How to Install a Marine Fuel Gauge
by Robert Osborne
Working marine fuel gauges help you avoid embarrassing situations, such as running out of fuel as you approach a boat club raft-up. Malfunctioning fuel gauges can also lead to safety hazards and emergencies. For example, running out of fuel because of a broken fuel gauge can cause your boat to run aground when a tide drives you ashore. Your out-of-fuel engine makes it virtually impossible to avoid a tug and barge rapidly bearing down on your vessel. Avoid these scenarios by installing a new marine fuel gauge, a straightforward task you can easily accomplish.
Step 1
Turn the boat's battery switch to the "OFF" position. If there is no battery switch, remove the negative battery cable from the battery.
Step 2
Access the back of the engine's instrument panel. Remove any panels necessary for access.
Step 3
Label the three wires on the back of the old fuel gauge to aid accurate wire replacement. The terminals are labeled "I" for ignition, "G" for ground, and "S" for sender.
Step 4
Remove the fuel gauge wires. Loosen and remove the nuts with a 3/16-inch wrench.
Step 5
Remove the nuts holding the gauge mount using a 3/16-inch wrench. Slide the old fuel gauge out of the panel.
Step 6
Install the new fuel gauge into the panel. Install the fuel gauge mount and tighten the nuts with a 3/16-inch wrench.
Step 7
Place the wires on their correct terminals. Match the wires with the labels you previously made. Use a 3/16-inch wrench to install and tighten the nuts holding the wires.
Step 8
Turn the battery switch to the "ON" position. If there is no battery switch, reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery.
Things You'll Need
- 3/16-inch box wrench
Writer Bio
Robert Osborne has written professionally since 2010. He writes for eHow, specializing in aircraft and boat maintenance, home renovation and electrical engineering. Osborne earned his Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from George Washington University.
