Updates and new projects:
First, I swapped out batteries and put in a new battery hold down today:
Question: My 1976 Starcraft Montego (Mercruiser 888, carbed 302) had a group 65 Car Battery in it. I pulled that battery to put in my truck, as it's obviously the wrong battery, like a lot of auto parts on the boat that didn't belong and have since swapped out. I'd like to know what suggestions...
forums.iboats.com
Second, I'm trying to get the gauge issues resolved. Pulled the console, only to find that the voltmeter with a broken needle isn't fixable as the gauges are crimped closed. Other issues that exist:
-The oil pressure warning light/sender is broken and sounds like death
-The speedometer hose needs patched in the back if it is to be used again
-All gauges look like junk due to paint fade and cracking. And are stuck in the 70's with incandescent bulbs (which I think may be dead).
Here's an idea that I'd like to bounce off some wiser minds: Why not replace all the gauges with modern replacments:
-Tachometer is a standard V8 tach. Common size from the looks of it, so nothing hard there
-Replace the pitot tube speedometer with a GPS unit. Some units include a compass and volt meter too, which I'd want.
-Dunno on the fuel gauge... but I could probably use a generic unit with a matching generic sending unit. But I may need to pull the rear seat wood to remove the existing sender. The gauge reads 1/2 tank (dunno actual level) and the existing gauge works based on some testing I previously did (disconnect and short cable to make sure needle moves).
-Replace the temp gauge with a generic unit. May need to replace the sender too, but nothing too hard there
-With the volt meter replaced by the new speedo, I'm thinking an oil pressure gauge makes sense. The Mercruiser 888 has both an analog sender and a switch installed and wired, so either by repinning the connector or swapping wires on the engine side, such could be done
-Trim gauge is a standard Mercruiser-compatible gauge. Also seems to be common. Other than a twitchy spot (probably an issue with the refurbished sending unit), existing gauge works fine.
-Plug over the removed oil pressure light/buzzer, since the added gauge replaced it.
Thoughts? I'm going to try to put a parts list together and post.