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As you know, engine indications are critical for safe boating. Instruments should
be visually scanned at regular intervals while underway. Such was the case recently
when repositioning the boat from Everett to Elliott Bay. It was a beautiful afternoon
with little to no wind and we were cruising happily along at about 7.5 kts when it was
observed that the main engine oil pressure was showing "zero" at the lower helm.
A quick check on the upper helm revealed the same. So, with no way to determine
if the engine was being lubricated at all, the decision was made to shut down to
protect the main. Now, adrift in the middle of Puget Sound, a call to BoatUS was
made to request an emergency tow. The tow boat arrived within 30-min and took
us into a stern-tow immediately. Approximately three-hours later we arrived in
Des Moines. Safely back on the dock, and given the age of the boat, it was
assumed the pressure transmitter was probably at fault. A trip to Tacoma Diesel
resulted in the unavailability of an exact replacement part. They did provide a
suitable replacement, and upon installation, there was still no oil pressure
indication, or the needle just pegged out at the top of the scale. Upon further
troubleshooting, an intermittent with the wiring was discovered. The end of the
wire had become corroded at the crimp inside the shrink tubing (not visible).
With that replaced and the original transmitter installed, all was well with the
indications for oil pressure. As a backup, a direct-reading pressure gauge
was installed on the oil filter assembly.
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