Options for retrofitting a temperature sensor to a small outboard?

[Devil_Inside]

I have a 1974 Evinrude 6hp outboard and I would like to add a small, inexpensive temperature gauge. I've been looking around online and thus far the best thing I've been able to find is this It is pretty cheap and it looks like it will do the job, but before I pull the trigger I wanted to see if there are any other options out there. I also still haven't quite figured out what is the best way to mount the temperature probe itself.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Options for retrofitting a temperature sensor to a small outboard?

Unless engine is overheating it's useless to have a temp sensor installed on a small engine, probably will need a base or whatever might hold the sensor tight against engine, best area would be on/around cylinder head area.

Happy Boating

 

[Devil_Inside]

Re: Options for retrofitting a temperature sensor to a small outboard?

Unless engine is overheating it's useless to have a temp sensor installed on a small engine, probably will need a base or whatever might hold the sensor tight against engine, best area would be on/around cylinder head area.

Happy Boating

I installed a brand new water pump kit and the engine is not overheating, but that's not to say that it won't in the future and without a temperature sensor you really can't tell. This engine, like most older outboards, does not have a tell-tale so it is even harder to tell if the water pump is working correctly. Besides I really don't mind spending $10 for a piece of mind, even if it is not really needed.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Options for retrofitting a temperature sensor to a small outboard?

While it will work if held tight against some flat part of the head, that is an immersion probe. It will most likely be very slow to respond and since most of the probe will be non-contact, it may very well read low. Even if you tried epoxy to hold it to the head, I don't think it will be a suitable gauge. But, hey! Like you said: For 10 bucks, if it works-- That's a decent gamble to take. Better odds than at a casino.

 

[saumon]

Re: Options for retrofitting a temperature sensor to a small outboard?

Instead of a temp gauge, I'd add a tell-tale. It could be done LeeRoy's Ramblings (scroll down to No Overboard Water Indicator)

 

[Devil_Inside]

Re: Options for retrofitting a temperature sensor to a small outboard?

Instead of a temp gauge, I'd add a tell-tale. It could be done LeeRoy's Ramblings (scroll down to No Overboard Water Indicator)

Thank you so much for that link! I wish I had that guide when I first got that motor...it would have saved me so much grief lol

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Options for retrofitting a temperature sensor to a small outboard?

Well, if that small engine dosen't have a built water tell tale exit, it's another story. From experience would say that algae, plastic, debris blocking engine's lower tail water intakes while at wot will cause the temp to rise so fast, that will pass undetected by probe if being slow reading. If possible install a water tell tale and check it's condition while boating.

Happy Boating