Less important than a failed engine or rig, but...

[Rich Stidger]

I have a Westerbeke genset and since new 17 years ago I have condensation that appears in the temperature gauge. The other three gauges are always clear. Eventually after running long enough the condensation in the temp gauge dissipates, but always returns at the next use within 10-15 minutes. The light in the gauge is on all of the time and I would expect that it's heat would dry out the gauge and eliminate the condensation. But, no.

Does anyone have an explanation? Better yet, a solution?

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

I don't have any solution Rich but can relate my experience with a similar problem which defied solution - scuba mask defogger spray. I opened up my offending gauge and tried some I had aboard it is worked!

 

[Rich Stidger]

Good thought Don, but I have replaced the oil pressure gauge because it failed and before replacing it I attempted to disassemble. These Westerbeke gauges don't come apart- so I don't think I could get any defogger spray to the glass. I have thought of spraying a dry gas inside to displace the moisture-laden air and then sealing the gauge. I was thinking of injecting the gas from a dusting can for lens cleaning. Comment?

 

[justsomeguy]

Maybe you could try the "wet cellphone" approach, encasing the gauge in a container of rice...?

 

[Chris Patterson]

Would it be feasible to drill a 1/16" hole in the top and bottom, maybe ventilating it?

 

[kloudie1]

I like the dry gas purge. it may be that the moisture is sealed in and when cold, condenses and the heat of the bulb warms it and it goes back to gas. The fog might not be water, it may be a low boil point something evolved from potting compound inside or the coating of a coil? I dunno.. but it sounds like it is sealed and your idea of purging it is a good one.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

My Vote's for the Dry Gas Purge

The light in the gauge is on all of the time and I would expect that it's heat would dry out the gauge and eliminate the condensation. But, no.

I presume when you say "the light in the guage is on all the time", you're referring to when the engine is running only and not 24/7.

Let the guage get hot from the bulb or hit it with a hair dryer to vaporize any liquid and them blow it out with a source of dry air.

 

[Rich Stidger]

Some clarification- The gauge light is on continuously only when the generator is running. When the generator is not running there is no condensation. The condensation appears after the genset is running for 10-15 minutes. If run for over 1 1/2 hours, the condensation slowly disappears. After the generator is stopped, the condensation slowly disappears.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

If the Dry Gas Purge Doesn't Work .............

Some clarification- The gauge light is on continuously only when the generator is running. When the generator is not running there is no condensation. The condensation appears after the genset is running for 10-15 minutes. If run for over 1 1/2 hours, the condensation slowly disappears. After the generator is stopped, the condensation slowly disappears.

.................. I'd suggest calling in a priest for an exorcism .

That's certainly a weird one.

 

[woodster]

Some clarification- The gauge light is on continuously only when the generator is running. When the generator is not running there is no condensation. The condensation appears after the genset is running for 10-15 minutes. If run for over 1 1/2 hours, the condensation slowly disappears. After the generator is stopped, the condensation slowly disappears.

why not change the bulb to a cooler one that does not get so hot i think you have to hot a bulb in that gauge

 

[rpwillia]

Do nothing

Rich, I have the same problem with the gauges on my engine bracket. They are Teleflex and last year I had to replace two that were giving bad readings. They are sealed with. I supposed I could shoot something inside where the bulb is, but it would just leak out even with the bulb in.

If you think about it, light is on it heats the gauge up and dries out the gauge. You turn it off, gauge cools down and draws cooler air with moisture in. Next time you turn it on you repeat the cycle. If you think about it after 17 years with the gauges still working you are on a roll.

 

[S36_Osprey]

I think it's a sealed gauge, with moisture sealed in! The only way to dry it is unseal it. Consider a small hole in the gauge body, somewhere in the back. Once dried you can seal it back up with rtv.