Aftermarket temp gauge for 1986 Force 125hp

bayliner19

Seaman
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Jan 5, 2006
Messages
56
Is there an aftermarket temp gauge available that would work with a 1986 Force 125hp outboard? :)
 

roscoe

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Oct 30, 2002
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21,657
Re: Aftermarket temp gauge for 1986 Force 125hp

I'm sure Faris or Teleflex makes one, but I would rather have a water pressure gauge. It will tell you of waterflow/cooling problems before the engine overheats.
 

bayliner19

Seaman
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Messages
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Re: Aftermarket temp gauge for 1986 Force 125hp

How would a water pressure gauge work, I was always under the impression that the cooling system was non-pressurized?
 

roscoe

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Re: Aftermarket temp gauge for 1986 Force 125hp

It is not a sealed high pressure system, but there is pressure or it would not circulate.<br /><br />Small fitting screws into pipe plug on top of engine, just above the thermostat housing. plastic tube runs to the gauge.<br /><br />Pressures will vary but mine are:<br />2-4 psi at idle<br />8-10 at mid rpm<br />13-15 at full throttle<br /><br />These readings are with a new impeller.<br />After a couple years, the pressures start to drop as the impeller ages.<br /><br />If you plug the water intakes with debris or weeds, the water pressure drops immediately. Same if your impeller fails.
 

bayliner19

Seaman
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Jan 5, 2006
Messages
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Re: Aftermarket temp gauge for 1986 Force 125hp

Thanks Roscoe for the info, I think your right a water pressure gauge would give me more valuable information on the cooling system.
 

bayliner19

Seaman
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Jan 5, 2006
Messages
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Re: Aftermarket temp gauge for 1986 Force 125hp

Would it be correct to assume most all marine pressure gauges in the 0-30 range are pretty much the same except for the fittings?
 

roscoe

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Re: Aftermarket temp gauge for 1986 Force 125hp

Yes. They sell a gauge and install kit here on iboats for around $55.
 

Downrigger

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Feb 15, 2006
Messages
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Re: Aftermarket temp gauge for 1986 Force 125hp

I recently got a Telefex white 0-30 with tube and fittings at Sportsmans Guide for $36. Works great on my Force 150. Why in the heck did they ever put that plastic 1/8" plug in the fitting instead of brass? Had to drill mine out aways and pick the rest out to keep from bunging the threads. <br /><br />My pressures are a stead 6-8 at idle and up to 20 at full throttle with a new impeller.<br /><br />Larry
 

bayliner19

Seaman
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Jan 5, 2006
Messages
56
Re: Aftermarket temp gauge for 1986 Force 125hp

Thanks guys I have purchased a Teleflex 0-30 and will be installing it as soon as it arrives, will let you know how it all turns out. The back side of my instrument panel is so difficult to get at and work with that I have decided to mount the gauge on the other side where the radio is mounted. The other side is real easy to get at the back side and work there.
 

bayliner19

Seaman
Joined
Jan 5, 2006
Messages
56
Re: Aftermarket temp gauge for 1986 Force 125hp

Well, I got the gauge installed (even put it in the dash where it is supposed to go - what a job that was). It seems to work great, reading 28psi at WOT. Now that I have some experience with gauge installation I guess a voltmeter will be next.
 
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