Guages for my Merc 500

[00scoots]

I have (not on the boat yet due to snow storms in the Pac NW) a rebuilt 1972 Merc 500 with electric start and I believe Thunderbolt ignition.<br /><br />I am getting a new tach as the one I had was for a 4 cycle outboard.<br /><br />I have room for about 4 more guages on my dash.<br />So here are my questions:<br /><br />1. Will an ammeter work with this 2 cycle<br /> outboard and would it be useful?<br />2. Would a voltmeter be of use?<br />3. Would a new Mercury outboard temperature gauge<br /> work on this older outboard?<br />4. I'm also looking at a guage to monitor my <br /> battery and an hour meter.<br />5. What 4 guages would you choose to monitor your<br /> outboard and charging system?

 

[Hooty]

Re: Guages for my Merc 500

I think the only "must-have" gauges are a water pressure gauge and a tach, in that order. The rest are just gadgets.<br /><br />c/6<br />Hooty

 

[y not]

Re: Guages for my Merc 500

Hooty, why a water pressure gauge?<br />How would you hook it up? Isnt the tell tale stream adequate? Sorry for so many questions but never thought of a water pressure gauge.<br /><br />As for me 1. temp gauge 2. tacho 3. hour meter<br />4. volt meter<br /><br />I only say hour meter as I use my boat 12 months a year ( sub tropics) and is surprising how many hours you can get up without realising.

 

[Hooty]

Re: Guages for my Merc 500

The water pressure gauge tees off the tell tale line. It will tell you at a glance, without turning around, if the waterpump is working. It also tells how well the pump is working when the readings are compared to the readings of a new waterpump. (i.e.waterpump wear) Personally, I can't take the time to turn around and look for the tale tell when traveling at speed. I guess you could say it's proactive where the hi temp horn is reactive. Usually when the alarm sounds, it's to late, the damage is done. The other gauges are electives.<br /><br />c/6<br />Hooty