Temperature sender for Mercury 500 1973

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
28,549
Re: Temperature sender for Mercury 500 1973

Not worth installing one on that motor. Those motors do not have thermostats, so they run dead cold at idle and warmer at cruise. The gauge will not register until you are overheating.

Buy a water pressure gauge (0-30PSI scale) instead. That will tell you when you are about to overheat, because your water pump has failed.
 

knouse94

Petty Officer 3rd Class
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Aug 28, 2010
Messages
88
Re: Temperature sender for Mercury 500 1973

Thank you, how do I install a water pressure gauge?
 
M

Maxz695

Guest
Re: Temperature sender for Mercury 500 1973

just get the Temp pessure sensor instead of electric temp sensor. it works on PSI the electric one work by sensing heat like a thermostat you will need a water PSI gage and hose with that same proincipal as an older speedometer works on water pressure. It,s much more reliable
 

Chris1956

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Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
28,549
Re: Temperature sender for Mercury 500 1973

Max, The majority of the water pressure gauges are mechanical. He needs to run a tube from the gauge to the motor. Look for an unused tapped plug on the water jacket cover over the head. Some motors have one some don't. If no unused plug, remove the telltale elbow. Install a brass tee in it's place and connect the gauge to one side of the tee and the telltale to the other side of the tee.
 

knouse94

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Aug 28, 2010
Messages
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Re: Temperature sender for Mercury 500 1973

Thank you Chris I appreciate the information.
 

knouse94

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Aug 28, 2010
Messages
88
Re: Temperature sender for Mercury 500 1973

It appears that someone has taped a 3/8" hole in between the lower 2 cylinders on the water jacket. There is a plug in the hole right now. Would that be the place for me to mount an elbow or tee? Thanks
 

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
28,549
Re: Temperature sender for Mercury 500 1973

That will work. A higher port is better for the telltale however.
 

knouse94

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Aug 28, 2010
Messages
88
Re: Temperature sender for Mercury 500 1973

Thank you for all the info Chris, I appreciate it.
 
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