtic Spirit' yesterday afternoon.......

- I found no way of knowing whether the two user manuals, that are onboard, are specifically for my engine. Both give the same, somewhat scanty, information as shown in the PrtSc in post #7

- when the engine panel power switch is pressed in, the three warning lights (water temperature, oil pressure and charging) all light, but the alarm does not sound.

- when the starter is activated, the situation stays the same (ie warning lights glowing, no alarm sounding).

- when the engine fires (after a few seconds), the three lights go out, and there's a brief 'beep' from the alarm

- when the engine is stopped, the warning lights come on, but there's no alarm.

I think I've remembered that correctly!

PS The rev counter isn't working, and I can't remember whether it worked 3 years ago. I'll take a bit of time on that over the weekend: any hints most gratefully accepted. There is a red wire, that's not connected to anything, near the junction box by the alternator (but no obviously matching connectors).