Engine SYNC Gauge

[Mikwallace]

Things are progressing on our 1998 405 AC. We’re really enjoying it and now I’m working on the little things that bug me. Nothing major, I’m the kind if it’s installed, I want it to work!!

So here’s what I’m troubleshooting now.

My Engine SYNC gauge was replaced within a couple months before we bought the boat. It’s never worked correctly. If I start the port engine first the sync gauge needle will go full port side. Then when I start the stdb engine the sync needle will center. I can move either throttle 200+ rpm more than the other and the needle barely moves. I’ve played with the throttles while underway and the sync gauge is useless. When I pulled the console cover off installing my NMEA network and stereo I looked at the wiring of the sync gauge. I don’t think it’s wired correctly?? There was some Engine Sync kit instructions folded and lying inside the console under the sync gauge. It appears the sync gauge is made by “VEETHREE”. The wires on the sync gauge are:

-one to the gauge light
-One to ground
-one to IGN source
-one to port tach
-one to Starboard tach

Here’s a pic of the rear of sync gauge:

IMG_5070.jpeg

Here’s a pic of the front of the Sync gauge:

image.jpg

The installation kit instructions I found inside the console refers to a “Module”, but the gauge is not connected to a module. It appears there’s a black box mounted inside the console under the sync gauge that’s probably OEM. Here’s a pic:

IMG_5069.jpeg

When I google the numbers on the black box it comes up with a “Beede”
Twin Sync Module Wiring Instructions.

So it looks like my Sync Gauge should be wired through a module but isn’t. I looked on VEETHREE web page and don’t see an analog sync gauge. I’ll call them tomorrow and talk to some tech guys.

Any input from you guys would be appreciated!!

[bud37]

Yup you found the oem sync module.......is it connected to anything now......do you still have the beede gage ?

Sorry can't help with the veethree thing.

[tomschauer]

As bud mentioned, the black box is the original sync module.
I would assume, it has been disconnected. If the wiring is from that module to the new gauge that may be your problem. Usually, it was the module that failed not the gauge.
I am not certain, but from the little info you have on the new gauge, it seems it would work without a module. i would verify the wiring is correct as per your post and the original module is no longer in play. If it doesn't work, try to find more info on the new gauge.
Let us know how you make out, as this is a common issue and the beede modules are pretty much impossible to find anymore.

[g36]

Yep it's beede oem that failed on my 405 too. I replaced mine with another brand several years ago.

[tomschauer]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/385637710267?c ... 1df412e3d1

[tomschauer]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/195197154631?_ ... %3A2047675

[km1125]

Stumbled across this document.

https://www.veethree.com/wp-content/upl ... zer_R5.pdf

One of the sections:

"Please note that all synchronizer modules have been
discontinued, Veethree currently has no information
on third party modules which are compatible with
Veethree synchronizer gauges.
You must have the gauge, module and harness for
correct operation."

[Mikwallace]

Update:

Just got off the phone with VeeThree Tech Support. Modules were discontinued 5 years ago. Answer is there’s not a market for vintage gauges, so supply/demand presides. I suppose any Syncing done now on newer boats is by the computer/fly-by-wire throttles.

EBay is the source for vintage equipment.

I did find out what the module does, so I might take it apart and see if it’s repairable. It takes signals from Tach, converts to DC voltage and compares the two tachs then sends that variable voltage to the gauge moving the needle.

Since I now have engine data from ecm to NMEA network displayed on an MFD, I’m not sure a SYNC is even essential.

A 2” blank to replace the SYNC gauge would be the cheapest route and use those $$ elsewhere!

[kgarguilo]

Not sure how far you want to take this but, (not fully baked yet, chasing a gremlin for now) I am looking at adding the Fox Marine NEMA 2000 Engine gateway that will show Engine and gauge info on my Garmin 8612 plotter. Since the engine RPM is then coming straight from the engine should be able to use that as my sync. Again, not fully vetted but a path I am headed down myself. Food for thought.

[Mikwallace]

Source of the post Not sure how far you want to take this but, (not fully baked yet, chasing a gremlin for now) I am looking at adding the Fox Marine NEMA 2000 Engine gateway that will show Engine and gauge info on my Garmin 8612 plotter. Since the engine RPM is then coming straight from the engine should be able to use that as my sync. Again, not fully vetted but a path I am headed down myself. Food for thought.

Yes! I’m using my MFD for matching throttles. So, the Sync gauge is not required and I’ll remove it from the panel. The Fox Gateways work great. I didn’t add the engine oil pressure sending units to my MEFI-1 therefore oil pressure doesn’t show on the MFD. I’ll run this a season and see how I like it.

I have in the back of my mind to redo my panel and replace some gauges with the MFD. jury still out in that one!