Chris-Craft Lancer 20 Owner's Manual page 85

The water temperature gauge indicates the temperature of the coolant mixture circulating inside
the engines cooling circuit. The engine is equipped with a thermostat that controls flow of
coolant within the engine thus maintaining correct operating temperature. Engine coolant
temperature is not affected by seawater temperature.
Water
Temperature
Correct operating coolant temperature indications for your engine may be found in the engine
Gauge
manufacturer's manual. An unusual change in temperature may indicate problems with the raw
water circuit or internal engine problems causing excess heat. Shut down and do not operate an
engine that is indicating coolant temperature in excess of the manufacturer's maximum
allowable temperature.
The voltmeter monitors the voltage of the battery and the charging circuit of the engine. Normal
voltage for a fully charged battery with the engines shut down is about 12.8 volts. With the
Voltmeter engines running a charging voltage of 13 to 15 volts should be indicated. Low voltage with the
engines running (less than 12 volts) indicates a possible problem with the charging circuit. The
engines are unlikely to start with less than 12 volts indicated on the volt meters.
The fuel gauge indicates the fuel level in the tanks. Due to the irregular shape of the fuel tanks
and the angle of the tanks when running, indicated fuel level does not correspond directly with
the ratio of remaining fuel to total fuel capacity (i.e. an indicated fuel level of 1/2 does not
Fuel Gauge indicate 1/2 the capacity of the tank is remaining, but indicates the level of the fuel is 1/2 the
height of the tank at the sender). Remember, not all fuel capacity is usable capacity. Careful
planning of long trips using a safety reserve is advised. It is always prudent to fill the tanks
completely after each use to prevent condensation within the tanks.
The engine hour meter is actually located on the engine itself and indicates the total cumulative
time in hours of operation. The engine hours should be noted on the engine log for all oil
Engine Hour
changes, filter changes, scheduled and unscheduled maintenance. An accurate and carefully
Meter
maintained engine log is a valuable tool when diagnosing problems, when seeking warranty
compensation from the engine manufacturer and when your boat is re-sold.
Chris-Craft
Systems
3–23