Engine Alarm

[Bob]

Every once in awhile after several hours of sailing (1990 Catalina 28) when I restart my engine (xp-25) the engine alarm won’t turn off. Everything is running fine, I've checked this twice! This seem to happen more if I don’t give it enough time on the glow plug. I always reset my batteries before I start the engine. Anyone out there have this same problem, if so could you fill me in before I start to hunt down this short or ?. I know I can just turn the key off to get rid of the noise, but I don’t like to run the engine without the temp gage on!! Thanks BOB

 

[Alchemist]

You may have a problem!

Unless I'm mistaken, that initial alarm is a low oil pressure alarm. If it doesn't go off real soon after starting the engine, you may have one of the following problems:Low oil level in the engineA bad oil pumpA bad oil pressure sending unit.To trouble shoot, first, check your oil level. If it's OK, replace the oil pressure sender. If that doesn't work, call a mechanic.SteveAlchemist C-320 #909

 

[Ron]

Agree with Steve

I once had a different engine with a similar problem. My mechanic discovered that after 10 years, a gasket had slowly shifted and blocked the oil from going between engine compartments.Lots of oil in the engine, but just not getting where it should. Unfortunately, it cost me a head gasket. Hope you have better luck.

 

[Larry14087]

Suspect Alarm sending unit!

I had a sending unit go bad on my M25 two years ago while motoring down bay during a dead morning. Bobbed around for several hours before wind arrived. I removed the hour gauge and replaced it with a oil preasure gauge, it reads 50lb,psi all day long. Throw the alarm away!

 

[Don]

Alarm

Some Catalinas around 1990 came with an overtemp alarm added to the back of the temp gauge. It is a little circuit board. They had so much problems with them, they quit using them. Could be your problem. It is easily removed and you still have the indicator, just not the audible alarm.