water pressure gauge - can I trust it?

[weston]

150 '94 evinrude E150GLE s/n G13618998 on '93 Javelin 379T

Can I calebrate it or check it?

[lkhartwl]

there is only 2 ways a water pressure gauge works..... it does or it doesnt!. if you are getting a reading it works if not then you have 1) a kink in the line, 2) could need a new water pump/impellor. your reading may be low at idle say maybe 4-8 lbs of pressure at wot it should not be less than 18-20 prefer 20 lbs for that motor. now if less than 18-20 you can have the engine too hi, or you may need a water pump. if the over heat alarm goes off you know you need a new pump. the best thing to do is this. save your bucks and have your mechanic every season change the water pump on your motor. you can also have him or you can yourself change the gauge to a new one and you will know for sure it is working properly. but the changing of the water pump is basically smart money spent Preventive maint.

[weston]

Well the gauge does work, but I still do not necessarily believe the values it delivers. As a Navy pilot I was taught that all gauges should be calibrated to deliver accurate absolute values. My thermostats in the house are marked in degrees, but I will bet they are not within 5 degrees of accuracy. The water pressure and the oil injector are two things that scare me with the engine. I do agree it seems like a good idea to just change the water pump periodically given the cost relative to the consequences of failure.

Thanks for responding.

[lkhartwl]

the gauges are not adjustable by either the repair shop or by the consumer. If in question buy a new one and replace it perfer a new BRP 30 lb gauge. You neglect to say why you think it is not working properly what are your readings at idle and at wot? also some gauges are only 15 or 20 lb gauges the best for an older johnson or rude is a 30 lb gauge.

[StratosDadRI]

I tested mine before I installed it. I have a home compressor with a regulator and 2 gauges they all said 30 on the dot and so did the OMC. First i used the nosssle to blow things off, it has a rubber tip and i just put the hose up to it and make a good seal. Just to be sure let most of the air out of the wifes tire, set the regulator to 30 filled the tire till I couldnt hear any more air going in. Checked it with a tire gauge and guess what not 29 not 31, 30 on the dot. Of course 10 and 20 and 40 where all accurate also. Now when it says 28lbs WOT I believe it's 28lbs

[ChampioNman]

TaaaaDaaaah!

[weston]

Great responses! Thanks!