Temp gauge compatability?

[jasoutside]

Quick and easy (I think). So I bought this Temp Gauge for use on my Mercruiser V6 IO. I'm thinking I may actually want to use it for my 84 Evinrude 90 hp OB instead?

I know normally Temp Gauges with the H/C are used with OB's and Temp Gauges with the actual temp readings for IO's.

But, can I use em the other way?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Temp gauge compatability?

If the sender and the gauge match, yes. You need a "sender" for the outboard. The standard "sensor" is nothing more then a temperature sensitive switch whereas a "sender" is a thermister which changes resistance based on temperature. Temp senders typically have a resistance range of 33 ohms (hot) to 240 ohms (cold). The problem with the gauge you have is that the needle may normally ride barely off the 100 degree mark when used with an outboard. For outboards, a gauge that starts at 60 degrees is a better option since that would put the needle more in the center of the scale. Unfortunately those gauges are pretty scarce these days and also accounts for why most are calibrated C--N--H. With no numbers directly associated with those letters people don't complain about accuracy. All they want to know is when it is HOT and even then, most don't watch the gauge until the overheat horn sounds.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Temp gauge compatability?

Great info from you as usual Silvertip, thanks a ton for the explanation! Makes perfect sense to me now.

I've been trying to find that same style Temp Gauge just in the C/H OB version. I know I have seen it before but man if I can't find it now, rats.

Cheers man

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Temp gauge compatability?

Great info from you as usual Silvertip, thanks a ton for the explanation! Makes perfect sense to me now.

I've been trying to find that same style Temp Gauge just in the C/H OB version. I know I have seen it before but man if I can't find it now, rats.

Cheers man

You have a private message