Most Gauges dont work
 

Hello All, My first post so go easy. I have decided to fix up my boat since new or used ones are crazy expensive. I have 1995 182 Barchetta. Over the 7 years I had it most of the gauges have gone out or not worked. The RPM gauge works and the Fuel gauge works but fludders crazy. Si I read on here the gas tank is in front of the motor, and I see the hose 1/2 exposed but the wood flooring is covering it up. I did want to lap the wire(s) going to sending unit, but cant see unless I cut the floor back is this normal? Also I lapped all the ground wires by the battery yesterday and tightened hoping that helps. My last question is how to i get at the gauges behind on the dash? In laying on my back and looking up there its impossible or what am I missing? I want to remove and check and lap wires. I would replace them with new Farina ones if I deem they are gone. Thanks in advanced!

Re: Most Gauges dont work
 

The gauges can be accessed thru the back rest in the bow area in front of the driver. It should be hinged and just lift up. Your other option (as it seems you've discovered) is removing the kick panel and laying on your back while reaching up to work on them. This is the method i use and i lay down a couple of pillows along with something to support my neck & head when working in that area. The 180/182 doesn't give you much access room so use whichever method is easiest.

There should be a flap in the carpet that just needs to be peeled back to access the fuel sender unit. That 'fluttering' was an issue with the early Mariahs and there is a correction method involving additional resistors mentioned here on the site. I cured mine by simply replacing the sending unit and fuel gauge together with new ones.

There is also a fuse panel underneath the driver console mounted against the hull. You might want to remove each of the fuses (after you disconnect the battery) and clean each connection as well as the fuses. Moisture & electrics dont work well together and its usually just a matter of time before some corrosion sets in and things stop working. Also make sure that your ancillary connections at the battery are good and clean.

Re: Most Gauges dont work
 

Ok Thanks MikeyT for the advice, I will get back on it this weekend.