wire diagrams

[brunowren]

Ok I purchesed my first Boat a 1975 Tropicana 18' open bow /tri hull with a merc 120 I/O... But runs great but just have a few questions... <br /><br />1. Where can I find a owners manual of some sort just so I know what everything is (well what is stock and is added on by previous owners) <br /><br />2. The only gauge that seems to work is the Tach. The others gauges all move when I turn the key on but dont respond (fuel shows empty /temp doesnt change) Where can I get a wire diagram for this boat ? I took the dash off and they dont all look stock <br /><br />3. There are 3 pull switches on the dash .. I found out 1 runs the Bilge (I hear it come on , but dont know how well it works) ....1 turns on the aft light pole (but not the front nav lights) and the third is a two stage switch (pulls out some and then pull out again.. This doesnt seem to do anything (there are no blowers on the boat ) so not sure what it is for...<br /><br /><br />Thanks for any help for a newbie

 

[Don S]

Re: wire diagrams

The chances of finding a wiring diagram for that old a boat, and it meaning anything, is somewhere between zero and none.<br />For some reason owning a boat means you can do elecrical work even if you have no clue how it's done. At least that is my experience from working on boats for more years than I care to say. All the previous owners got to do "Their Thing" with the wiring, and now you have to figure out how to fix it all.<br />If you click on the link below, you will find a .pdf formatted 12Volt handbook that will help you understand troubleshooting and checking out your electrical system on your boat. It's 10.5 MB long, so it will take a while to open, especially if you are on a dial up connection.<br /><br /> 12 Volt Doctor's Handbook

 

[brunowren]

Re: wire diagrams

Wow Thanks Don That will help big time... I think I will get by this season and rewire it all this winter

 

[jlinder]

Re: wire diagrams

One suggestons brunowren - <br /><br />When you rewire make sure you document everything.

 

[brunowren]

Re: wire diagrams

very true Jack! I can just imagine 2 years down the road and going to fix something! Gee what was this for ? HAHA

 

[beezee28]

Re: wire diagrams

the third is a two stage switch (pulls out some and then pull out again.. This doesnt seem to do anything (there are no blowers on the boat ) so not sure what it is for...

I once have an old boat that have the 2 stage pull switch and found out that it was for the fuel gauge. On that boat it had double fuel tank (left and right). One pull is for the left tank and another pull is for the right tank. Could be the same setup? Give it a try and see what happens.

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: wire diagrams

brunowren,<br />Three things: First you need a good working blower, ya don't want’ a make the news as a fire works show. Second you should have a working temp. gage. You can do some big money damage if your engine over heats and you continue to run it. And last it's always a good idea to know you have oil pressure, even if you only install a warning light. Good luck.