Mercury Smartcraft gauges

[dabalone]

Great forums. Anyone using the smartcraft gauges? I have a new 115 Opti, and after doing a little research I ordered the system monitor gauge. It monitors most of the basic engine functions, I think up to 21 different functions if you add some additional hookups. Didn't think I would need all the dozens of monitoring functions the other gauges offered and it was less expensive. Anyone have any firsthand experience with these gauges? One question I would have is how easy is it to read the digital readout especially in sunlight.

Thanks and Cheers

 

[imported_stinger]

Re: Mercury Smartcraft gauges

Hi dabalone,
I've also an Optimax 115, it has been sold me directly with the smartcraft instrument (off course the little one, not the big one that, if I remember well should be model 5000). I fell it very good, digits on the dispaly are big enought with the right contrast. I can'see all the facilities, but only: trim position, engine temperature, water pressure, battery voltage, low oil pressure warning, vessel speed, engine hours, rpm, fuel used and fuel flow. Other displays need additional sensors that are optional. Despite what it is written in the instruction manual the "trim pop up" display whenever the trim switch is used does not operate.
By the way, now I've sailed for 74 hours with my engine, normally in the range between 4000 and 5000 rpm. At this range I feel that the used oil percentage is about 50:1. Do you have had a similar result?
Bye

 

[dabalone]

Re: Mercury Smartcraft gauges

Hi Imported,

I am assuming you have the system monitor gauge, it is the one I just installed to my 115 Opti. Was able to use the gauge first time yesterday and I think it was a good purchase, the digital readout is large enough for my tired eyes to read but have a little problem in bright sunlight with sunglasses on. I dont have any space for extra gauges so this works out well for me and gives all the info I would need. I really like the fuel used per hr monitor at different rpms and total fuel used modes, also the digital tach allows me to cross check the analog tach on the helm for accuracy.

I also cannot get the trim pop up to work, I tried the calibration process twice with no luck actually the trim gauge mode does not work at all, maybe I am missing something during setup. Sorry I dont remember seeing a screen showing oil usage, have a oil temp and oil pressure mode. I do have a question concerning water pressure and temps, I can't find what these should be for this motor, and particular interest to me because I do have the motor up a bit, have had no warnings go off so sure I am in safe ranges. Water pressure I get 8 at idle and 16 to 18 wot and trimmed up, temps are around 118 at wot trimmed up and go up to around 125 at idle, seems backwards. Highest temp I have seen was 135 and that was after coming down from wot and settling into low rpms but went quickly to 125.

This system monitor is a great little smartcraft gauge that is affordable, especially if you have limited space for extra gauges, gives the vitals for you motor with some extras and also will read the engine code giving a problem and point you in the right direction to look for a fix.

Any info on the water pressure and temps for the new 115 Opti would be appreciated!

Cheers

 

[new_boater]

Re: Mercury Smartcraft gauges

do these work on older merc's?
i have a early 70's 115hp

 

[dabalone]

Re: Mercury Smartcraft gauges

New Boater, no they would not work on your '70 motor. Smartcraft sensors are built into the motor and I think it has been available for five years.

 

[new_boater]

Re: Mercury Smartcraft gauges

thanks

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Mercury Smartcraft gauges

dabalone, the trim function will not work unless you purchase a digital trim sender. They come with an analog sender. It's about $100.00 if I remember right and they are known to read very slowly when trimming. Many stick with traditional analog trim gauges for this reason. Your temps sound about right and pressure does as well. That specific info is in the Merc. service manual...

 

[dabalone]

Re: Mercury Smartcraft gauges

Thank you Rick,
I figured the trim mode needed another gizmo to work, it would be nice but I really do not need it. The service manual a separate manual from the owners manual? Pressure and temp info I could not find in the manual that came with motor, thank you for your response.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Mercury Smartcraft gauges

Yes, the factory service manual has all that info. How do you like the Opti? I have a new 90 4-stroke that works well for me...

 

[dabalone]

Re: Mercury Smartcraft gauges

Lots of power, it was surprising for a motor its size. It launches my 17 ft deep v alum with no problem, a fairly light boat. It is very quiet at idle and trolling speed but a little loud at wot. At cruising speeds I can talk to anyone in the boat without raising my voice. Great on fuel, my son and I fished out of it all day Sun., on top of moving around all over the lake chasing Bass we ran it wot plenty, according to the Smartcraft gauge fuel used was 4 gals for the day. Get a little smoke smell if the wind is just right but it is minimal and for a 2 stroke hardly noticeable.

 

[imported_stinger]

Re: Mercury Smartcraft gauges

Hi,
on my 115 temperature indication during cruise is about 96.8, during idle after cruise it grows at about 122.
Comsumption at cruise (from 4000 to 5000 rpm) is about .29 gallons/hr
It surprised me the higher (than expected) oil rate i.e. about 1:50
Do somebody use oil differen than Mercury one?
Cheers