Gauge Exposure to Weather

[High Hopes]

After spending $100+ for a tachometer, should I mount it in the cockpit where it will get rained on and exposed to the elements? The crystal LOOKS water proof enough, but I haven't been able to find any recommendations on this issue.

[Baltimore Sailor]

If you bought one made for marine use, I'd say you'd be good to go. What good is a tach in the cabin going to do you?

[High Hopes]

Hi Balt,

I found the spec. It is SAE J-1810. Apparently, this covers a variety of harsh environments, including salt water spray.

I will put the tach in the cockpit.

Steve

[High Hopes]

FYI, I spoke w/ the manufacturer for the tach gauge. The gauge crystal is waterproof to 7 PSI. The rear of the gauges are not waterproof. One should seal the crystal bezel of the gauge to the panel surface and keep the back of the gauge clean and dry.

[sastanley]

Hi Steve,
Would you mind sharing the brand you bought and how you mounted/plan to mount it?

I have a 1977 Catalina 30, and it currently has oil, amps & water, but no tach. I hope to rebuild the instrument cluster some day and add a tach.

Thanks!

[High Hopes]

Hi Stan,

It is the smaller one sold by MMI. I already have a 2" hole to mount it, otherwise I would have gotten the one with the arger face. There is no panel to speak of. The tach, the gas gauge, and a few idiot lights are mounted on the side of the cockpit which is exposed to the elements.

Steve