Temp or pressure gauge?

[Barnacle_Bill]

I want to add a temp or water pressure guage to my 83 Merc 150 because I keep forgetting to test the horn. Which do you prefer and why?

 

[ob]

Re: Temp or pressure gauge?

Both would be nice but if I chose one it would be the water pressure guage.Why?It will keep you apprised of the health of the waterpump and cooling sysytem components by establishing a baseline pressure reading.Any future deviation pressure readings could mean a weakening pump or cooling system restriction.In the eveent of an intake obstruction the pressure will drop before the engine overheats allowing some reaction time if you frequently glance at your guages.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Temp or pressure gauge?

I'd like to agree with ob but I am wondering what kind of reaction a sticking thermostat/popit valve would have on water pressure first.<br /><br />If they dont affect water pressure they may both be serve a usefull purpose.

 

[ob]

Re: Temp or pressure gauge?

Originally posted by Reel Poor:<br /> I'd like to agree with ob but I am wondering what kind of reaction a sticking thermostat/popit valve would have on water pressure first.

Good point Reel Poor.That's why it's real important to make sure that the factory overheat sensor and audible alarm are in good working order.Without it ,you're running on a prayer and spending quality boating time staring at and worrying about guage readings.Factory spec operating overheat alarms are designed to initiate over recommended/normal running temps ,yet under what would/could be detrimental to the engine if it were not shut down either by the operator or failsafe design.If I had any questions as to the operating integrity of my overheat sensor or alarm circuit ,I would restore it before installing accessory guages.Temp sensors,buzzers, and wires are far cheaper than powerheads.

 

[andy6374]

Re: Temp or pressure gauge?

Reel Poor-<br />With the pressure gauge you can see the pressure drop when the tstats open or increase when the close. When you start to get into the midrange RPM you can see the pressure drop when the poppet valve opens. I think you would see an increase in pressure if the tstat closed on you at higher RPM's, but if it opened initally I doubt it would suddenly close.<br /><br />So if you know nominal pressures for particular RPM's on a working cooling system. Then you have a template so to speak of what your pressures should always be.<br /><br />Hope this helps

 

[Mark42]

Re: Temp or pressure gauge?

I have a temp guage and I find it very useful. And it's nice to have because you get an early warning before the horn goes off (as long as you keep an eye on it). But I plan to add a water pressure guage this spring because I don't like the idea of not being able to see the telltale when underway, and guages are cheap, motors are expensive. <br /><br />Besides, can't have too many guages! <br /><br />The pressure guage will go to the far right, making the righthand cluster of guages a V shape.<br /><br />

<br /><br />From left to right, the guages are Speedo, Temp, Tach, Fuel, Voltage, then the new pressure. Guages are fun!

 

[Solittle]

Re: Temp or pressure gauge?

I have both & would not have it any other way. The more warnings the better. You can cook an engine in a hurry.