Funny chirp in volt meter

C

Clydo

.
May 28, 2013
363
Catalina C310 SF Bay/Delta
Today while at dock running engine on my 2003 year model to check stuffing box heard chirping
at voltmeter on panel. Would chirp then drop immediately from 14 volts
to 13 then back up to 14 stop chirping run for couple minutes then repeat. Tack
jumped up about 1/8" inch then dropped back to previous reading.
Thought since had shore power hooked up - including power to charger
and running engine that might be problem. Shut down shore power
chirping continued off and on but no movement in tach (at about 1800 rpm.
Maybe overcharging? Went out for power run and no chirping? Appreciate
any thoughts. Have usual XPB eng.

Clyde Thorington
C310 #245
ILEAN TOO
San Jose,CA
 
rpwillia

rpwillia

.
Sep 29, 2008
1,944
Catalina 310 #185 Quantico
Check your connections

Most likely one is the connection on the thermostat on the top of the engine that is loose.
 
SawyerCurt

SawyerCurt

.
Dec 16, 2011
260
Catalina 310 Atlantic Highlands
I've heard that a replacement thermostat is difficult to find these days, but I haven't tried to look. A mechanic mentioned that to me.
 
C

Clydo

.
May 28, 2013
363
Catalina C310 SF Bay/Delta
rpwillia said:
Most likely one is the connection on the thermostat on the top of the engine that is loose.
Click to expand
Since my problem is the voltmeter on eng panel reason thermostat connection involved because hooked
up to electrical path to voltmeter? Thanks for your response.


Clyde Thorington
C310 #245
ILEAN TOO
San Jose, CA
 
SimiSAilor

SimiSAilor

.
Feb 20, 2013
52
Catalina 310 Channel Islands Harbor
Clyde,
Are you sure the noise is coming from the volt meter and not the adjacent warning horn?

When you first turn the key on do you get a loud pulsating warning noise from the horn,
and a red low oil pressure light? I just replaced my horn last week because it was making chirping noises when all was good. You can check the high water temp alarm by taking the tan wire off of the water temp switch and jumping it to ground. Then you should get a continuous horn and red high water temp light. Help me Stu, I think that should be the only way a good horn makes noise.

If your horn checks good I would look for a loose or dirty electrical connection at the key switch or alternator. Sounds like an electrical issue from here.............
 
C

Clydo

.
May 28, 2013
363
Catalina C310 SF Bay/Delta
SimiSAilor said:
Clyde,
Are you sure the noise is coming from the volt meter and not the adjacent warning horn?

When you first turn the key on do you get a loud pulsating warning noise from the horn,
and a red low oil pressure light? I just replaced my horn last week because it was making chirping noises when all was good. You can check the high water temp alarm by taking the tan wire off of the water temp switch and jumping it to ground. Then you should get a continuous horn and red high water temp light. Help me Stu, I think that should be the only way a good horn makes noise.

If your horn checks good I would look for a loose or dirty electrical connection at the key switch or alternator. Sounds like an electrical issue from here.............
Click to expand

I will check out these good ideas. My original interest was why the panel voltmeter would
first indicate 14 volts when engine running, suddenly drop to 13 with one chirp sound
then immediately jump back up to 14 volts and do this about once every 45? seconds.
Thanks again for your thoughts.

Clyde Thorington
C310 #245
ILEAN TOO
San Jose, CA
 
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