gauges for a Continental C85 - 0-200

[Jon Heron]

What do you guys recommend?
I am planning on RPM, oil temp, oil pressure, voltmeter.
The tach needs a cable as its shaft driven. What is the proper name for these tach drive cables? So I can try to source one out...
Any other suggestions?
Cheers,
Jon

 

[Slidin Gator]

We call em Tach cables, aircraft spruce is a good source for things like that. Make sure you have the right couplings sorted out at each end, you also need to know the tach gear ratio to match the right tach. If that C85 has an aviation carb on it, you should hook up a lean out cable to the mixture control, it's the best way to shut her down.

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/search/search.php?s=tach cable

Here is the order list for my last gauge panel.

I already had a spare mechanical oil temp gauge that would work, so the color scheme was based on matching that. They offer 3 different capillary lengths, just figure out how long of a run you have from the gauge panel to the oil temp port to select the capillary length.

http://www.isspro.com/category_products.php?cid=189

The tach called out on the list is a programmable unit to match up with the Pacemaker ignition, you probably need a mechanical for your mags. Hit Ebay, Airsalvage and airboat engine folks for a used setup, Aircraft Spruce for new.

I also have a CHT (Cylinder Head Temp) gauge on the panel below. On a 4 cylinder, used for your purposes, cylinder temps are not likely to be a problem, I would not bother with it, but maybe leave an empty spot for future use. Use a heat gun during initial runs to see where you stand.

You also want to install a lean out cable for shutdowns. Look on Aircraft Spruce for mixture control cables. The connection to the lean out lever on that 6AA carb is a bit goofy vs. other carb options, make sure you order a long enough control and plan out routing before ordering.

https://southernairboat.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?p=701242#p701242

 

[Jon Heron]

We call em Tach cables, aircraft spruce is a good source for things like that. Make sure you have the right couplings sorted out at each end, you also need to know the tach gear ratio to match the right tach. If that C85 has an aviation carb on it, you should hook up a lean out cable to the mixture control, it's the best way to shut her down.

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/search/search.php?s=tach cable

Here is the order list for my last gauge panel.

I already had a spare mechanical oil temp gauge that would work, so the color scheme was based on matching that. They offer 3 different capillary lengths, just figure out how long of a run you have from the gauge panel to the oil temp port to select the capillary length.

http://www.isspro.com/category_products.php?cid=189

The tach called out on the list is a programmable unit to match up with the Pacemaker ignition, you probably need a mechanical for your mags. Hit Ebay, Airsalvage and airboat engine folks for a used setup, Aircraft Spruce for new.

I also have a CHT (Cylinder Head Temp) gauge on the panel below. On a 4 cylinder, used for your purposes, cylinder temps are not likely to be a problem, I would not bother with it, but maybe leave an empty spot for future use. Use a heat gun during initial runs to see where you stand.

You also want to install a lean out cable for shutdowns. Look on Aircraft Spruce for mixture control cables. The connection to the lean out lever on that 6AA carb is a bit goofy vs. other carb options, make sure you order a long enough control and plan out routing before ordering.

https://southernairboat.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?p=701242#p701242

Thank you for the detailed reply sir!
I have an Aircraft spruce just a 40 minute drive from me :thumbleft:
After some reading I dont believe the lean lever on this continental works like a lycomings and it will not completely shut off the fuel. I need to put in an electric fuel pump on this since it was setup for a gravity feed so I was thinking just shutting off the pump should do the same thing, at least once I get a feel for how long it will run on a bowl of fuel?
Once I get it setup on a stand and can start it I will be able to confirm this...
Cheers,
Jon

 

[kwanjangnihm]

Others can chime in but I've been told to not run an aircraft engine without a prop! :slap:

 

[Jon Heron]

I appreciate the advice, I wondered about that...
Cheers,
Jon