The retrofit
Giving an older engine a practical new control panel
The original panel on this older Deutz engine had a mechanical timer, Murphy pressure and temperature instruments, a start/run toggle and other controls. For this Victorian application, Bolec configured a BEM502IRN Dual Pressure (DP) panel to replace the ageing watchdog arrangement.
This is a purpose-built variation of the standard BEM502IRN. It combines Bolec’s electronic engine monitoring with three mechanical Murphy switch gauges for two separate pump pressure points and engine temperature. The panel also includes a tachometer and an hour meter.
Why a custom panel? A standard single-pressure configuration would not cover both pump pressure shutdown points required here. The DP arrangement is built around the engine and pump’s actual monitoring requirements.
Panel configuration
Two pressure points, one clear view
PUMP 1
High and low pressure
A Murphy 20P-HL-150 switch gauge provides pressure indication and high/low shutdown contacts. Its indicated range is 0–150 psi.
PUMP 2
Low pressure
A Murphy 20P-100 switch gauge provides pressure indication and a low-pressure shutdown contact. Its indicated range is 0–100 psi.
ENGINE
Temperature
The third mechanical Murphy switch gauge monitors engine temperature, alongside the panel’s electronic protection functions.
AT A GLANCE
Speed and running hours
The panel includes a tachometer and an hour meter for quick operator checks and service planning.
Starting sequence
Why the old start/run toggle is no longer needed
The original panel has a manual toggle marked START and RUN. This BEM502IRN configuration uses its built-in startup delay, enabled by default for this panel. During the initial starting period, the monitor bypasses the sensor circuits so the engine and pump can come up to operating condition before normal fault monitoring takes over.
The practical benefit: pump pressure may be low for a short time as the engine starts. The delay helps prevent a false low-pressure alarm or shutdown during that normal startup period, without requiring the operator to use the old manual toggle.
The BEM502IRN platform also gives an audible fault warning and stores the first detected shutdown fault for later recall, helping the operator identify what stopped the engine. The final sensor settings, delay and shutdown thresholds must be matched to the particular installation.
Custom replacements
Have an older watchdog panel in service?
This example comes from Victoria, but older diesel engine and irrigation pump panels remain in service across Australia. If an original panel is worn, difficult to troubleshoot or no longer suited to the pump arrangement, a tailored replacement may be worth considering.
Bolec can assess the existing panel and develop a custom engine protection panel around the required pressure gauges, temperature monitoring, starting sequence and shutdown functions. Send us clear photos of the old panel, the engine and pump details, supply voltage and the functions you need to retain or change.
Negative-ground configuration for this DP panel
Published DP panel dimensions
Application-specific gauge and shutdown configuration
Discuss your panel replacement
Tell us what the old panel controls and what the engine needs to protect. We can review the application and advise on a suitable Bolec configuration.
Each retrofit requires a check of the existing gauges, sensors, supply voltage, wiring, shutdown method and operating conditions. The images show the panel configuration; they are not a wiring or interchangeability guide. Murphy is a trademark of its respective owner.