1987 Johnson 120 - Welcraft Steplift V20 Engine temp kits.

[kbmsound]

Hi everyone. So I went on the water 2 days ago, and had the warning on the control box go off twice. Both times I was running about 5k rpms, and after around 15 mins of running. I backed down to idle for around 20 secs and the alarm would go off, then i could continue. Ran fine without alarms under 45rpms. Day after, I replaced both t-stats, I de-gunked the t-stats housing for better water flow, and new water impeller rebuild, housing and all. My boat didn't have many gauges when I purchased it. Only has a fuel, tach, and speed (non-working) and tilt/trim (non-working). I want to install temp gauges and senders but I have noticed some comments about Water Temp vs. Cylinder Head Temp. Which one should I go with? Either way, has anyone gotten a kit they like and can you share where you got it from?
Thanks,
Les.

 

[sutor623]

I would check/replace the waterpump first. After that you can attach a water pressure gauge on the telltale line and call it a day.

 

[kbmsound]

I would check/replace the waterpump first. After that you can attach a water pressure gauge on the telltale line and call it a day.

I did replace the water pump, and both thermostats yesterday. Is there a benefit to the water pressure vs. water temp? Also, if i go the water pressure route, what ranges should I be looking for?

 

[sutor623]

Not sure on pressure ranges. But what I have heard is 3-5psi at idle, 15-20 at WOT.

If you do temp you need it on both heads. Most prefer water pressure because it will tell you there is an issue BEFORE the heads overheat. With temp sensors, sometimes by the time you notice your temps have climbed it is too late. Honestly, I think a working overheat buzzer and water pressure gauge is the way to go.

 

[kbmsound]

Not sure on pressure ranges. But what I have heard is 3-5psi at idle, 15-20 at WOT.

If you do temp you need it on both heads. Most prefer water pressure because it will tell you there is an issue BEFORE the heads overheat. With temp sensors, sometimes by the time you notice your temps have climbed it is too late. Honestly, I think a working overheat buzzer and water pressure gauge is the way to go.

I have a working overheat buzzet, but just noticedon't a sound coming from the control box when running. It's almost like a white noise sound (best I can describe) and it gets louder as I throttle up. Could be that the buzzet is going bad?

 

[sutor623]

Not sure what that could be. If the buzzer sounds fine when you tested it, I doubt that it what is making the noise. Cant say that I have heard this before.........