Exhaust overheat alarm sensor

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Been running my engine for 2 years now without a working alarm. I have been relying on faith and a hand held laser thermometer. Now I read that there are sensors that can be attached to the exhaust hose and are effective in alerting if the engine is overheating. Compared to replacement parts for a Bukh, they are relative inexpensive ($79 – 199 usd) In addition, these units are actually the preferred means of monitoring engine heating problems since the exhaust tends to heat up quicker than the engine, thus giving you an alert sooner.

Has anyone mounted an aftermarket sensor? If so what product did you use? And where did you find the best place on the exhaust to mount it?

If there is a better way to monitor the engine, I would be like to hear about it. 

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Seawolf Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Commodore Joined: 15 March 2012 Location: missoula Status: Offline Points: 118	Post Options Post Reply Quote Seawolf Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Exhaust overheat alarm sensor Posted: 20 August 2014 at 3:14pm
	Been running my engine for 2 years now without a working alarm. I have been relying on faith and a hand held laser thermometer. Now I read that there are sensors that can be attached to the exhaust hose and are effective in alerting if the engine is overheating. Compared to replacement parts for a Bukh, they are relative inexpensive ($79 – 199 usd) In addition, these units are actually the preferred means of monitoring engine heating problems since the exhaust tends to heat up quicker than the engine, thus giving you an alert sooner. Has anyone mounted an aftermarket sensor? If so what product did you use? And where did you find the best place on the exhaust to mount it? If there is a better way to monitor the engine, I would be like to hear about it.

Winner Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Commodore Joined: 07 September 2011 Status: Offline Points: 222	Post Options Post Reply Quote Winner Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 21 August 2014 at 9:27am
	I posted a similar question a couple of years ago and then never followed up, but am similarly interested if anyone has any input. IMHO, the built-in engine overheat alarm does not sound until well past the point of safety.
	Chris Eclipse #240 Thunder Bay, ON

George S. Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Crew Joined: 05 December 2002 Location: Vancouver Status: Offline Points: 43	Post Options Post Reply Quote George S. Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 22 August 2014 at 7:14pm
	The problem with small diesels like the Bukh is the limited space to mount any instruments of value and dependability. The good news is that the DV8/10 Bukh is so simple that your ears are the best and most dependable instrument. You will IMMEDIATELY hear a distinctly different exhaust tone when the engine is not pumping water through the exhaust. This has happened once to me on a previous boat with a two cylinder Bukh. The exhaust goes from a muffled tone to a harsher 'barking' like sound, like a motorcycle is behind you. As the helmsman is closest to the stern, they are the 'sentry' while the boat is under power. cheers, George/WarBird

Winner Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Commodore Joined: 07 September 2011 Status: Offline Points: 222	Post Options Post Reply Quote Winner Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 24 August 2014 at 2:37pm
	Speaking as someone who's had water flow issues on more than one occasion, I agree 100% with George. However somehow I'd feel a bit better with some sort of display showing me what the exact temperature is as well. I think the most important thing to know is to not trust the built-in temperature alarm as a reliable warning indicator. If that alarm goes off, it's probably already too late.
	Chris Eclipse #240 Thunder Bay, ON