Adding temp and water pressure gauges?

[Merc90HPnewbie]

Seems like water temp and pressure would be a good thing to keep an eye on... I am wondering if my 1985 L6 90 HP merc has the capability to bolt on these gauges. I noticed two areas on the powerhead (by the spark plug holes) that might work,<br /><br /> http://www.freepicturehosting.com/g/124052_1.jpg <br /><br />This picture shows cyls 1,2,3. To the right of the top cyl is a small threaded blind hole (I think that's the right term for a hole that doesn't go all the way through...been a long time since shop class which seems like a good place for a temp sender. Below and to the right of cyl 3 is a brass colored plug which could be a water port for reading pressure? I was afraid to open it and wreck something.<br /><br />Are there any Mercury or aftermarket kits that easily go on this engine?<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[andrewkafp]

Re: Adding temp and water pressure gauges?

Merc<br /><br />We now know that your Merc 6 is a "Brown band" (By the photo) which were made after the last Blueband in 1984.<br />So your year looks right..<br />Refer here <br /><br /> http://www.myfishingpictures.com/img/004505.jpg <br /><br />My 1981-2 has that plug going to an after market pressure gauge (which aint working at the moment). It just has a 4-5mm hollow plastic tube attached, but they say that the gauges only work for a 3-5 years and then need replacing.<br />By the way, congrats on your approach to your motor problems on here.. You're probably the most positive new member I've come across on here and your pics are spot on.. Keep up the good work<br />You're an inspiration to other Newbies...

 

[gewf631]

Re: Adding temp and water pressure gauges?

Can anyone comment on the advantages/disadvantages to the 2 gauges mentioned?<br /><br />Back in my younger days, I installed a similar pressure gauge for oil, and sometime later, the hose failed (oil all over the interior)!<br /><br />I can understand the importance of a good water flow (i.e., pressure), but if you had to choose between temp and pressure, which one would it be?<br /><br />Seems to me that you could have low pressure, yet the temp could be OK. Conversely, if the pressure is OK, but there's some blocked passages, the temp could be too high.<br /><br />Comments? Thanks!

 

[Merc90HPnewbie]

Re: Adding temp and water pressure gauges?

Unicorn:<br />You got me blushing! <br />So it does sound like under the brass fitting between plugs 3&4 I could put a pressure gauge. Hopefully it would come with the correct hardware to thread into that hole. I'll have to check at the marina and see what they've got. Do you think that top hole is for temp? Or are you supposed to tap off the engine temp sensor? (the one that triggers the hi temp alarm) <br /><br />I did a search on this, and only found one relevant positng<br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=33;t=000422 <br /><br />Ed F: I would probably go with temp first for these reasons (1) It only involves electrical wiring (which I am OK with) not water tubing which can get messy, (2)Ultimately it's the temp of the head you want to monitor, even when you look at water pressure it's only because you want to know if you have sufficient flow through the engine. It's the heat can destroy it...<br /><br />For what it's worth, the manual tells me I have the older "high pressure" water pump rather than the newer "high volume" one.

 

[Merc90HPnewbie]

Re: Adding temp and water pressure gauges?

Bump up<br /><br />Anyone have a manufacturer who makes 'drop in' temp and or pressure gauges for this motor?<br />Thanks!

 

[RVAHA]

Re: Adding temp and water pressure gauges?

I put Teleflex gauges on my 1981 200. The temp gauge is just 1 wire that attaches to a sender that mounts on the head. (V6 should mount on the side opposite of the high temp alarm sender)<br /><br />The water gauge kit that I bought has instructions and different fittings for different types of motors. I bet that it would work.<br /><br />Both gauges helped me troubleshoot a problem that I was having with my motor. If you can afford, I would recommend both. See this thread. http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=29;t=008258 <br /><br />Rick

 

[Merc90HPnewbie]

Re: Adding temp and water pressure gauges?

Thanks for the tip. I found their site at www.teleflexmorse.com<br /><br />You have to go to their online PDF catalog. Their website is mostly pushing new computerized gauges which is exactly what I dont want. But in their catalog there's lots of analog gauges and also some useful hookup information. <br /><br />Do you have a part number you used? Their catalog has so many different ones... <br /><br />Thanks again!

 

[RVAHA]

Re: Adding temp and water pressure gauges?

Try Overtons at www.overtons.com

 

[Merc90HPnewbie]

Re: Adding temp and water pressure gauges?

Thanks!<br />They only advertise white/blue Teleflex gauges but it gives me an idea of price (not too bad).<br /><br />Now I just have to figure out a way to route the hoses and wires off the outboard without them getting pinched or kinked....