Gauges??

[jasoutside]

Hey Fellas!

Couple of quick questions for ya...

I am transplanting a Merc 4.3 Alpha set up into my old tin can (lots more on that in due time). What would I need for gauges? I'm sort of a simple fella so I'm thinking more on the minimal side of things.

First off would this even work with my set up, I kinda like it...

What gauges must I have?

What gauges would be nice to have without cluttering things up?

Don't need a speedo.
How about a trim gauge?

Suggestions? Thoughts?

Thanks guys!

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Gauges??

Howdy,


Well, even the Beautiful Mark Twain that instrument cluster came out of had a speedometer!!


You just about have it though. You should have a temp and oil pressure gage (although you could probably get away with oil, temp, and ALT "idiot-lights")

A Tach is really required so that you can tel if the engine is running properly. (If it's not it won't reach rated RPM)


More pictures?


Regards,


Rick

 

[Don S]

Re: Gauges??

Tach, oil pressure, temp, and VOLT meter. NOT and Amp meter like you have there.
That is about minimum for any IO.
Lights only tell you something when it's too late.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Gauges??

Thanks guys!

I have been kicking around what I'd like my gauge set to look like - old v. new. I really like that old set but I fear that as soon as I change out that amp meter for a volt (or add one) I sort of lose the effect, ya know.

I do like these too...

 

[achris]

Re: Gauges??

Here's my gauge set... I consider Speedo, Tacho, Oil pressure, Water temp, trim, Volt meter, hour-meter and fuel gauge minimum. And it's nice having the fuel flow meter.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc98/mahi01/DSC06909900x675.jpg

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Gauges??

Thanks for the input achris! Cheers!

 

[ziggy]

Re: Gauges??

for must have gauges, i'd think temp, tach, oil pressure, volt meter.

i like things simple too. but i do like to have info also.
i've liked my gauge set that came with my boat.

left to right is fuel, vac,temp, amps, oil pressure trim and tach.
i use them all. least used is vac. but i guess it's nice to know that the engine is sound by being able to see the vac. gauge not bouncing
around. it'd be nice if the amp meter was a volt meter. but i don't mind the amp meter, it's retro for '75 and does provide
info (charge or discharge). i have considered adding a volt meter. it'd be nice to know i'm charging properly.
while the trim gauge is not necessary. i sure like it. i use at the ramp to tell where my drive is at. + since i have the old style
trim limit switch that always fails, which mine has, i use it to be sure i don't over trim up.

while i don't have a speedo and don't consider it a must have item. if i boated somewhere where i had to pilot a boat. a speedo
would be in order too since you need to know 2 of three items to pilot. speed, time, distance. i do have speedo capabilities too. it's just
through my gps.

most used gauge on my boat is the water temp. it's my first glance when looking at my gauges. tach second.

the foot auto pilot is optional....

 

[achris]

Re: Gauges??

I look at the oil pressure and water temp the most. Next is the speed (GPS) and the fuel flow. I mentally integrate them and come up with an instantaneous litres/nautical mile, so I have a good idea of my fuel consumption. I can adjust my engine speed accordingly... Hence the need for the tacho

Ziggy... Nice set up.....

 

[Bondo]

Re: Gauges??

for must have gauges, i'd think temp, tach, oil pressure, volt meter.

Ayuh,... I Agree with That...

Btw,... Trim gauges are for Beginners,....

 

[pine island fred]

Re: Gauges??

Courious, why do must people prefer a volt meter over an amp meter? Thats a nice looking gauge set. If it were mine I would make the chrome button next to the oil press into a starter button. Something satisfying about pressing a button instead of twisting a key. Sort of like you are firing up some serious industrial equipment.
Side note, my 05 SUZUKI verona has the ignition switch in the dash board where it is supposed to be. Not that anyone cares! Beats wrapping my arthritic hand around the steering column to start the engine. regards FRED

 

[achris]

Re: Gauges??

Btw,... Trim gauges are for Beginners,....

So what are you trying to say???

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Gauges??

Courious, why do must people prefer a volt meter over an amp meter?

You need a mega sized wire going all the way to the helm and back for the ammeter. Lots of potential for voltage loss. (Or is it amperage loss? I get the two confused). Anyway that's a lot of current going all the way up front needlessly.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Gauges??

Courious, why do must people prefer a volt meter over an amp meter? Thats a nice looking gauge set. If it were mine I would make the chrome button next to the oil press into a starter button. Something satisfying about pressing a button instead of twisting a key. Sort of like you are firing up some serious industrial equipment.
Side note, my 05 SUZUKI verona has the ignition switch in the dash board where it is supposed to be. Not that anyone cares! Beats wrapping my arthritic hand around the steering column to start the engine. regards FRED

Um, hold the phone! That is an awesome idea! How the heck do I do it???

 

[legoman67]

Re: Gauges??

Um, hold the phone! That is an awesome idea! How the heck do I do it???

simple, get a button, install it into dash, run 12v positive to one end, and pull the wire off the 'S' prong on the back of the ignition and put it on the other end of the button.

turn they key to run, and then press the button.

heres my guage set. still under construction

 

[Bondo]

Re: Gauges??

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bond-o
Btw,... Trim gauges are for Beginners,....
__________________________________________________________________

So what are you trying to say???

Ayuh,... It was even Better before, I'm Guessing, My buddy Don edited what I said.....

 

[pine island fred]

Re: Gauges??

Starter motor current never goes thru the meter. That would certainly burn it up real fast. The rest of the electric system goes true the instrument. LEGGOMAN, isnt the S terminal only energized when the key is turned to start? Would have to hold the key to start while pressing the button. FRED

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Gauges??

simple, get a button, install it into dash, run 12v positive to one end, and pull the wire off the 'S' prong on the back of the ignition and put it on the other end of the button.

turn they key to run, and then press the button.

heres my guage set. still under construction

Thanks lego! My rig will definitely be a push button ignition, why? Idunno, cause it's cool I guess. Thanks for the idea!

I like what you have going there with your console!

Cheers

 

[Don S]

Re: Gauges??

Ayuh,... It was even Better before, I'm Guessing, My buddy Don edited what I said.....

Ayuh...... you're right.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Gauges??

Ayuh,... It was even Better before, I'm Guessing, My buddy Don edited what I said.....

Don't worry you guys, I happened to catch bondo's comments, kinda weird actually. He went off talking about cats or something. Didn't make sense at all - I thought this site was about boats and stuff. Anyway, Don thanks for watching him. I think his regular sitter is off today.

By the way bondo, I am holding you accountable for getting me into this Merc V6 deal. Check post #23 on my thread below. You called it from the beginning man. I sure hope you can get me out of this!

Cheers Fellas!

 

[pine island fred]

Re: Gauges??

LEGOMAN, I apologize for second guessing your directions on hooking up the starter button. Reread the post and this time I saw you said to remove the wire off the S terminal and connect it to the switch. FRED