help with gauges for a 1980 140hp johnson

[silveraire]

never having a boat with gauges, I have no idea what I'm really looking for. I have found a combo gauge set on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FARI...at_Parts_Accessories_Gear&hash=item2eb6c2e165

will this work with my motor. I know the add says that the trim is set up for mercury/volvo/yamaha engines. Is there a way it will work for my johnson, or am I out of luck?

If this combo won't work, any recomendations on what I should use. Really all I need is a tach, trim, tilt, and fuel. Any info would be great.

ty in advance,
chad

 

[reddogg]

Re: help with gauges for a 1980 140hp johnson

The teleflex brand of gages are very good and cost much less than the faria (usually), you can get them here at I-Boats or if they don't have them try overtons. I bought a set of them from I-Boats and are very pleased with them. They come in black or white with diff colors for the numbers and diff shaped bezzels. They are also lighted for night use. I have a set of the eclipse gages and love them. Also I just looked and I-Boats has a sale going on In a set you want to look for a tach, fuel gage, speedometer, voltmeter, and trim/tilt. You may have to buy the T/T sepperate. Have fun.

Red

 

[silveraire]

Re: help with gauges for a 1980 140hp johnson

the main reason I really liked the ones on ebay is that they are a combo of two gauges that incorporate all of what I need and I am restricted on space. I can make a pod to glass in on top of my dash and still have room for my sounder/gps combo.

chad

 

[willamettejeff]

Re: help with gauges for a 1980 140hp johnson

The trim gauge for a Mercury will operate backwards when connected to the trim sensor on your Johnson/Evinrude (dn is up, up is dn). Also do you really expect your boat to be able to do 90mph? If not, most of that speedometer's range will be wasted with it being impossible to tell whether your going lets say 45 or 48/49. Tach is fine, but one that tops out at 6000rpms (the typical high end for an outboard) would be better.

FYI, I did away with the speedometer on my boat as it doesn't even start working until above 10-15mph, was very inaccurate, and a pain to keep debris out of the pitot pickup that often stopped the gauge from working at all. I use GPS instead. Accurate, works down to the slowest speeds and is not affected by river currents.

-- Jeff

 

[silveraire]

Re: help with gauges for a 1980 140hp johnson

I don't really wan't a spedo. I have the gps for that. Just looking for options for gauges for the boat. I liked the multi gauges because of my space restrictions. I wasn't really looking at all for gauges, but with the investment of a fully rebuilt motor, I'd like to keep tabs on it a little.

chad

 

[ezmobee]

Re: help with gauges for a 1980 140hp johnson

I got this one for mine http://greatlakesskipper.com/produc...fuel-temp-trim-volt-boat-gauge-wout-logo.html and a Teleflex tach. I'm still working on getting the trim gauge to work (although I am not encouraged by what Jeff posted above) and my temp gauge reads real low. I don't how what sender you'd have to add and how in order to get the water pressure part of the one you linked to work.

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w200/ezmobee/New Boat/IMG_1139.jpg

 

[willamettejeff]

Re: help with gauges for a 1980 140hp johnson

Well if you don't want the speedometer, then I'd recommend that you get just those you listed (tach, fuel, & tilt/trim). If you are going to be boating in shallow water, would suggest a water pressure gauge also so when you trim the motor up to protect the prop you can tell when water is no longer getting to the pump. Don't necessarily need the tilt/trim gauge as you can tell somewhat by looking at the motor, but I will say I like mine as it takes out the guess work and saves my neck from looking back as often. Could group them all in your dash just about in the space the ones your looking at would take. Tach on one side and all four 2 1/8" gauges clustered in a square next to it. Just make sure you get the trim gauge for a Johnson/Evinrude. Do you know if your motor has the trim sensor? If not, it can be purchased. Just more expense and work to install if the mounting holes are not already drilled and tapped.

-- Jeff

 

[silveraire]

Re: help with gauges for a 1980 140hp johnson

no idea if it has a trim sensor, or any idea what to look for as a matter of fact. Can you point me in a direction?

chad

 

[willamettejeff]

Re: help with gauges for a 1980 140hp johnson

no idea if it has a trim sensor, or any idea what to look for as a matter of fact. Can you point me in a direction?

Tilt the motor all the way up and engage the tilt support lock. Look on the inside of the left/port mounting bracket for a 2 1/2" or so black plastic 'box' mounted with 2 screws and having a spring loaded plastic arm and 2 wire cable coming out of it. This is the trim sensor. You'll find it just to the left of the T&T motor. If all you see is 2 raised bosses on inside of the bracket, then you don't have the sensor. Very hard to miss if it is there BTW.

-- Jeff