How important are MIL-SPEC gauges to you?

[Light in the Dark]

With the second generation of MEP machines now seemingly winding down at the surplus level, and parts being needed for years to come... how important are ruggedized, mil-spec gauges to you? Will you/have you sought out OEM replacements, or are 'off the shelf' marine acceptable for use?

I am sure you all have seen it in your daily lives in the last year, with items not being available. I just wonder how difficult it will be to get 'the good stuff' in the future? I wonder if the average owner even cares?

Would love to hear from any/all MEP owners as to their thoughts.

 

[DieselAddict]

I for one will source a product that works reliably regardless of it being mil-spec.

Thankfully I'm rarely in a situation that puts me at risk of being shot at so I don't mind saving some $$ for accessible components.

 

[rickf]

I don't know about the latest units but the slightly older ones had gauges that were crap! they were inaccurate and for the most part did not work. The military has since the 70's always bought lowest bid and you get what you pay for. If I am replacing I am replacing with better gauges.

 

[Mullaney]

With the second generation of MEP machines now seemingly winding down at the surplus level, and parts being needed for years to come... how important are ruggedized, mil-spec gauges to you? Will you/have you sought out OEM replacements, or are 'off the shelf' marine acceptable for use?

I am sure you all have seen it in your daily lives in the last year, with items not being available. I just wonder how difficult it will be to get 'the good stuff' in the future? I wonder if the average owner even cares?

Would love to hear from any/all MEP owners as to their thoughts.

.
I don't own a MEP or any of the other power generating hardware.
Mil-Spec gauges could definitely be useful in MV's though.

My only suggestion is Made in America as a requirement
And, for my money a mechanical gauge would be worth having.

 

[cbisson]

With the second generation of MEP machines now seemingly winding down at the surplus level, and parts being needed for years to come... how important are ruggedized, mil-spec gauges to you? Will you/have you sought out OEM replacements, or are 'off the shelf' marine acceptable for use?

I am sure you all have seen it in your daily lives in the last year, with items not being available. I just wonder how difficult it will be to get 'the good stuff' in the future? I wonder if the average owner even cares?

Would love to hear from any/all MEP owners as to their thoughts.

For engine gauges I would prefer original equipment but the Beede gauges seem to be crap so I gave up on OEM and replaced all 3 with direct fit Datcon gauges . (24v and match existing sending unit output range)

For the generator gauges I would still want to keep it original. They are hard to find and pricey when you do.

 

[m32825]

>... replaced all 3 with direct fit Datcon gauges ...

Part numbers?

 

[cbisson]

>... replaced all 3 with direct fit Datcon gauges ...

Part numbers?

Fuel - 101584
OP - 101574
Temp - 101586

Vehicle Controls gauges, clusters, kits, accessories

 

[Ray70]

One "Negative" thing I can say about many of the marine gages is that they are quite often set up for 12V operation and require a separate resistor board to allow them to be used in our 24V applications.
The boards are not too expensive, maybe $12 or so, but they are about 1/2" wide and 1 1/2" long and attach to the gage stud over the stud for the wire.
I am not comfortable , long term, having that board and wire hanging off the stud with all the vibration found in an 802.
The marine gages are cheap and easy to get, but may not be reliable long term....
I think I would pay a little more and go with something 24V, ruggedized would be even better!

 

[m32825]

Replaced my gauges, make sure to order the light kits for them if you want that feature, Datcon part number 06294-00-FRU.

-- Carl

 

[peapvp]

Great topic,

One thing to remember though is, that quite a few Airframe Type 2 wires carry live High Voltages and are rated for either 300V or 600V.
You may want to keep this in mind when replacing any existing wiring.

 

[m32825]

Good point on the wires. Nothing had to be modified to swap out the gauges. The gauge lighting is non-standard, but it's only 24V.