Help on gauges! [Archive] - MercuryMarauder.net Forums

SouLRioT

05-27-2005, 12:56 PM

Since your getting a trilogy, I beleave that they come with an autometer boost gauge that matches the OEM ones. You don't have to get the angled collar for it but it will increase visability. If you look down at the "Similar Threads" links below some of your questions will also be answered.

Directedby

05-27-2005, 01:08 PM

RF Overlord

05-27-2005, 01:30 PM

SouLRioT is correct...you don't need the angle ring, but since the gauge pod is slightly curved, installing a third gauge without the ring will cause it to be facing slightly away from you; the ring allows all three to be facing in the same direction...

...and yes, the Trilogy kit does come with an AutoMeter "Ultra-Lite" gauge, but it matches the aftermarket gauges, not the OEM ones. Although, as Directedby said, during the day the difference is almost unnoticeable.

YRUSLO

05-27-2005, 08:55 PM

Check out AutoMeter's web site...the matching gauge line is called "Pro Comp Ultra-Lite". They also sell the angle rings needed for mounting a gauge in place of the lighter.

BTW, you DO know the factory oil pressure gauge is a fake, right?Thanks for the info. My plan is to replace the oil gauge with a matching mechanical one with copper tubing and put a trans temp where the lighter is. Boost and fuel on a pillar pod.

YRUSLO

05-27-2005, 09:17 PM

Thank you all for your input!
It looks like I will be replacing all gauges to match. :o

2004 - Mercury Marauder stock with Trilogy S/C ordered.
SOLD 2003- Mercury Marauder still in family though.
1997 Mark VIII LSC- Modified, runs 13s N/A and a 20MPG daily driver!

Svashtar

05-28-2005, 11:35 AM

The Autometer 'ultra'lite' guages are similar to the OEM guages.

Big difference is the lighting. OEM guages are backlit and the numbers are backlit in green.

The Ultra-Lite aftermarket guages are not backlit (the numbers do not light up).

During the day they look very much the same, but at night they look completely different. But they can be seen at night, correct? I am getting ready to do this mod following Wes' instructions, and was unclear about this. I heard that the bulbs are covered with the blue plastic sleeve from the factory, so why do they glow green?

Thanks,

Norm

HwyCruiser

05-28-2005, 12:12 PM

Thanks for the info. My plan is to replace the oil gauge with a matching mechanical one with copper tubing and put a trans temp where the lighter is. Boost and fuel on a pillar pod.

I'd think twice about running a line to a mechanical oil gauge in the cabin, I'd be worried about a leak and/or fumes. Ditto on a mechanical fuel gauge.

Here's a pic of a gauge in the lighter position with the lighter relocated to the pass side. Not very difficult at all:

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/data/500/gauge_pod.jpg

The Autometer ring will not only increase visibility, but it will position the 3rd gauge in line with the others. You can order the blue lenses to match:

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?p=247780

valleyman

05-28-2005, 12:22 PM

Thanks for the info. My plan is to replace the oil gauge with a matching mechanical one with copper tubing and put a trans temp where the lighter is. Boost and fuel on a pillar pod.

I did what you're planning to do, almost. I replaced the oil pressure and voltmeter with digital gauges and removed the lighter and put a digital trans temp gauge in its place. I moved the lighter to the passenger side of the gauge pod and use it to charge the cell phone. I put a Pro Comp Ultra Lite oil temp gauge (Autometer #4347) on the A pillar.

A few tips: if you use the charcol black interior spray paint it matches EXACTLY (Ford # M4JZ-19M547-4149-H, reading it from my paint can). You will really want to use the angle ring on the tranny temp gauge. Best way to make the hole for the tranny temp gauge is with a drill press using a Forstner bit. When you're done, it will look just like it came that way from the factory. Ask me how I know. :beer:

Directedby

05-28-2005, 01:30 PM

But they can be seen at night, correct? I am getting ready to do this mod following Wes' instructions, and was unclear about this. I heard that the bulbs are covered with the blue plastic sleeve from the factory, so why do they glow green?

Thanks,

Norm

The factory guages use an LED white light that illuminates the back of the guage and the numbers on the guage are clear green - hence the numbers glow green.

The aftermarket Autometer guages that 'match' are backlit by an inconsescent bulb (more yellow light than white). The guage comes with color covers for the light if you want to put it on. Covers are red and green.

fastblackmerc

05-28-2005, 02:06 PM

The factory guages use an LED white light that illuminates the back of the guage and the numbers on the guage are clear green - hence the numbers glow green.

The aftermarket Autometer guages that 'match' are backlit by an inconsescent bulb (more yellow light than white). The guage comes with color covers for the light if you want to put it on. Covers are red and green.
Huh?? :confused: My original lights looked just like a regular bulb not an LED... in fact I just used the original socket & bulb in my new Autometer oil & voltmeter.

Directedby

05-28-2005, 02:24 PM

Huh?? :confused: My original lights looked just like a regular bulb not an LED... in fact I just used the original socket & bulb in my new Autometer oil & voltmeter.

I assumed the oem had an LED light because it is so white compared to the aftermarket which seems yellow. Maybe it is just a different bulb?

the fat bastid

05-28-2005, 05:07 PM

The factory guages use an LED white light that illuminates the back of the guage and the numbers on the guage are clear green - hence the numbers glow green.

sorta. the oem's use a regular bulb with a blue light condom on it to appear white. I noticed this during my oil gauge face swap. like Hwy said, order some blues ones for the ultra-lites and they should appear the same. that is what i'm going to try with the guages i'm getting in the future....too bad they dont just include the blue with the green and the red..feh!

RF Overlord

05-28-2005, 05:41 PM

the oem's use a regular bulb with a blue light condom on it to appear white. As my good buddy Ned Flanders would say: "Son of a diddly!" Thanks, Gavin...I put green booties on my two additional gauges and they look TOO green compared to the existing ones...I removed the bootie on the one that's easy to get to, and that made it look yellowish...NOW I know why...didn't even think to look at the booties in the original gauges...what a moron...I guess I'll be making another trip to AutoZone to order the RIGHT ones this time... :rolleyes:

Svashtar

05-29-2005, 12:14 AM

I did what you're planning to do, almost. I replaced the oil pressure and voltmeter with digital gauges and removed the lighter and put a digital trans temp gauge in its place. I moved the lighter to the passenger side of the gauge pod and use it to charge the cell phone. I put a Pro Comp Ultra Lite oil temp gauge (Autometer #4347) on the A pillar.

A few tips: if you use the charcol black interior spray paint it matches EXACTLY (Ford # M4JZ-19M547-4149-H, reading it from my paint can). You will really want to use the angle ring on the tranny temp gauge. Best way to make the hole for the tranny temp gauge is with a drill press using a Forstner bit. When you're done, it will look just like it came that way from the factory. Ask me how I know. :beer:
Valleyman, this is great info. I was going to have my mechanic install the tranny temp in the lighter position, but would prefer to also keep the lighter on the side for my phone.

A couple of questions. This paint you reference, was it for the pillar or for the angle ring? Should I order this paint from the FLM dealer, or did you get it somewhere else?

How is the tranny temp gauge held in place? Is it just a friction fit? The OP and voltmeter studs go through the plastic backing, but I don't think that works for the 3rd gauge does it?

Finally, what diameter Forstner bit did you use?

Thanks as always for the great info!

Norm

valleyman

05-29-2005, 01:45 PM

Norm - I got the paint from my local L/M dealer here in Fresno because they have given me excellent service and never raise any questions about the mods I've done. I didn't even try to find it anywhere else, but I'd check with The Dealer on this board because his service and prices can't be beat. I used the paint on the angle ring, the A pillar gauge pod, the A pillar and the bezel of the AutoMeter oil temp gauge. My oil pressure, volts, and tranny temp gauges are Nordskog digital gauges and their bezels are already black.

Since my tranny temp gauge is a Nordskog it probably mounts a little different than the AutoMeters: I honestly don't remember if it's a pressure fit or if there's some kind of bracket holding it in. I know my oil temp gauge is just friction fit.

I don't remember what size Forstner bit I used but just use the one that will cut the same size hole as the OEM holes that are there for the oil pressure and volt gauges, probably 2 1/16". The reason I say that is that my Nordskog gauges are nominal 2 1/16' gauges and they slipped in perfectly to the OEM holes so I'm sure I just cut the third hole to match. I didn't have to drill a hole for my oil pressure gauge because it's in an AutoMeter gauge pillar pod.

I hope this helps. :beer:

Captain Steve

05-29-2005, 02:29 PM

Ok, what the heck is a "Forstner bit"?

Svashtar

05-29-2005, 03:49 PM

Thanks Valleyman. Guess the question about the bit diameter was dumb; just what matches the default hole... I will ask Ray about the paint (thanks for the part number) and probably paint the tranny temp bezel only. If I ever do add another pod it will come in handy anyway.

Captain Steve, a Forstner bit is a wood bit that cuts even flat bottomed holes in materials, so that the the tip of the bit doesn't protrude through the work like a normal wood boring spade bit would. I was going to use a hole saw attachment in my drill press, but think Valleyman's suggestion will work even better.

Thanks,

Norm

YRUSLO

05-31-2005, 10:31 AM

Great picture!! Thats what I'm talking about. It looks good. I don't use that lighter anyway! Thanks for that. Any dependable electric gauge part #s?

Thanks

I'd think twice about running a line to a mechanical oil gauge in the cabin, I'd be worried about a leak and/or fumes. Ditto on a mechanical fuel gauge.

Here's a pic of a gauge in the lighter position with the lighter relocated to the pass side. Not very difficult at all:

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/data/500/gauge_pod.jpg

The Autometer ring will not only increase visibility, but it will position the 3rd gauge in line with the others. You can order the blue lenses to match:

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?p=247780

Rkammer

06-05-2005, 06:06 PM

Check out AutoMeter's web site...the matching gauge line is called "Pro Comp Ultra-Lite". They also sell the angle rings needed for mounting a gauge in place of the lighter.

BTW, you DO know the factory oil pressure gauge is a fake, right?
Since I'm a newbie, I'm immune to flames. So, I'll bite. What do you mean, the factory oil pressure gauge is a fake? Isn't it just an electrical gauge run from a remote transducer in the block? Inlighten me, please.:o

MM03MOK

06-05-2005, 06:23 PM

Since I'm a newbie, I'm immune to flames. So, I'll bite. What do you mean, the factory oil pressure gauge is a fake? Isn't it just an electrical gauge run from a remote transducer in the block? Inlighten me, please.:o
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=16925

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=539

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=9447

fastblackmerc

06-05-2005, 06:34 PM

Since I'm a newbie, I'm immune to flames. So, I'll bite. What do you mean, the factory oil pressure gauge is a fake? Isn't it just an electrical gauge run from a remote transducer in the block? Inlighten me, please.:o
"Fake" factory oil pressure gauge:
Start our MM and look at the oil pressure, it reads around 75lbs., correct? As long there is oil pressure at the sender it will always[U] read 75lbs. Even after the engine heats up.

"Real" oil pressure gauge:
The "real" oil pressure gauge reads high (mine is over 100lbs.) when the oil is cold, with the engine at operating temps you'll see the oil pressure drop to about 25lbs. Of course as the engine revs increase or decrease you'll see an increase or decrease in the oil pressure reading.

Ford most likely used the "fake" gauge so uninformed customers wouldn't bring their car in for service because their oil pressure is low or too high.

That's my store & I'm stickin to it........ :D

Rkammer

06-05-2005, 09:17 PM

"Fake" factory oil pressure gauge:
Start our MM and look at the oil pressure, it reads around 75lbs., correct? As long there is oil pressure at the sender it will always[U] read 75lbs. Even after the engine heats up.

"Real" oil pressure gauge:
The "real" oil pressure gauge reads high (mine is over 100lbs.) when the oil is cold, with the engine at operating temps you'll see the oil pressure drop to about 25lbs. Of course as the engine revs increase or decrease you'll see an increase or decrease in the oil pressure reading.

Ford most likely used the "fake" gauge so uninformed customers wouldn't bring their car in for service because their oil pressure is low or too high.

That's my store & I'm stickin to it........ :D
I've gone back and read all the posts on this subject and will replace the OP gauge when I get my MM. Shame on Ford.