<John wrote: ......Not just from a lightning perspective (object
of this thread) but because anything either electronic or with a
motor WILL fail. It's just a matter of time.>

Not to add to this BUT there are many sensors scattered thruout the engine
that the computer must read and they must be within the limits of the
software or no go. Lastly some of the engines are no using the modulated
electronic injectors. These really cut the emissions and squeeze the last
drop of energy out of the fuel but when they go.....no go.

There are spring driven starters but they certainly would be of little use
if the electrics are fried :-(

Unfortunately this is the wave of the future so we'd all better develop ways
to mitigate the effects of large EMF energy pulses OR get a kite ;-)

Our Detroit diesel starts and runs as long as it has fuel and air. It
doesn't smoke but as we all know it doesn't meet even the tier minus 10
levels. OTH it will be running when the fancy Tier 2 and 3's have packed up.
She's 32 years old now and good for another 10 plus.

Ever try to get a 1974 TV fixed, or an 8 track, or a computer of that
vintage? Not only don't the manufactures know what you are talking about but
the component vendors can't make the parts.......this is the real issue,
IMHO.

As always YMMV

Dave & Nancy
Swan Song
Roughwater 58
Caribbean Cruise '07

Dave observed:  Not to add to this BUT there are many sensors scattered
thruout the engine
that the computer must read and they must be within the limits of the
software or no go.

Scott shares:  Bob Senter (Lugger Training Mgr) conducted a training class
for a dozen Nordhavn owners a few months ago.  One of the things he did was
take us over to a test bench and fire up one of the newest common rail
motors from Lugger.  The then proceeded to pull, one by one, every single
sensor from the motor.  This included many sensors that I would have thought
would stop the motor.  What the motor did was reduce it's maximum power by
15 or 20% but keep on running.  When he was done, there was only one single
sensor left connected.  It was the sensor that tells the computer when cyl
#1 is at TDC, or something like that.  Even that sensor is backed up by a
final sensor that you CAN'T disconnect (unlike all the others)

The net of this demonstration, a dozen skippers came to the realization that
these motors are only slightly more vulnerable to an electrical problem than
any other.  When you think about it, this must be the case.  Every big rig
on the road, every combine in the farmers field, every generator producing
power for sporting events is using this technology.  It has to become rock
solid, or the results would be intolerable.  I think the FUD around these
motors will die down as experience is built.  There will be stories of
failures, but that's also true with none electronic varieties as well.

Scott Bulger, Alanui, N40II, Seattle WA