1973 OUTRAGE: Converting to Mechanical Fuel Tank Level Indicator

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Author Topic:   1973 OUTRAGE: Converting to Mechanical Fuel Tank Level Indicator

73whaler posted 07-06-2011 11:55 PM ET (US)
[The author wants] to convert [the fuel tank level indicator] on [a 1973 Boston Whaler OUTRAGE of unspecified length] to a mechanically [linked indicator instead of an] electrically [linked gauge]. [H]as anyone else done this? [D]oes anyone recommend a particular gauge and clear deck-lid? [T]hanks for any input, jay
contender posted 07-07-2011 12:53 AM ET (US)
Moller makes a mechanical fuel tank gauge, You need to measure the depth of your tank for the right size that you will need. You may have to replace the deck plate for one with a clear plastic top. The problem is after a while the plastic will turn cloudy and it will be hard to see the gauge. Good luck
73whaler posted 07-07-2011 06:40 AM ET (US)
[T]hanks. [H]ow long do you think the clear deck plate will last?
jimh posted 07-07-2011 07:48 AM ET (US)
The clear plastic deck plate cover on my 1990 Boston Whaler boat is perfectly clear and in excellent condition. On that basis I would project that such a cover should last at least 20-years without any sign of the plastic becoming cloudy.
Check the bolt pattern at the tank level sender port. If it is a five-bolt pattern there are many options available for improved electrical senders for fuel tank level. See my article in the SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL discussion on this topic:
Fuel Tank Level Sender: Electrical
http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum6/HTML/000632.html
The mechanically linked tank level gauge that Boston Whaler used on many boat is configured for a four-bolt pattern. If your tank has a matching hole pattern you could easily convert to the Whaler-style OEM fuel tank level indicator. See this REFERENCE article for more information:
http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/OEM.html#fuelGauge
73whaler posted 07-07-2011 10:12 AM ET (US)
thanks jim! I'm sure I would like to switch to a mechanical gauge, but the deck plate? do I have to find a raised one to fit over the gauge, or will the flat screw down style fit over the top? Also, do you think the rivet pattern is still the same as OEM?
dfmcintyre posted 07-08-2011 06:33 PM ET (US)
If your tank has not been replaced, it was made by Florida Tank. They would be the ones to contact for a mechanical gauge replacement.
My '73 Outrage came with the electrical. When I ordered a new tank from them, it came with a mechanical (I do not recall if is was an either / or option) gauge.
I drilled a view port in five steps:
- Drilled a 3" diameter hole, only 3/8" deep.
- Changed out the bit to a 2.5 inch bit and went almost all the way through, stopping when the center guide drill penetrated.
- Drilled from the bottom side, completing the hole.
- Trimmed with a router the remaining 1/4" "lip" that surrounded the hole.
- Cut out a piece of 3/8" Lexan plastic I had in the shop, with the 3" bit, with the center guide drill removed. You need to clamp the plastic down and use a drill press.
Coated the inside of the hole with two coats of West Epoxy, to prevent water penetration.
If your interested in photos, let me know, and I'll post them in Photobucket, and mail a link.
Regards - Don
Tohsgib posted 07-09-2011 11:54 AM ET (US)
My 76 came with a mechanical and it is still there even though the needle is long gone. The original clear lense broke a couple years ago. You can order one from theft marine.

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Author	Topic: 1973 OUTRAGE: Converting to Mechanical Fuel Tank Level Indicator
73whaler	posted 07-06-2011 11:55 PM ET (US) [The author wants] to convert [the fuel tank level indicator] on [a 1973 Boston Whaler OUTRAGE of unspecified length] to a mechanically [linked indicator instead of an] electrically [linked gauge]. [H]as anyone else done this? [D]oes anyone recommend a particular gauge and clear deck-lid? [T]hanks for any input, jay
contender	posted 07-07-2011 12:53 AM ET (US) Moller makes a mechanical fuel tank gauge, You need to measure the depth of your tank for the right size that you will need. You may have to replace the deck plate for one with a clear plastic top. The problem is after a while the plastic will turn cloudy and it will be hard to see the gauge. Good luck
73whaler	posted 07-07-2011 06:40 AM ET (US) [T]hanks. [H]ow long do you think the clear deck plate will last?
jimh	posted 07-07-2011 07:48 AM ET (US) The clear plastic deck plate cover on my 1990 Boston Whaler boat is perfectly clear and in excellent condition. On that basis I would project that such a cover should last at least 20-years without any sign of the plastic becoming cloudy. Check the bolt pattern at the tank level sender port. If it is a five-bolt pattern there are many options available for improved electrical senders for fuel tank level. See my article in the SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL discussion on this topic: Fuel Tank Level Sender: Electrical http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum6/HTML/000632.html The mechanically linked tank level gauge that Boston Whaler used on many boat is configured for a four-bolt pattern. If your tank has a matching hole pattern you could easily convert to the Whaler-style OEM fuel tank level indicator. See this REFERENCE article for more information: http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/OEM.html#fuelGauge
73whaler	posted 07-07-2011 10:12 AM ET (US) thanks jim! I'm sure I would like to switch to a mechanical gauge, but the deck plate? do I have to find a raised one to fit over the gauge, or will the flat screw down style fit over the top? Also, do you think the rivet pattern is still the same as OEM?
dfmcintyre	posted 07-08-2011 06:33 PM ET (US) If your tank has not been replaced, it was made by Florida Tank. They would be the ones to contact for a mechanical gauge replacement. My '73 Outrage came with the electrical. When I ordered a new tank from them, it came with a mechanical (I do not recall if is was an either / or option) gauge. I drilled a view port in five steps: - Drilled a 3" diameter hole, only 3/8" deep. - Changed out the bit to a 2.5 inch bit and went almost all the way through, stopping when the center guide drill penetrated. - Drilled from the bottom side, completing the hole. - Trimmed with a router the remaining 1/4" "lip" that surrounded the hole. - Cut out a piece of 3/8" Lexan plastic I had in the shop, with the 3" bit, with the center guide drill removed. You need to clamp the plastic down and use a drill press. Coated the inside of the hole with two coats of West Epoxy, to prevent water penetration. If your interested in photos, let me know, and I'll post them in Photobucket, and mail a link. Regards - Don
Tohsgib	posted 07-09-2011 11:54 AM ET (US) My 76 came with a mechanical and it is still there even though the needle is long gone. The original clear lense broke a couple years ago. You can order one from theft marine.