Engine Instruments - Condensation

Chris Murray · 18 September 2005, 09:02

When I bought my last boat in 1989, it had Volvo engine instrumentation which regularly fogged up. I understand that Volvo has long since solved this problem by badging VDO instruments, which have a double lens (i.e. two sets of glass), which properly seals the instrument from the front.

So why, when I went on a RIB recently, using instruments supplied with an Evinrude Fitch (sorry - I think the spelling is suspect) engine, does every one of its instruments have condensation in them? Surely, they can't be very old?

I think it is pathetic that in 2005, some instruments still have this problem!

I have ordered a 250 E-tec with my new RIB but I am now concerned that I shall be looking at a lot of condensation, instead of meaningful readings. This also means that the working parts will be exposed to dampness and may ultimately become unreliable.

Does anyone have experience of the current Evinrude instruments following damp weather? Do yours "fog" or do they remain completely dry inside?

A further concern about this is that if Evinrude can't address a simple issue like this, just how much attention have they paid to the engine itself.

Whilst on the subject, the last two Evinrudes I experienced - a 250 E-tec that simply wouldn't start for a while, and the earlier 225 Fitch which conked out at low speed on several occasions, does little to convince me that I have made the right choice of engine.

But then the Verados don't seem to be without their problems (at least in the US) either.

It's about time the engine manufacturers got their act together!

Chris.

PeterR · 18 September 2005, 15:23

I too have condensation OK whilst in warenty but then what.Having problems seem to be only bearable if sorted out .How competant is your local dealer .Mines not that hot.Last sevice charged fort 3 hrs labour joke cos the didnt even grease steering and outboard.(it was first 20 hr service)Ended up buying grease gun and doing it myself.

Chris Murray · 18 September 2005, 15:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by no fear

I too have condensation OK whilst in warenty but then what.Having problems seem to be only bearable if sorted out .How competant is your local dealer .Mines not that hot.Last sevice charged fort 3 hrs labour joke cos the didnt even grease steering and outboard.(it was first 20 hr service)Ended up buying grease gun and doing it myself.

That's interesting - So you have the same problems with the Ficht instruments. At the moment, I have a new boat on order for next April, which is due to get a 250 E-tec. However, if the instrumentation suffers from this type of problem, I am tempted to modify my order. They must have been making instruments for years, so there is really no excuse for letting dampness in.

I wonder if I can get VDO engine instruments and let Evinrude keep their mickey mouse units?

If more of us let manufacturers know what we think of their shoddy kit, perhaps they might do something about it!

Chris.

bogib · 18 September 2005, 16:22

I do not think Evinrude has change to fog free gauges so you will get foggy instruments

Bogi

mark-f · 18 September 2005, 16:40

yep my opti is only a month old and already smartcraft instruments fog up as well :-)

Seb · 18 September 2005, 16:57

...And Opti gauges are made by VDO i do believe....!

As for E-tec gauges, i think Faria are the manufacturers so checking out their website may give further details about how they are made and whether or not they are anti-fogging etc...?

Also, note that moisture often enters gauges from the rear as console interiors are often damp. You will find that on even the most expensive VDO marine gauges, there are un-plugged holes in the rear for optional warning LED's and the like.

I've personally seen very few RIBs which have had condensation free gauges...

Cheers

Chris Murray · 19 September 2005, 22:33

Thanks Guys,

I guess I shall have to put up with it then.

Cheers!

Chris.

Richard B · 20 September 2005, 06:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seb

I've personally seen very few RIBs which have had condensation free gauges...

Never seen a set of Yamaha Gauges then Seb? ours are condensation free, anyway!

(that was a smug smiley).

Seaharrier · 20 September 2005, 07:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by bogib

I do not think Evinrude has change to fog free gauges so you will get foggy instruments

Bogi

Indeed, we have foggy Evinrude gauges with our E-Tec. But it comes from the inside of the console...

bogib · 20 September 2005, 09:18

Surely the condensation on the instrument is coming from the inside not outside, one solution has been to out a small fan behind the dashbord also we have supplied blow heaters that has been installed also behind the dashboard both giving satisfactory results keeping the gauges readable.

Bogi

Erin · 20 September 2005, 20:13

Well my Suzzy gauges also fog up, as does my Plastimo fuel gauge. But the spec on the fuel gauge says that it is designed to fog up, but that it is also designed to breathe so that the said condensation can escape once it has warmed up a little. Perhaps Suzuki gauges are designed to do the same? Maybe even Evinrude do!

Chris Murray · 20 September 2005, 23:52

I still think that we let the manufacturers get away with too much.

If they were properly sealed against moisture, we wouldn't be having this conversation!

None of us would be impressed if our car gauges started to fog, so why should we accept it on a boat?

Just for reference, once I changed the Volvo tachometer for a VDO one on my last boat , it never fogged again - so it IS possible to make things properly!

OK, I'll get off my soap box now!

Cheers!

Chris.

codprawn · 21 September 2005, 03:07

Even my Land Rover gauges don't fog up - not EVER!!!

Hightower · 21 September 2005, 08:52

Do you think the fogging is caused by the air trapped inside, during manufacture rather than from the outside world? If a Manufacturer wanted a completly fog free gauge they'd put nitrogen or some other inert gas inside wouldn't they.

Pete7 · 22 September 2005, 11:19

I think the problem is that many of the gauges have a small bulb and hole in the back. If the bulb is connected and switched on it heats up and the air inside the gauge expands. When you switch off it cools and draws damp cool air inside. This also happens with changes in pressure and air temperature. The condensation builds up and just doesn't seem to escape.

I think Chris is right, we shouldn't accept it on new gauges.

Pete

Dirk Diggler · 22 September 2005, 13:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Murray

once I changed the Volvo tachometer for a VDO one on my last boat , it never fogged again - so it IS possible to make things properly!

I thought Volvo gauges were made by VDO!

Brambles · 22 September 2005, 17:18

Chris,

No problems to date with the Etec "retro" guages on Scooby.

However, the Standard Horizon plotter misted up earlier in the year & Martin had to cut it out from the dash, take it home & leave it in the airing cupboard for a few days. Aint technoloy great??

Cheers.

Ian.

Chris Murray · 22 September 2005, 23:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirk Diggler

I thought Volvo gauges were made by VDO!

They are now but I don't think that they were in 1989, when I bought Aries II.

At least if they were, they only had a single lens at that time. It was perhaps 8 - 10 years later that I fitted the new Volvo one, then made by VDO.

Chris.

Chris Murray · 22 September 2005, 23:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete7

I think Chris is right, we shouldn't accept it on new gauges.

Pete

Thanks Pete - So how do we get the manufacturers to address the problem?

I agree that the hole in the back is very likely to be the source of the problem. Maybe we need a different light fitting that seals properly?

Cheers!

Chris.

Rogue Wave · 24 September 2005, 04:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard B

Never seen a set of Yamaha Gauges then Seb? ours are condensation free, anyway!

(that was a smug smiley).

Do you think thats because the gauges are so Yummy or because your boat always has it's cover on when not in use....or both? It's been a long time since I had Yammie power but I can't recall having a problem with the guages

To the best of my knowledge no engine guage comes with a cover, and the Opti and Tohatsu guages like to mist up a bit. I wonder if an instrument cover and a bilt of Silica Gel might help or line the Cover with space blanket material to retain some warmth and inhibit the condensation