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Author Topic:   Re-Fitting New Motor to Existing Gauges

cindalyn posted 11-30-2008 06:12 PM ET (US)
What will be required if I buy a 2008 Yamaha F90 and I want to use the existing analog gauges that are in excellent condition?
Is an adapter cable available or will the wires have to be spliced?
Is it possible to connect both the analog and a multifunction tachometer together and have all function properly?
Other than the ease of connection, is there an advantage to using the multifunction tachometer rather than several analog gauges?
What is the best way to handle all the empty holes if the analog gauges are removed?
Ron
Jefecinco posted 12-01-2008 09:25 AM ET (US)
You could simply leave the unused gages in place. They would look better than holes and no repair or patching would be required. Who knows, perhaps in the future they'll be useful to someone.
Butch
jimh posted 12-01-2008 09:29 AM ET (US)
Re-use of gauges is possible. Most tachometers can be adjusted to match the number of poles in the alternator winding that supplies the tachometer signal. A voltmeter is a voltmeter. Temperature gauges have to be matched to their sending unit, but you can probably use the same sending unit if the threads match the boss on the new engine. A trim gauge also has to be matched to the sending unit, and this will be the hardest to re-use. The trim calibration and sense of direction are often markedly different on different brands of engines. A water pressure gauge generally uses a hydraulic not an electrical connection, so it should be fine, although the range of pressure may not be proper for the new engine.
If the new motor wiring harness terminates in a connector, I recommend you preserve the connector, that is, do not cut it off. Also, I recommend you do not splice into the OEM harness, either. Either modification will be damaging to the value of that expensive harness.
Instead, try to purchase the mating connector and fabricate your own wiring harness to connect to the OEM engine harness and convey the electrical signals to your old gauges.
The Yamaha multi-function tachometer gauge is expensive, but it is a nice gauge. It will give your installation a professional look.
In most cases when gauges are replaced and there are holes in the helm console or dashboard, you can make a new overlay panel and hide the old holes. The panels are typically made from 0.125-inch thick aluminum alloy.
As for connecting two tachometers in parallel, this ought to work. A tachometer is a frequency measuring device. However, there is no guarantee that it will work, as the input impedance of the paralleled tachometers may cause the signal level to drop a bit. About all you can do is try it. Connect one tachometer initially, get it working, and then temporarily parallel the second tachometer. Note if the reading changes on the first tachometer when the second is connected.

Casco Bay Outrage posted 12-01-2008 11:25 AM ET (US)
For the sake of giving Ron specific advice, note the gauges he currently has
Left panel:
http://s266.photobucket.com/albums/ii268/WhalerRon/?action=view& current=100_1999.jpg
Tach
Battery Voltage
Trim
Hour Meter
Fuel Gauge
Right Panel
http://s266.photobucket.com/albums/ii268/WhalerRon/?action=view& current=100_1998.jpg
Check Engine Gauge
Lights/Accessories
As for the instrument panels, you can get new panels via a whaler dealer or order through Sue at Twin Cities. I recall they are ~ 20.00 each.
If it were me, and budget was tight, I would go for the Yamaha analog tach. The voltage gauge is of marginal value. Trim gauge should work with new engine. Check engine gauge is not needed with the Yamaha. Whaler fuel gauge will work regardless of engine brand. Hour meter will need to be reset if reused.
cindalyn posted 12-01-2008 11:45 AM ET (US)
Thank you Jefecinco & Jim
Based on what you said I think I'm going to go with the multi-function gauge and probably let the existing gauges in place with the lights attached. Some of the analog gauges will be functional and the others will just be 'fillers'.
If I was 'certain' the homemade harness would work I'd probably go with that. But, based on the uncertainties pointed out by Jim - why go looking for problems?
Ron
TransAm posted 12-02-2008 08:55 AM ET (US)
Both of the black mounting panels are removable and easily replaced. I recently did this on my Temptation when I added more guages. Your local metal shop can sell you a replacement aluminum panel, and even cut the holes if you don't have a hole saw. A primer and couple coats of black spray paint and you are good to go.
If you are interested in the Yamaha multi-function tach, I have a new one, out of the box but never used that I would part with for a fair price, say $150 (cheapest price I've seen new is $327). Functions include RPM, trim, temp, oil alarm. Let me know-I can send pics front and back.
cindalyn posted 12-02-2008 12:06 PM ET (US)
Tramsam
Thanks, and yes I'm interested if the Tachometer Rigging Kit if is part Yamaha part no. 6YR-W0035-E2-00 and it is new. Please send pictures to the address shown on my profile.
What gauge aluminum did you use for the cover plate?
BTW ebay regularily has this gauge listed for $219. The lowest I've seen anywhere.
_______
Phil
Thanks, I wish you lived closer I'd like to meet you. You have been a tremendous help with my Outrage and engine issues.

Ron
cindalyn posted 12-02-2008 12:22 PM ET (US)
Transam
I was wrong the $219 I saw was on boats.net not ebay.
Ron
TransAm posted 12-02-2008 03:25 PM ET (US)
Ron,
I am not sure of the part number. I bought this from my Yamaha mechanic this past spring when I re-powered my boat. However, it did not match the other tach I have (I have twin motors) so I never installed it. It also has capabilities beyond my 1999 Yamaha 250’s (re-settable hour meter). I will send it to you to try out; if it works, drop me a check. If it is not exactly what you were looking for, send it back to me-no worries. I’ll send some pics tonight.
TransAm posted 12-02-2008 05:24 PM ET (US)
Regarding the panel thickness, the factory plate seems to be slightly less than 1/8". Since I have many guages (9), I went with a replacement aluminum panel of 3/8" thickness to aviod any excessive flex in the panel. I also used a spray paint that generates a "hammered" finish to match the adjoining non-skid type vinyl that was factory applied to other fiberglass surfaces around the helm.
http://s299.photobucket.com/albums/mm314/77SETransAm/?action=view& current=Gauge-Instruments002.jpg
Click the image for a zoom view
jimh posted 12-02-2008 11:00 PM ET (US)
Great installation!

Casco Bay Outrage posted 12-03-2008 11:27 AM ET (US)
Ron -
In case you have not seen my new panels. Here are links to the before and after.
I sourced the new panels from TCM.
OLD: http://picasaweb.google.com/CascoBayOutrage/ 1991Outrage17I#5086788006707117122
NEW: http://picasaweb.google.com/CascoBayOutrage/ 1991Outrage17I#5012257039940876930
The multifunction tach is on the right and the multifunction speed/time etc is on the left.
cindalyn posted 12-03-2008 12:57 PM ET (US)
TransAm, WOW, Jim is right - nice installation!
Phil, I had seen your setup before. It's a nice clean setup. I'll probably work for something similiar onece I get settled with a new engine, GPS and a few other minor issues.
TransAm posted 12-03-2008 05:02 PM ET (US)
Thanks. There is some redundancy with the analog gauges, however many times they tell a more complete story of problems should the arise. For instance, if the temperature alarm tied to the Tach sounds, you have no forewarning that there is a problem with engine temperature-only that the engine is running hot beyond acceptable limits. With a separate analog temperature gauge, you can monitor engine temperatures as they rise and fall. If you see your engine beginning to run hot, but not enough to sound an alarm, measures can be taken ahead of time before the problems become more significant.
Ron, beyond the Tach you are considering, the Fuel Management Gauge would also be a nice addition. They are a bit salty though. Good luck on the balance of your re-fit. Keep me posted on the tach.
Frank O posted 12-04-2008 12:25 AM ET (US)
Just to second the point made by TransAm -- one of the greatest (to me) enhancements I've made to my Outrage was adding an analog temperature gauge. The engine system previously had only a temperature alarm. Adding the gauge allows me to closely monitor trends in temperature before they get out of hand.

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Author	Topic: Re-Fitting New Motor to Existing Gauges
cindalyn	posted 11-30-2008 06:12 PM ET (US) What will be required if I buy a 2008 Yamaha F90 and I want to use the existing analog gauges that are in excellent condition? Is an adapter cable available or will the wires have to be spliced? Is it possible to connect both the analog and a multifunction tachometer together and have all function properly? Other than the ease of connection, is there an advantage to using the multifunction tachometer rather than several analog gauges? What is the best way to handle all the empty holes if the analog gauges are removed? Ron
Jefecinco	posted 12-01-2008 09:25 AM ET (US) You could simply leave the unused gages in place. They would look better than holes and no repair or patching would be required. Who knows, perhaps in the future they'll be useful to someone. Butch
jimh	posted 12-01-2008 09:29 AM ET (US) Re-use of gauges is possible. Most tachometers can be adjusted to match the number of poles in the alternator winding that supplies the tachometer signal. A voltmeter is a voltmeter. Temperature gauges have to be matched to their sending unit, but you can probably use the same sending unit if the threads match the boss on the new engine. A trim gauge also has to be matched to the sending unit, and this will be the hardest to re-use. The trim calibration and sense of direction are often markedly different on different brands of engines. A water pressure gauge generally uses a hydraulic not an electrical connection, so it should be fine, although the range of pressure may not be proper for the new engine. If the new motor wiring harness terminates in a connector, I recommend you preserve the connector, that is, do not cut it off. Also, I recommend you do not splice into the OEM harness, either. Either modification will be damaging to the value of that expensive harness. Instead, try to purchase the mating connector and fabricate your own wiring harness to connect to the OEM engine harness and convey the electrical signals to your old gauges. The Yamaha multi-function tachometer gauge is expensive, but it is a nice gauge. It will give your installation a professional look. In most cases when gauges are replaced and there are holes in the helm console or dashboard, you can make a new overlay panel and hide the old holes. The panels are typically made from 0.125-inch thick aluminum alloy. As for connecting two tachometers in parallel, this ought to work. A tachometer is a frequency measuring device. However, there is no guarantee that it will work, as the input impedance of the paralleled tachometers may cause the signal level to drop a bit. About all you can do is try it. Connect one tachometer initially, get it working, and then temporarily parallel the second tachometer. Note if the reading changes on the first tachometer when the second is connected.
Casco Bay Outrage	posted 12-01-2008 11:25 AM ET (US) For the sake of giving Ron specific advice, note the gauges he currently has Left panel: http://s266.photobucket.com/albums/ii268/WhalerRon/?action=view& current=100_1999.jpg Tach Battery Voltage Trim Hour Meter Fuel Gauge Right Panel http://s266.photobucket.com/albums/ii268/WhalerRon/?action=view& current=100_1998.jpg Check Engine Gauge Lights/Accessories As for the instrument panels, you can get new panels via a whaler dealer or order through Sue at Twin Cities. I recall they are ~ 20.00 each. If it were me, and budget was tight, I would go for the Yamaha analog tach. The voltage gauge is of marginal value. Trim gauge should work with new engine. Check engine gauge is not needed with the Yamaha. Whaler fuel gauge will work regardless of engine brand. Hour meter will need to be reset if reused.
cindalyn	posted 12-01-2008 11:45 AM ET (US) Thank you Jefecinco & Jim Based on what you said I think I'm going to go with the multi-function gauge and probably let the existing gauges in place with the lights attached. Some of the analog gauges will be functional and the others will just be 'fillers'. If I was 'certain' the homemade harness would work I'd probably go with that. But, based on the uncertainties pointed out by Jim - why go looking for problems? Ron
TransAm	posted 12-02-2008 08:55 AM ET (US) Both of the black mounting panels are removable and easily replaced. I recently did this on my Temptation when I added more guages. Your local metal shop can sell you a replacement aluminum panel, and even cut the holes if you don't have a hole saw. A primer and couple coats of black spray paint and you are good to go. If you are interested in the Yamaha multi-function tach, I have a new one, out of the box but never used that I would part with for a fair price, say $150 (cheapest price I've seen new is $327). Functions include RPM, trim, temp, oil alarm. Let me know-I can send pics front and back.
cindalyn	posted 12-02-2008 12:06 PM ET (US) Tramsam Thanks, and yes I'm interested if the Tachometer Rigging Kit if is part Yamaha part no. 6YR-W0035-E2-00 and it is new. Please send pictures to the address shown on my profile. What gauge aluminum did you use for the cover plate? BTW ebay regularily has this gauge listed for $219. The lowest I've seen anywhere. _______ Phil Thanks, I wish you lived closer I'd like to meet you. You have been a tremendous help with my Outrage and engine issues. Ron
cindalyn	posted 12-02-2008 12:22 PM ET (US) Transam I was wrong the $219 I saw was on boats.net not ebay. Ron
TransAm	posted 12-02-2008 03:25 PM ET (US) Ron, I am not sure of the part number. I bought this from my Yamaha mechanic this past spring when I re-powered my boat. However, it did not match the other tach I have (I have twin motors) so I never installed it. It also has capabilities beyond my 1999 Yamaha 250’s (re-settable hour meter). I will send it to you to try out; if it works, drop me a check. If it is not exactly what you were looking for, send it back to me-no worries. I’ll send some pics tonight.
TransAm	posted 12-02-2008 05:24 PM ET (US) Regarding the panel thickness, the factory plate seems to be slightly less than 1/8". Since I have many guages (9), I went with a replacement aluminum panel of 3/8" thickness to aviod any excessive flex in the panel. I also used a spray paint that generates a "hammered" finish to match the adjoining non-skid type vinyl that was factory applied to other fiberglass surfaces around the helm. http://s299.photobucket.com/albums/mm314/77SETransAm/?action=view& current=Gauge-Instruments002.jpg Click the image for a zoom view
jimh	posted 12-02-2008 11:00 PM ET (US) Great installation!
Casco Bay Outrage	posted 12-03-2008 11:27 AM ET (US) Ron - In case you have not seen my new panels. Here are links to the before and after. I sourced the new panels from TCM. OLD: http://picasaweb.google.com/CascoBayOutrage/ 1991Outrage17I#5086788006707117122 NEW: http://picasaweb.google.com/CascoBayOutrage/ 1991Outrage17I#5012257039940876930 The multifunction tach is on the right and the multifunction speed/time etc is on the left.
cindalyn	posted 12-03-2008 12:57 PM ET (US) TransAm, WOW, Jim is right - nice installation! Phil, I had seen your setup before. It's a nice clean setup. I'll probably work for something similiar onece I get settled with a new engine, GPS and a few other minor issues.
TransAm	posted 12-03-2008 05:02 PM ET (US) Thanks. There is some redundancy with the analog gauges, however many times they tell a more complete story of problems should the arise. For instance, if the temperature alarm tied to the Tach sounds, you have no forewarning that there is a problem with engine temperature-only that the engine is running hot beyond acceptable limits. With a separate analog temperature gauge, you can monitor engine temperatures as they rise and fall. If you see your engine beginning to run hot, but not enough to sound an alarm, measures can be taken ahead of time before the problems become more significant. Ron, beyond the Tach you are considering, the Fuel Management Gauge would also be a nice addition. They are a bit salty though. Good luck on the balance of your re-fit. Keep me posted on the tach.
Frank O	posted 12-04-2008 12:25 AM ET (US) Just to second the point made by TransAm -- one of the greatest (to me) enhancements I've made to my Outrage was adding an analog temperature gauge. The engine system previously had only a temperature alarm. Adding the gauge allows me to closely monitor trends in temperature before they get out of hand.