Engine Instruments - Chris-Craft 2014 36 RH Corsair Owner's Manual

Engine Instruments

You should become familiar with "normal" gauge readings for your engines and become accustomed to
scanning the instruments when running. Unusual instrument readings require immediate attention. Do not
ignore unusually high or low instrument readings. Shut down the engine and have the problem diagnosed
before operating the engine.
Tachometer
The tachometer indicates the revolutions per minute (RPM) of the engine. Important RPM's to note
from the manufacturer's engine manual include idle RPM, normal cruise RPM and maximum RPM.
The maximum RPM should not be exceeded. Although tachometers do not indicate boat speed, a careful
helmsmen will chart boat speed vs. RPM so that, in the event of other electronics problems, he will have a
very good idea of boat speed from his tachometers. A sudden change of RPM may indicate a problem
within the engine or a problem with the drive train or running gear. Do not ignore "unexplainable" changes
in RPM. A simple check of the engine and running gear may prevent costly repairs.
Speedometer
Read in miles and kilometers per hour. Indicates speed of the boat.
Oil Pressure Gauge
The oil pressure gauge measures the pressure of the lubricating oil circulating through the engine.
Adequate oil pressure is required to pump oil into the many highly-loaded bearings that require lubrication.
Inadequate oil pressure can lead to excess wear and possibly catastrophic failure of the engine. Check the
manufacturer's engine manual to determine normal oil pressure for the engines in your boat. Shut down
and do not operate an engine that has had a loss of oil pressure.
Water Temperature Gauge
The water temperature gauge indicates the temperature of the coolant mixture circulating inside the engines
cooling circuit. The engine is equipped with a thermostat that controls flow of coolant within the engine
thus maintaining correct operating temperature. Engine coolant temperature is not affected by seawater
temperature. Correct operating coolant temperature indications for your engine may be found in the engine
manufacturer's manual. An unusual change in temperature may indicate problems with the raw water cir-
cuit or internal engine problems causing excess heat. Shut down and do not operate an engine that is indi-
cating coolant temperature in excess of the manufacturer's maximum allowable temperature.
Voltmeter
The voltmeter monitors the voltage of the battery and the charging circuit of the engine. Normal voltage for
a fully charged battery with the engines shut down is about 12.8 volts. With the engines running a charging
voltage of 13 to 15 volts should be indicated. Low voltage with the engines running (less than 12 volts)
indicates a possible problem with the charging circuit. The engines are unlikely to start with less than 12
volts indicated on the volt meters.
Fuel Gauge
The fuel gauge indicates the fuel level in the tanks. Due to the irregular shape of the fuel tanks and the an-
gle of the tanks when running, indicated fuel level does not correspond directly with the ratio of remaining
fuel to total fuel capacity (i.e. an indicated fuel level of 1/2 does not indicate 1/2 the capacity of the tank is
remaining, but indicates the level of the fuel is 1/2 the height of the tank at the sender). Remember, not all
fuel capacity is usable capacity. Careful planning of long trips using a safety reserve is advised. It is always
prudent to fill the tanks completely after each use to prevent condensation within the tanks.
Engine Hour Meter
The engine hour meter is actually located on the engine itself and indicates the total cumulative time in
hours of operation. The engine hours should be noted on the engine log for all oil changes, filter changes,
scheduled and unscheduled maintenance. An accurate and carefully maintained engine log is a valuable
tool when diagnosing problems, when seeking warranty compensation from the engine manufacturer and
when your boat is re-sold.
Systems
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