Swapping out some gauges. What should I know first?

[Philster]

I have a 1996 27' Scarab with Merc/Bravo setup. From reading around, I can replace all but the oil press gauge without changing senders.

My tach is falling from it's position... falling down behind the console.

I would like to get a new tach and speedo, but I am not sure what I am getting into behind the console.

It seems I have very little access area, so I hope I can reach up and get the new instruments secured, but what will the wiring look like?

There is a fuse (?) panel just below the steering helm, and it seems to be the only access point.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Swapping out some gauges. What should I know first?

i've no real answer for you. but if it falls through the hole, the hole must be to big. looks like you've got limited space for going to a bigger gauge too. so seems to me that your committed to that size gauge. a different one will have the same problem i'd guess if the hole is to big. gist of my suggestion is to make the hole smaller somehow so the gauge don't fall through it. or maybe the bracket that holds what you've got in place is failing. those places are where i'd look 1st before trying to replace the gauge, specially since yers are all the same in looks..

but I am not sure what I am getting into behind the console.

yer gonna have to go look and see.

It seems I have very little access area, so I hope I can reach up and get the new instruments secured,

sounds like a boat to me. no access. like i said, i'd see why what ya got isn't working for you. there must be a reason it falls through..

 

[Thad]

Re: Swapping out some gauges. What should I know first?

Yep, I would look at why the gauge is pulling through. Faulty gauge? Hole too big as was said?
Also, I was once told that the fuel gauge and sender have to be matched and or synced. I may have been told wrong, but I would look into it.

I would try real hard to get the same style gauge and only replace the faulty tach. IF in fact that is the problem. If the hole is too big or worn, I would look at the original warranty to see if there is any recourse for faulty workmanship. If not, have a SS "washer/spacer" of sorts cut out for it. (Any machiine shop could do this in short order.) An ID for the gauge to slide into and an OD just big enough to hold it in place on the dash.

If appearance is an issue, have "spacers" made for all of the gauges and there you go. Probably a lot less $$ than new gauges and they all still match And wiring is no longer an issue either.

EDIT: OOPS, upon further review, it looks as though the smaller gauges are recessed into the dash. So you would only have to do the tach and speedo.

 

[Philster]

Re: Swapping out some gauges. What should I know first?

I think the tach (the pics are of same model boats, not mine) is separating from the mount/base (this is why I am confused. The mount must still be holding the base to the dash, but the tach seal has rotted and is falling away from the mount). I need a new tach.

I am going to replace tach and speedometer so they match. I guess I have to reach up, unscrew the mounts/gauges and replace them.

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Swapping out some gauges. What should I know first?

I bet the mount bracket under the dash came loose, and the vibration ended up causing the tach to come apart absent the support from underneath...

 

[ziggy]

Re: Swapping out some gauges. What should I know first?

glue?

flex set? made my marinetex. sets up as a flexible epoxy. i used it to adhere plexiglass (which glues to nothing pretty much) to a metal rail. the rail supports the whole piece of plexiglass and takes full vertical vibrations, so far w/o incident over 1 1/2 years of use now..

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Swapping out some gauges. What should I know first?

SOund slike a good option. If the tach still works, might be worth a try. Checkt he holding bracket behind it though..

 

[rbh]

Re: Swapping out some gauges. What should I know first?

if a hole is just a little oversized try and find a rubber grommet, like they use in electrical applications to protect the wires, to close up the hole a little.
as well the rubber will add some insulation from the vibration.
rob

 

[Blue Crabber]

Re: Swapping out some gauges. What should I know first?

Have you throughly checked to see if you have some more access from inside the cuddy? Go inside and close the door and look to see what you have.

Also, what about the panel below the steering wheel, does that remove? Might give you a bigger area to work through but then again, your steering wheel might get in the way.

Either way, it looks like it will be a pain. Good luck!

 

[allpoints360]

Re: Swapping out some gauges. What should I know first?

It looks like the purple molding should come off in one piece and all the gauges are attached to it.

 

[allpoints360]

Re: Swapping out some gauges. What should I know first?

It looks like the purple molding will come off in one piece. The gauges appear to be attached to the molding.

So if you remove the molding, you should have access the the backs of the gauges.

Good luck.

 

[Philster]

Re: Swapping out some gauges. What should I know first?

Doesn't seem the cabin has access.

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: Swapping out some gauges. What should I know first?

I'm with allpoint. Purple trim comes off for access.