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Unknown Alarms at the Helm

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by FIQ, Feb 27, 2016.

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  1. FIQ, Feb 27, 2016
    #1
    FIQ

    FIQ Member

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    Our Navigator is a very recent purchase.
    Yesterday as I was warming the engines, the port alarm on the helm started intermittently. Coolant temps and oil pressures were normal. In checking it book a possible reason could be water in the fuel and to drain the bowl. What came out was clear red diesel. Ok. That's not it. Then i noticed that the fuel gauge was very close to empty on the port tank. The book does not mention a low fuel alarm. Is this a common thing?
    By the way I'll be filling the tanks next weekend. Maybe that will make
    The alarm go away!
  2. Pascal, Feb 27, 2016
    #2
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Do you seriously expect helpful responses without saying which engines you have, what size and year boat? Low fuel alarms are pretty rare on boats. Water in fuel alarms ae usually wire to dedicated lights and buzzers.

    But it all depends on th engines and how the boat is set up
  3. Capt Ralph, Feb 27, 2016
    #3
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Low water flow is my guess. Ensure raw water is really flowing thru your system.
    Goose the throttle for a quickie.
  4. Capt J, Feb 27, 2016
    #4
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Could also be gear oil pressure.
  5. Capt Ralph, Feb 27, 2016
    #5
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Yep.
    AND, if anybody has been messing around the engines and leaning on wires (surveyor), a wire could be off, pinched or shorted.

    Without any specs, we are of course guessing,

    If the factory has any support left, a call there could help save some time.
  6. FIQ, Feb 27, 2016
    #6
    FIQ

    FIQ Member

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    Sorry Pascal! You are right. I didn't give enough data. 1996 Navigator Pilothouse with a pair of Vovo TAMD63L.

    The alarm is intermittent and doesn't have a pattern. Sometimes it sounds for about 2 seconds and sometimes just a squeak.
    Wouldn't a true alarm be steady on screaming at you until you fix it?
  7. RT46, Feb 27, 2016
    #7
    RT46

    RT46 Senior Member

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    no, could be loose ground wire or a pressure or temp sensor right at the threshold.
    and that could cause intermittent alarm and not steady alarm.

    Are you sure the sound is coming from the dash? how about electronics, like depth alarm? radar proximity or autopilot?
  8. g collis, Feb 27, 2016
    #8
    g collis

    g collis Member

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    Rules of thumb. If any work has recently been performed and then a problem starts occurring. Start your troubleshooting there. Two, with electrical issues a bad or loose ground is often the cause.
  9. Silver Lining, Feb 27, 2016
    #9
    Silver Lining

    Silver Lining Member

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    Could be an exhaust temp alarm. Also, at least on my Viking SC there is an alarm on my bilge pumps. Any time a float switch triggers an alarm sounds until the pump turns off.
  10. Capt Ralph, Feb 27, 2016
    #10
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Hoe 'bout some more info; Idle speed, neutral, in gear, running down the lake, fast, slow, cold, hot, bilges dry or after a night of rum.
    The rum usually make me hear false alarms.... or an alarmed wife.
  11. FIQ, Feb 28, 2016
    #11
    FIQ

    FIQ Member

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    There are 2 piezo alarms on the helm. I was just warming the engines without any other device on. When I put my thumb over the port side alarm, it would muffle. I went below but could not find anything.
    In reply to rcrapps I'm at the dock first time starting them in 2 weeks, idle, oil pressures were normal.
    Since the engines weren't running for very long, the needles just came off the post on coolant temp gauge.

    Now with the engines off Melodi tells me
    That she can hear a slight occasional chirping, even the next morning.
    I can't hear anything even with my hearing aids maxed.

    I'm now starting to think more towards a defective circuit.
  12. Capt J, Feb 28, 2016
    #12
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    The slight chirping can be a carbon monoxide or fire alarm warning of low battery and totally un-related. I would check all of those.

    As for the engine alarm, I'd start by checking all of the wiring connections on the port engine alarm senders.
  13. FIQ, Feb 28, 2016
    #13
    FIQ

    FIQ Member

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    It doesn't have a smoke/ carbon monoxide detector.. The new one I bought is still in the box. On my list to install.

    Melodi swears that when she hears the chirp/beep, it is by the pilothouse helm.

    Next step I guess is to check for voltages.

    I can install a recorder in the line to see what is happening.

    To be continued!
  14. PacBlue, Feb 29, 2016
    #14
    PacBlue

    PacBlue Senior Member

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    Have you talked with the Sundance Yacht sales service team - they probably have sold hundreds of Navigators in your area and would be your best local source.
  15. FIQ, Mar 2, 2016
    #15
    FIQ

    FIQ Member

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    Ok! Found it! Smashed wire..

    Good to go.

    Now, back to this boating thing

    Thanks everybody!
  16. Capt J, Mar 2, 2016
    #16
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Terrific, usually intermittent electrical items are the toughest to track down.
  17. gr8trn, Mar 2, 2016
    #17
    gr8trn

    gr8trn Senior Member

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    PacBlue,
    Sadly Sundance had a major fire that destroyed their dry stack boat storage and work bays last Sunday night. Still putting out hot spots. Probably not going to get much help there right now.
  18. olderboater, Mar 2, 2016
    #18
    olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    Very sad between that and the Urbanna, VA fire.
  19. gr8trn, Mar 2, 2016
    #19
    gr8trn

    gr8trn Senior Member

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    Congrats, are you looking into the the Navigator Rendezvous in Anacortes WA this June? You will sure to be meet some owners who would be good resources as well.
  20. PacBlue, Mar 4, 2016
    #20
    PacBlue

    PacBlue Senior Member

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    Yes, very sad news, glad that there was no loss of life........