Cockpit floor deck plate

[brian chalk]

The clear lens in my cockpit deck floor that allows me to see the fuel gauge is no longer clear. The lens is so crazed I can hardly see through it. Has anyone else dealt with this? Do you replace the lens, or the whole deck plate? Or put in a remote gauge?

[Randy]

you can buy a replacement lens for about $10

[brian chalk]

Where can you buy a replacement? My port has a metal ring, not plastic. It is not one of the Beckson type ports sold by most marine vendors.

[ishmael]

Mine was metal with very thick glass.  Original equipment.  Mine was also very crazed and impossible to read through.  Pulled it out without difficulty but could not get the glass out no matter what technique I tried.  Finally I just replaced the metal plate with a somewhat larger.  Plastic deck plate.  I decided against the clear lens type of cover and just went with the plain opaque plastic.  I do have to open the plate to see the gauge but that is a minor issue given the size of the tank and the small usage of the Westerbeke 40.  I have seen remote gauges that can be added but don't want to run more wires for the small return in convenience.  For anyone who wanted to do it I think it would be an easy project.

Ron

[RayNWanda]

The problem with electric gauges is you start to depend on them and then one day they lie to you and you end up in a jam. I like my calibrated dipstick. It's a little more trouble, but it's reliable.

[SVJourney]

I have to agree with RayNWanda.  Its all well and nice to be able to see a fuel gauge, but dipsticks don't lie or fail.  I just view dipping the tank the same way as I do checking the oil and always do it prior to starting the engine.

[Jim Cozy]

I am also a fan of the dipstick, but how do youhave yours set up? Jim

[Bay Sailor]

Cockpit floor deck plate:

I need to temporarily get my cover and lense out so that I can use the opening to pull on the engine that is being installed. The screws on the plate came out so easily but the plate itself hasn't budged even with some gentle prying around its edges. Can anyone give me tips on how to get this thing out so I can run a nylon strap through it to the newly rebuilt engine and help slide it onto its rails. Work will begin tomorrow, Monday 9-24. Jeez, I thought this thing would come right up but it hasn't so far.

Thanks,
Mark

[Bay Sailor]

Scratch my request for tips on removing the viewer plate/lens. The cover with lens intact just came out as I wanted. Just needed a little more effort and a bigger hammer! (kidding about the hammer, of course).

[Bev & Billy on Sta-sea-dawn]

Does anyone know where I can get replacement gauges for instrument panel?
Tack , Oil pressure, temperature

[crian11]

Try Torresen marine.....

[Verne]

An old SCUBA trick is, just add water....  You can use the water to filter through the glaze, now take a dive light or one water won't kill, and place the dive light in the water, and you should be able to view the fuel gauge.  I did on mine and it is 34 years old, and quite scratched up I might add.

Verne

[Della and Dave]

One other trick is Plege Furnature Polish.  It fills in the minor scratches and proves the clarity.  Not a miracle, but it helps on scratched plexiglass.