I fired up the iron jenny for the first time last weekend, and noticed that the needle on the temp gauge never moved from the the bottom (I think its 120). The engine seemed fine, I had just changed the coolant, no airblocks, the thermostat opened after a few minutes, the hoses to and from the (brand new) HX seemed the be at appropriate temps. So I'm guessing its there's a problem with the gauge, or the sensor, or the wiring.
Anyone have experience troubleshooting these things? I'm also guessing that the gauge is some sort of thermocouple that works by changing resistance as the temp changes, and that this can be analyzed with measurements with my multimeter, no?
Matthew Chachère
s/v ¡Que Chévere!
(Formerly 1985 C36 MKI #466 tall rig fin keel M25)
2006 Catalina Morgan 440 #30.
Homeported in eastern Long Island, NY
Sorry, I'm not going to use the correct terminolgy in this response.
I have had the same issue. Check to be sure the wire that measures the temp is attached to the engine. I have an issue with it working it's way off so it doesn't measure the tempature at all so my guage never moves. I'm not sure how it works it's way off, but I just slip it back on and the guage works just fine.
Good luck. Hope it's something as simple as my issue.
Nancy
Cat's Meow #2046
San Francisco
2002 MK II
Answering my own query. Pulled the wire off the sensor at the thermostat and grounded it against the engine. The gauge immediately swung to the right. So it seemed to be a problem with the sensor. Ordered a replacement and screwed it in. Voila - it works.
I would add that the sensor should be screwed in without any sealant or teflon tape, since that would interfere with the grounding connection
Matthew Chachère
s/v ¡Que Chévere!
(Formerly 1985 C36 MKI #466 tall rig fin keel M25)
2006 Catalina Morgan 440 #30.
Homeported in eastern Long Island, NY
Thanks for posting that good info, Matthew.
Duane Ising - Past Commodore (2011-2012)
s/v Diva Di
1999 Catalina 36 Hull #1777
Std rig; wing keel, M35B, Delta (45#)
Punta Gorda, FL
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/diva-di/