Reluctant to buy a third bukh temp sensor

[Rhylsailer99]

After clocking my temp gauge yesterday at over a 100deg, panic set in. Down below checking the engine caused me to come down with the worst seasickness ever. It turned out the engine was not even hot to touch, and the sensor is now shorting to earth causing a false reading. They only seem to last about 18 months I've noticed.

 

[afterpegassus]

After clocking my temp gauge yesterday at over a 100deg, panic set in. Down below checking the engine caused me to come down with the worst seasickness ever. It turned out the engine was not even hot to touch, and the sensor is now shorting to earth causing a false reading. They only seem to last about 18 months I've noticed.

Really?
I've had mine (dv20) since I got the boat about 15 years ago.

 

[Rhylsailer99]

Really?
I've had mine (dv20) since I got the boat about 15 years ago.

 

[catweazle]

After clocking my temp gauge yesterday at over a 100deg, panic set in. Down below checking the engine caused me to come down with the worst seasickness ever. It turned out the engine was not even hot to touch, and the sensor is now shorting to earth causing a false reading. They only seem to last about 18 months I've noticed.

Very much the same experience as youreself.
I have replaced three sensors (from Furneaux Ridall, apparently the same as Bukh supplied ones) over the last four years on my raw water cooled DV20. From what I have picked up from reading into this issue, it may well be that the sensors degrad in salt water with pin hole leaks developing in the outer layer leading to short circuits and false readings. My present sensor will now only give a maximum temp reading - the engine is fine.
What to do next - buy yet another sensor at £28 or find another easy method to check engine temp?

 

[Rhylsailer99]

VDO Water Temperature Sender Earth Return M14 with 80°C W/C its not the genuine Bukh part ive been using though.

Very much the same experience as youreself.
I have replaced three sensors (from Furneaux Ridall, apparently the same as Bukh supplied ones) over the last four years on my raw water cooled DV20. From what I have picked up from reading into this issue, it may well be that the sensors degrad in salt water with pin hole leaks developing in the outer layer leading to short circuits and false readings. My present sensor will now only give a maximum temp reading - the engine is fine.
What to do next - buy yet another sensor at £28 or find another easy method to check engine temp?

 

[Rhylsailer99]

I just checked 1st one was bought 2020, and the second one was bought November 2021. I think for now I will just put the original bukh alarm sender in its place.

 

[catweazle]

VDO Water Temperature Sender Earth Return M14 with 80°C W/C its not the genuine Bukh part ive been using though.

yes thats the one I have used as a replacement. I am pretty sure its the exact same sensor as supplied by Bukh direct or via their distributors but at a considerably higher price!
Bukh Temperature Sender 552J0919 (check the price - £186! )
Unless I can find another equivalent cheaper sensor, or another way to check the engine temperature, then I guess I will be buying another Furneaux Riddall sensor

 

[Rhylsailer99]

That price is madness. Thank god for ybw for providing me the info for a suitable alternative.

 

[ronniemac]

Just ordering a VDO water temperature sender because the Bukh version now costs over 5 times the price of the VDO, and I'm gambling that in what's left of my sailing lifetime I've saved myself a pretty penny. My old temperature sensor might well have failed because the engine anode had used itself up, so I'll keep an eye on that in future, and take out the sender when the boat is laid up for the winter.
Thank you for all the advice here, it's been really helpful.

 

[Rhylsailer99]

Just ordering a VDO water temperature sender because the Bukh version now costs over 5 times the price of the VDO, and I'm gambling that in what's left of my sailing lifetime I've saved myself a pretty penny. My old temperature sensor might well have failed because the engine anode had used itself up, so I'll keep an eye on that in future, and take out the sender when the boat is laid up for the winter.
Thank you for all the advice here, it's been really helpful.

Be careful if you get the 2 prong temp sender as you need a thermostat block that can accommodate the slightly longer sensor.
If you fit it with the standard block they fail very quick as the sensor bends at the end.

 

[Rhylsailer99]

you need one like the silver one at the front or the one at the back Tw Marine stock them.

 

[Rhylsailer99]

Just on my boat and it looks like another vdo temp sender has failed Engine is cold and turned off, checked and temp sender is shorting to earth.

 

[NealB]

Might it be worth thinking about a slightly different approach?

Marine Exhaust Temperature Alarm, Monitor, Sensor, Exhaust Temp Sensor SM010 | eBay

Marine Exhaust Temperature Alarm (Single Sensor), Monitor, Temp Sensor SM022S | eBay

 

[Rhylsailer99]

Might it be worth thinking about a slightly different approach?

Marine Exhaust Temperature Alarm, Monitor, Sensor, Exhaust Temp Sensor SM010 | eBay

Marine Exhaust Temperature Alarm (Single Sensor), Monitor, Temp Sensor SM022S | eBay

For now i will just use a k type temp sensor and tape it to the exhaust pipe or/and the block as it has 2 sensors. Will probably invest in permanent marine sensor eventually like the ones above thanks.