Newb Questions About 1984 Wellcraft Sportsman 228

[A ReelCool Chick]

Originally Posted by SkunkBoat

You don't want it on all the time as it will drain battery over time. Its not just a gauge, it usually has a light also.
Often they are on a momentary switch but it is hard to pump gas and look at the gauge by yourself. Mine is on an on/off switch and it freaks passengers out when we're 60 miles out and the gauge says Empty!

You can connect them to the Ignition Key switched power (purple?).

You say "grounded thru a switch". that would not be right if true.

I took another look at it, and it's a black wire going to the switch...which means it's hot.

Smh...

I also discovered that the bilge wasn't getting power because it was disconnected from the manual switch, AND it's spliced with the bow bilge...yes, you hit the switch and they both turn on.

Smh....

I got a 3-way for the stern bilge, and the wiring instructions are all wrong (the built in circuit breaker is wired to the negative post)

Smh....

Thank God I've been reading the 12v bible and chatting with you guys.