How to Install an Oil Gauge in an Eclipse 232 Boat

The oil gauge on a Wellcraft Eclipse 232 provides information that’s critical to the engine’s performance and longevity. The gauge interfaces with a sensor at the crankcase and monitors the flow of oil through the engine in pounds per square inch, or PSI. Typically, you install a new gauge when the existing gauge ceases to function correctly or when outfitting the instrument panel with new gauges. Installing an oil gauge in your Eclipse 232 is not difficult, and can be done with the boat on a trailer or at dockside.

Things You'll Need

  • 12-volt oil pressure gauge
  • Open-end wrenches
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lift off the fiberglass battery cover at the rear deck. Set the cover aside. Loosen the cable connector at the negative (black) battery cable with an open-end wrench. Disconnect the cable from the battery.

    • 2

      Reach under the instrument panel at the skipper’s station. Loosen and remove the small nut on the retainer bar at the back of the gauge with an open-end wrench. Save the nut and the lock washer.

    • 3

      Push the gauge out of the opening in the instrument panel from behind to access the electrical terminals at the back of the gauge.

    • 4

      Hold the gauge in one hand. Loosen and remove the small brass nuts at both wire terminals on the back of the gauge with an open-end wrench. Save the nuts.

    • 5

      Pull both wire connectors off the terminals, making sure to note the particular color wire that connects at each terminal. Typically, you have a solid color wire at the positive terminal marked “+” and a colored wire with a white stripe at the opposite terminal.

    • 6

      Connect both wires to the appropriate terminals at the back of the new 12-volt oil pressure gauge with the saved nuts. Hold the gauge in one hand as you tighten the nuts with the wrench.

    • 7

      Fit the back of the gauge into the opening at the face of the instrument panel. Turn the gauge either way, as necessary, so the lettering and PSI numbers are facing upright. Push the trim ring on the gauge against the face of the instrument panel.

    • 8

      Reach behind the gauge and thread the saved lock washer and nut onto the stem at the back of the retainer bar. Tighten the nut with the wrench.

    • 9

      Reattach the negative battery cable to the battery and tighten the connector. Reset the battery cover into place.