Rewiring Gauges

[Husky Jerk]

Ahoy, all.<br /><br />I'm re-doing the instrument panel on my V-20 Steplift cuddy and have a bunch of questions. I'm replacing the controls (well, having them replaced) to the '85 Johnny 175 as well, because the handle is falling apart and the trim switch is some MacGuyvered external rocker switch just hanging out exposed to the elements. I got a decent deal on a brand new control box and it's the newer 'System Check' version. I understand that this requires an adapter harness to connect to the older motor and/or gauges. I'm disassmbling the panel and need some help.<br /><br />I'm getting lost in the jumble of wires and am trying to make sense of it. The tach (that's dead and needs replacing) looks like it plugs into the controls and the gauge is powered by leads to the trim indicator. The trim indicator works, but I'm not putting it back. I don't need the gauge, the boat's handling tells me all I need to know about the trim position of the motor. Then, some of the leads from the trim gauge go to the fuel gauge, which also works, but I'm replacing it to match a new tach. So here's my question-O-rama:<br /><br />* Were these three gauges wired together only because they're given power when the ignition is on, or is there another reason?<br />* The current tach was original equipment (all wires come out of the tach), so there's no labeled wiring studs to tell me what wire is what. If I buy a universal tach (Teleflex, etc.) is there a harness that can plug into the controls and ends with ringed leads to connect the tach? Or, does OMC have a tach to plug right into the controls that I'm better off buying?<br /><br />Any advice would be appreciated. I'm doing as much as I'm comfortable with, but the serious stuff I'll leave to the mechanic.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Rewiring Gauges

hello<br /> on the first, yep<br /> they wired them in series cause its easy. on the tach question. yep there is a plug and play harness availble. and yes you will have to buy the adapter harness to mate your new keyswitch to the engine. usually you have to replace the harness from the engine plug to the keyswitch plug.if you go with the new harness the ring terminals for the tach will be there already . man<br /> see how simple life is

 

[Husky Jerk]

Re: Rewiring Gauges

Thanks, RB.<br /><br />Is this harness the $80 one that the Seller mentioned when I bought the control?

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Rewiring Gauges

possibly<br /> thats why I dont buy off the net. if its bad I tell people to take it back to the net

 

[Husky Jerk]

Re: Rewiring Gauges

I hear ya. I don't buy from the net unless I'm confident I can sell back and recoup all or most of the money.<br /><br />Any downside to not putting the trim gauge back?