Volvo 5.7 GL, Voltmeter, Tachometer and trim indicator issues

[gw1284]

Just purchased a used boat with a Volvo Penta 5.7GL. The engine runs really well however I noticed the voltmeter was showing almost 18v at idle. With the engine running I checked the battery with a multimeter and it it showing 14.92, so I don't believe it is the voltage regulator, could it just be the gauge? The other issue I am having is the the tachometer, it fluctuates from 1000-2500 then at some point will just drift up to 6000 and stay there. This all happens while the engine is in a smooth idle. Finally, the trim works fine but the indicator does not respond, is there an way to check if its the gauge?

Thanks everyone for the help. I am very excited to own a boat but want to get these items corrected so I have better situational awareness. We have never owned a boat so I want to have as much information as possible especially with the engine performance.

 

[dypcdiver]

Re: Volvo 5.7 GL, Voltmeter, Tachometer and trim indicator issues

Sounds to me like you have a grounding problem. Check all the ground wires on and around the engine and instrument pod for corrosion, and the battery terminals for tightness and cleanliness.

 

[gw1284]

Re: Volvo 5.7 GL, Voltmeter, Tachometer and trim indicator issues

Thanks! I will give that a look. It appears that instruments are secured from the back, is that correct?

 

[dypcdiver]

Re: Volvo 5.7 GL, Voltmeter, Tachometer and trim indicator issues

How would anyone know as you have not told anyone what boat or what instrument package you have.

 

[gw1284]

Re: Volvo 5.7 GL, Voltmeter, Tachometer and trim indicator issues

Right, that would help! Its a 1997 Harris Kayot Deck boat. I am not sure what instrument package it has. How would I go about finding out? I don't see any type of name on the actual instruments.

Thanks

 

[VE1TRB]

Re: Volvo 5.7 GL, Voltmeter, Tachometer and trim indicator issues

Right, that would help! Its a 1997 Harris Kayot Deck boat. I am not sure what instrument package it has. How would I go about finding out? I don't see any type of name on the actual instruments.

Thanks

I had a similar problem with my boat 1996 larson Volvo penta 3.0. On mine, there is a round connector with a bunch of wires on it. It has a hose clamp around it. I opened it up after having the same symptoms you described. There was a bit of corrosion in there so, with the battery disconnected, I cleaned out each of the contact points (male and femal) using a brush and penetrating oil and copmressed air. After everything was good and clean, I put it all back together and all was fine. The connector on mine is on the Stbd side of the engine, mounted on a bracket at the back of the engine.
Hope this helps.

 

[gw1284]

Re: Volvo 5.7 GL, Voltmeter, Tachometer and trim indicator issues

Ok, so I got the RPM to settle down and I think that gauge is now stable. However, the trim indicator is still not working. The trim works fine up and down but I get zero indication on the gauge. Additionally, I noticed that there are 3 flashing lights on the transom from what I believe is the trim/tilt limiter. Can anyone shed any light on why these lights would be flashing at all times?

 

[saintlee]

Re: Volvo 5.7 GL, Voltmeter, Tachometer and trim indicator issues

I also had these problems on a 5.0 gl-e. The main engine connector (round plug on starboard side)
was starting to corrode. After cleaning all terminals, no more problems with rpms or trim gauge.