Looking for advice on Systems Monitor

[searay495]

Hello all, my systems monitor has been displaying "forward sump pump" and "starboard engine service needed" for some time now. Today when I got to the boat it was displaying "High water bilge" alarm and sounding a continuous audible alarm. The pump is not on. Pressing and holding the reset would reset the alarm but then it would come back on. Any thoughts? Do I need to disconnect something? If the monitor is toast, what do I replace it with. I feel the "high water bilge" alarm is important to have. Thanks in advance! Mark

 

[ocgrant]

Check this out

http://www.clubsearay.com/index.php...nd-improve-the-sea-ray-systems-monitor.91270/

 

[searay495]

Thank you ocgrant! I did read that article, and phew, way beyond anything I would ever attempt to tackle!! That birds nest of wires and the 80 hours to accomplish was overwhelming. Looking for any other advice on fixing/diagnosing the existing unit! Thanks

 

[dtfeld]

This system is pretty basic. There are mechanical switches that when activated, apply 12VDC to that circuit and indicate that circuit is active . In the case of a bilge or sump pump, when they turn on (usually because you have water in there) it indicates on your Systems monitor. I've attached a shot of your manual for the Systems Monitor below.

I would first check that you do not have high water in the sump/bilge (I assume you have done this already). Then a little basic diagnostics would be in order. You only need a basic digital multimeter. You will need to check for voltage, (just like checking a battery). Attach the black lead to ground, and use the red lead to check for 12V DC on the System Monitor interface Module in the bilge.

In your bilge, find the Systems Monitor Interfacer Module, and you will be looking for wire/pins #9, #19 and #28. You will be looking to see if you have 12V on those wires/pins. If you have 12V on these wires, your systems monitor is working, and you will have to look for the reason you have voltage at that input.

If you do not have voltage on these wire, then the issue is in the Systems Monitor.

The Systems Monitor Interface is connected to the Indicator panel with coax (cable TV wire). You can unscrew the connection at both ends and clean the contacts and see if that solves the problem.

If this doesn't work, you'll have to try to find a part (they are tough to find and expensive) or build your own as posted above. These are not serviceable.

Personally, I think the Systems Monitor is VERY important, and it really will tell you you have a problem, particularly with regards to engine over heat and taking on water. You will get an immediate alarm that could prevent a very catastrophic and expensive problem.