MEP-803a panel lights flickering

[nextalcupfan]

Just got the measurements.
0.0-0.1 Ohms between the gauges

0.1-0.2 Ohms between the gauges and main panel ground

5.3 Ohms between the main panel ground and main engine ground


I did more measurements than what you asked because IMO its not as important between gauges as it is for the entire circuit.
You can have perfect continuity in your gauge panel but if the wires/connections are bad going TO or FROM the batteries nothing is going to work.

 

[m32825]

Thanks @nextalcupfan for all the measurements, you make a good point. Will try to fit in some generator quality time tomorrow evening and get back with results.

 

[m32825]

Just got the measurements.
0.0-0.1 Ohms between the gauges
View attachment 860327View attachment 860326
0.1-0.2 Ohms between the gauges and main panel ground
View attachment 860328View attachment 860329
5.3 Ohms between the main panel ground and main engine ground
View attachment 860330View attachment 860331

I did more measurements than what you asked because IMO its not as important between gauges as it is for the entire circuit.
You can have perfect continuity in your gauge panel but if the wires/connections are bad going TO or FROM the batteries nothing is going to work.

I found that batteries in my meter were dead, so ignore previous reading. I got 0.2 ohms between gauges, 0.2 ohms gauge to panel ground, and 1.2 ohms panel ground to main engine ground.

The problem is intermittent so it might be in that path but we're just not seeing it at the moment.

Will work on MT-4 bypass tomorrow.

 

[Guyfang]

Vibrations are great for intermittent problems.

 

[m32825]

Jumping MT-4 makes no difference.

@Guyfang I hear you about vibration, but it happens without the engine running, just the fuel pump running, and on the other hand can go for long periods of time with the engine running without a problem it doesn't seem to add up.

I'm going to replace the diodes next and see if anything changes.

-- Carl

 

[m32825]

My diode stopped diode-ing, CR1 measured 1.8 ohms both directions. Replaced CR1 and CR2 with new doubled-up diodes and lights/pump are steady as a rock now. Ready for the next hurricane, thanks guys!

-- Carl

 

[nextalcupfan]

Glad you got it fixed, I feel like I should replace mine with doubled up ones too.
As a preventative measure.

Also why wouldn't you use a larger diode instead of 2 smaller ones?

 

[m32825]

Why wouldn't you use a larger diode instead of 2 smaller ones?

In my case, because the minimum order from DigiKey is 25, so you'll have extras!

 

[Myrddin]

My diode stopped diode-ing, CR1 measured 1.8 ohms both directions. Replaced CR1 and CR2 with new doubled-up diodes and lights/pump are steady as a rock now. Ready for the next hurricane, thanks guys!

-- Carl

Where are these diodes. I just picked yup a m1123, the lights and gauges are flickering. Going to chk grounds tomorrow.

 

[kloppk]

They are mounted on the left side of the back wall behind the gauge panel.
Here is the layout of the panel they are mounted to from the -24 TM. R10 thru V5

 

[Myrddin]

They are mounted on the left side of the back wall behind the gauge panel.
Here is the layout of the panel they are mounted to from the -24 TM. R10 thru V5
View attachment 928581

Thank you very much. I’ll look at these tomorrow.