1987 Wellcraft 180 Classic gauges don't work

[lcichon]

Hey guys, I recently bought a 1987 Wellcraft 180 Classic. The boat is great, new Chevy 289 engine in 2002, rebuilt OMC Cobra outdrive, and it runs strong. However, there seems to be something flaky going on with the electrical and I think the boat was left in the weather for some time to cause this. Without the ignition key in, I can get lights on each of the switches and the oil pressure gauge seems to work after turning the blower switch on (I don't hear the blower working) nav lights work, stereo seems to have no power no matter what. A soon as I turn the key to the ACC position I have nothing on any of the gauges or switches, but I do hear an odd pump type sound coming from the engine compartment. After starting the boat and underway, still no gauges, power to any switches, stereo, running lights, etc. Could this be as simple as replacing the ignition switch? What do you suggest I check to start ruling stuff out? I have a test light and other basic tools for the job. Thanks for your time,

Lee

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 1987 Wellcraft 180 Classic gauges don't work

Have you actually stuck your head under the console to see if any wires are dangling, loose, disconnected, etc. Weird gauge action is usually indicative of a bad ground. Non-functional gauges usually result from lack of power to them. Here is a diagram for a generic gauge setup. Ignore wire colors -- they are what they are to differentiate circuits. Just for the record, if the engine is really a 289 it's a Ford, not a Chevy. If it's a Chevy it will be a 283 but since it's a 1987 boat, I would say the engine has been replaced as by that time the engine would more than likely be a 305. Distributor in front = Ford. Distributor at the rear = Chevy.

 

[lcichon]

Re: 1987 Wellcraft 180 Classic gauges don't work

Thanks Silvertip - the diagram will help out a lot. I got under the dash, checked all connections for loose wires and bad ground connections but found only a single hanging black wire which has power on it whether or not the ignition is on or not, but I can't find anywhere it should be connected as it's a flat end like it goes into the distribution panel, but that's also where it comes from.

Other than that, everything seems to be hooked up correctly as in your diagram. I got under the stereo and found a bad fuse on the hot feed, replaced it, now the stereo works EXCEPT IT CUTS OUT COMPLETELY WHEN THE KEY IS TURNED, OR THE BLOWER SWITCH IS ON. And check this out: when I flip accesories like the bilge pump on, the stereo signal gets all low and crappy. Doesn't matter what the accessory is, it affects the stereo. IT SEEMS LIKE THERE'S NOT ENOUGH POWER TO GO AROUND, or a short or bad ground that only comes into play when the ignition is turned on.

Anyway, I seem to be slowly making progress. If there's anywhere else you know that I can check for grounds, shorts, or bad connections that would be helpful.

BTW- it is a Chevy 305 and that noise was the fuel pump.

Thanks for taking the time-

 

[lcichon]

Re: 1987 Wellcraft 180 Classic gauges don't work

FOUND IT! disconnected ground wire from the gas tank! The little wire nut connecting the wire to the metal cap on top of the in-floor gas tank broke off.

Man, I pulled the engine cover, jump-seat backs, carpeted wall going over the engine and checked every fuse, ground, and wire on that engine. Not to mention the 3 hours I spent under the dash checking wires and pulling the gauge cluster apart. I had almost given up when I saw the round floor hatchs and decided to see what was in there (new boat) and WAM! loose wire! Oh well, at least the boat got a full system inspection for loose wires and such.

Thanks guys-

 

[RWilson2526]

Re: 1987 Wellcraft 180 Classic gauges don't work

Hey Icichon,

I just bought the same exact year and model boat about 2 months ago!! Fortunately all gauges are working at this point. Needed a serious cleaning and some new carpet but it so far seems to be a great boat. Just thought I would say hey.

Rob