Boat oxidization & gauge issues

[Bassmada]

Hello everyone,

I just picked up an 89 ranger and the hull is in really good condition but the other fibreglass surrounding it on top (sorry if theres a technical term i should be using) is fairly dull. I was thinking about doing a wet sand maybe 800 1000 1500, then 3m marine compound then the 3m restorer & wax. I may pick up that meguiars da polisher that fits onto a drill to speed up the compound and waxing. Does this sound like it would work well? I'm trying to keep this relatively cheap if possible.

Also, my fuel gauge seems to jump around between about 3/4 and a 1/4 tank about every second or so. I read it could be a loose wire and haven't checked yet but just wanted to get your opinion on that.

I think my speedometer has issues as well, I was going pretty quick and I think it was reading 10mph.

Any help on these issues would be greatly appreciated,

Thanks!

[BOATS]

The speedo depends on what type, either way it does not matter because they are inaccurate. The top cap is what you are saying is chalky.

[Bassmada]

The speedo depends on what type, either way it does not matter because they are inaccurate. The top cap is what you are saying is chalky.

Well I'd at least like my speedo to be somewhat acurate. I think i was going at least 45. And yes the top cap. That's what I'm talking about.

[Walkabout7781]

I would buff out the top cap, clean the connections on the gas tank sender and maybe on the gas gauge, and auger out the hole in the lower unit (could be an auxiliary pickup also) for the speedometer's water pickup. Speedo prob could also be a bad gauge or ruptured hose from old age or freezing (seeing your location, I'd bet the gauge had water in it, froze and ruptured the diaphram). If you can make your speedo work, don't worry...it won't for long. If it's dripping water on your leg, that's not so good. The water pressure pickups are always getting plugged. Best thing to do is make sure it's got no water in the gauge/hose, and put an innertube patch over the hole in the leading edge of the lower unit. That'll keep the water out, the speedometer won't work, but it also won't get damaged when the weather turns bad in late August.

[Bassmada]

Hey Walkabout. thanks for all the tips, I'm going to try buffing the top cap and see what happens. where is the gas tank sender usually? I checked the connections on the gas gauge and they seem good and tight. As for the speedometer I found a little hole in the line right near the back. Good thing is the line is loose enough that I should be able to cut it and reinstall to fix it...I hope. I didn't have a knife on me at the time so I'll have to do that next time I go out.

[SILVERTIP]

The PRO - TEC products really help in getting rid of oxidation. They are only from the US that I know of. I live close to the border so I just have it shipped close to me and pick it up to cross the border.

[Bassmada]

I've heard of the pro-tec products but haven't had a chance to look into them too much. I'm in Canada too. So you don't think they ship to Canada?

[catdude28]

I've heard of the pro-tec products but haven't had a chance to look into them too much. I'm in Canada too. So you don't think they ship to Canada?

Joe at Pro Tec will ship to Canada. Ask him to ship USPS First Class International as it is the least expensive.