www.iFourWinns.com

I had fresh water cooling installed on my 258 Vista and now the temperature gauge frequently indicates that the engine is overheating, the "overheating" light comes on, and the audible alarm sounds. I have used an infrared thermometer to check the temperature of the thermostat housing and it warms up to ~155 - 170 and stays within that range even when the gauge, light, and alarm indicate overheating. I think the engine is not really overheating but it is disconcerting to run the engine when the gauge, light and audible alarm are indicating the engine is overheating. In addition, the fuel gauge will occasionally go from indicating the tank is full, which is accurate, to tank is empty and the low fuel light comes on. Finally, the tilt and trim indicator seems to operate erratically compared to my previous boat.

Have others had this or similar problems? How did you fix the problem?

I understand that there may a problem with the ground on the entire instrument cluster and that one fix is to route a separate ground from the instrument cluster to the engine. Has anyone done that? Was it successful?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Four Winns makes a complete replacement gauge cluster for the VDO gauges which we notorious for going bad. My voltage gauge went first while I was on vacation. It became a little nerve wracking. I don't remember the price but it was a easy plug and play conversion and
new gauges look as good as the original. Even put the hour meter in the cluster. I'll get a pic this weekend if you would like.

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Inboard, outboard, onboard never bored
KUT 'N LOOSE
'99 258 VISTA

I would like to see the pictures of your VDO dash upgrade and ESP when you get a chance

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1997 Four Winns Vista 278
T - 4.3l EFI
Kohler 4esz Genset
379 hours as of 8/8/21

Can the gauges be replaced separately or are we stuck in buying the package? My gas, speed, trim, and oil pressure gauges are weirding out on me.

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Alexj



1995 Four Winns Horizon 190
OMC 5.0 RL

On the VDO the whole cluster has to be replaced with either another VDO or with the replacemnt cluster which I think has individual gauges.

I think the whole replacement cluster is about $700 to $800. Once you replace this each gauge is independent and can be replaced separately. Although at least some of the new gauges do multiple things such as voltage, temperature and pressure. Not sure if these are the ones together but I do know that some monitor more than one thing.

Looking forward to seeing the pics of the replacement dash.

Thx

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Scott Wood
1999 238 Vista
Trailer Boating on the Great Lakes

Four Winns uses Faria gauges now, at least from what I've seen. I'd proce out the gauges seperately, see what they cost and compare to the cost of the new replacement panel. Concidering the wiring of the gauges, the ends needed, etc plus the panel, I believe you will fine the replacement panel a good deal with respect to the labor involved in making a replacement.

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Jvalich
http://www.badcock.com

'04 FW 288 Vista "Mental Floss"

The replacement cluster is a simple plug in install. The hardest part is removing the VDO cluster. I have pics of the new cluster I will send to anyone if you PM me your Email.

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Inboard, outboard, onboard never bored
KUT 'N LOOSE
'99 258 VISTA