Room for one 2" guage in the dash.......What should it be?

[Firewalker688]

Hello there all...

I am putting the finishing touches on my bass tracker and the guages are fuctional but look bad against a restored console. The PO had installed a plate over one of the guage holes to mount a cig lighter. I like having the outlet there and will drill the right size hole and install it a bit more clean. I have a Tach and a Volt meter. Both are working although my volt meter has such a spread in values as many do. It only displays extreme high or low and I don't know where I am in between.

I need a guage to basically fill the hole. I would love to have a fuel guage but I use portable tanks so that is out. A depth sounder would be nice if I didn't have my fish finder in place and needed depth readings but it's an aluminum boat and I am not sure if that will interfere with the sounder. I really like the tach and I use it a lot. Speed is done on gps.

The boat has a 50 Mercury classic. Around 81-84 model. I would also like to have a temp or water pressure reading at the dash. I looked into this a while back and it looked like most guages/senders aren't compatible with my motor. I could see how a head temp sender would work with most though. Can you think of any more that are?

So what would you put in that slot if it was your project?

One more question: The tach hole is 3 3/8 inches. I have found a very limited amount of 3" guages. Should I just buy one and be happy with selection or try to open the hole to 4"? I have space but I think it would be a trick to cut that hole very accurate.

Thanks a million for any replies. I hope each of you are doing well.

Scott

 

[ajgraz]

Re: Room for one 2" guage in the dash.......What should it be?

Head temp sender and gauge sounds like a winner to me.

Installed that with my 1978 70hp Merc. It is a life saver when I get kelp covering the intakes on the LU. The moment I see that gauge climb I know it's time to stop and clear it (usually a quick shot of reverse chops it off; if not, some work with a paddle; in bad cases I lift and reach). If you're taking it into some thick cover and such while bass-fishing, it will probably help you, too.

I'm guessing there's someplace on your powerhead where you can screw the sender right in, then it's just one wire from the sender to the dash, I just cable-tied mine to the control harness every foot or so.

P.S., even if there was some place you could do a water pressure sender, on a small old outboard the gauge reading will likely be so jumpy and erratic that it will drive you nuts looking at it.

 

[Firewalker688]

Re: Room for one 2" guage in the dash.......What should it be?

Hello there, thanks for the reply. I ordered a temp guage along with another tach and voltmeter. I am able to find several senders that screw into a water jacket. Not so much luck with the contact type. Did you order your sender from here? I have seen pictures of what they look like with say 1/8" loop that goes under a bolt. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance. Will put up some before and after pics.

Have a great day

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Room for one 2" guage in the dash.......What should it be?

most tachs and speedos are 3 3/8" or 5" that is an industry standard on gauges. the 2" gauges are actually 2 1/16", the other size is 2 5/8"

volt meter and tach are usually the only gauges I have ever used on an outboard in addition to an hour meter.

I would install an hour meter, or you could get a depth finder, just make sure that the frequency is quite different than your fish finder. you can also get 2 in 1 gauges.

here is a good source for gauges http://www.v3instruments.com/products.html

 

[Firewalker688]

Re: Room for one 2" guage in the dash.......What should it be?

Thank you Scott.

I ordered a new set of guages the day after I posted this. I was originally told you couldn't put a temp sender in an outboard..... I was thinking hmmmmmmm. I have read MANY MANY threads about the matter on here as well as how to get the correct sender. My guage will be a 100-240 degree. I believe I have the part number I need to order the sender. The one thing I am curious about is: I expected to have to use the z bracket and do a head temp, however there is the blank hole with the small bolt holes straddling it. It is on the top cylinder so I figured ...... well, there ya go. Do most people fab up some aluminum or steel to make the plate then tap it with the pipe thread? I also found what looks to be a water jacket. It is between 2 and 3. I am not sure what will give a better picture. Head contact or water contact since there is raw water brought in all the time. I really am not concerned knowing what the true temp is. Just as long as it's normal for my motor. I have been looking high and low for that z bracket (which I don't need) I have seen pics of them as well as the head bolt sender...... For whatever reason some of these things are hard to source even with the net and the part number. I just glanced at the places for the bolts to go and they don't look tapped at all. Common? I don't mind making the plate or tapping for the pipe thread, or tapping the bolt holes for that matter.... Just don't want to reinvent the wheel.

Just got back from the maiden voyage after the restore. Was a good trip! Perfect night....... water was glass...... Really miss my trim! Top speed 5 mph. Couldn't get on plane with it like it is...... Oh well still a blast. I hope each of you are doing well.

Scott

 

[jhebert]

Re: Room for one 2" guage in the dash.......What should it be?

Install an engine cooling water pressure gauge.

 

[Firewalker688]

Re: Room for one 2" guage in the dash.......What should it be?

Already decided and bought the guage. Now it's a matter of the best way to install the sender. It's only had the tach and volts for the last 7 years anyway so it's probably not a huge deal. If it's going to be there it may as well work though. Thanks for the reply.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Room for one 2" guage in the dash.......What should it be?

Ohhhhhh....a clock.....:facepalm:

 

[Firewalker688]

Re: Room for one 2" guage in the dash.......What should it be?

Ohhhhhh....a clock.....:facepalm:

Hahahahaha

As many things I have looked at I never thought of that. To fill a hole........ would have been perfect. Pretty handy too.

 

[jhebert]

Re: Room for one 2" guage in the dash.......What should it be?

Already decided and bought the [gauge]....

Which gauge did you decide to buy to fill the remaining hole?

 

[Firewalker688]

Re: Room for one 2" guage in the dash.......What should it be?

I went with the water temp gauge.