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Idiot lights

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penta

New member
I've got a 2003 diesel engine in my boat. Last week the oil press. light and battery light came on while the engine was running. Then the tach started acting up; wound all the way up to the top, back to zero when I pulled the throttle back and didn't come up to the proper rpm until I gave a little throttle. The engine was cooling properly, I had oil, it RAN fine. Went down below and opened the engine compartment, smelled a little like electrical wires burning. I put a multimeter on the starting battery and it showed 12.55 volts. Had the throttle shoved up and it stayed there. SHOULD have been around 13.7 volts. Checking things over it seems fine but I obviously don't want to run it until I figure out whats going on.
I'm GUESSING I've got either a bad alternator or a loose wire. Any suggestions on how to proceed? (I am not a diesel dork, so keep it simple!)
Thanks.
 
I have had the Glow Plug light come on with failing alternator, engine was TAMD63P (no glow plugs)....so I am not sure, voltage spikes can confuse the warning panel i guess? However, I would make absolutely sure your oil level is correct, and engine is actually making good oil pressure (if possible verify with manual gauge).
 
Well, it's not the alternator. Put a multimeter on the alternator and got 15v. Tested the starting battery and it was charging at 14v. Idiot lights still won't go out.
Guess it's time to play the "Trace that wire" game and test them all. Yippee.
 
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