How to Match This Part
This aftermarket water temperature gauge sender replaces Mercury / Quicksilver 12415. It threads into a 1/8"-27 NPT cooling-passage port and sends a resistance signal to a single-station analog water temperature gauge. The stud terminal carries the gauge signal; the brass body grounds through the engine casting.
Match this part in this order:
1. OEM number on the removed sender or in your parts catalog (Mercury 12415, or Sierra 18-5896)
2. Port thread and gauge type — port must be 1/8"-27 NPT; gauge must be a resistance-type analog water temperature gauge
3. Engine model / HP on the Mercury or Mariner identification plate, then compare form to the product images
Identify the form from the product images: brass-colored hex body for wrench grip, tapered male pipe thread, short sensing probe below the threads, and a single top stud terminal with nut and washer. If your original unit has two terminals, a different thread, or a switch-style spade connector, it is not this part.
Part Number Cross-Reference
Use this table to confirm equivalent part numbers across OEM and aftermarket brands.
| Type |
Brand |
Part Number |
Notes |
| OEM |
Mercury / Mariner / Quicksilver |
12415 |
Primary original equipment temperature sender |
| Aftermarket |
Sierra |
18-5896 |
Direct replacement, single station |
Part numbers are listed for identification only. This is an aftermarket part manufactured by JLM Marine and is not sold as a genuine Mercury component.
Compatible Engine Models
Confirm your engine model and serial number before ordering. For Mercury and Mariner outboards, the serial number is on the mounting bracket or cowl identification plate. Cross-check with the Mercury Serial Number Guide and Mercury Parts Diagrams. This sender requires an open 1/8"-27 NPT cooling port and a resistance-type analog water temperature gauge.
| Brand |
Application |
HP Coverage |
Notes |
| Mercury / Mariner |
Outboard engines calling for sender 12415 |
40–200 HP |
Confirm 1/8"-27 NPT port and OEM 12415 on the removed sender |
Technical Specifications
| Specification |
Value |
| Primary OEM |
12415 |
| Product type |
Engine water temperature gauge sender |
| Thread size |
1/8 in. – 27 NPT |
| Terminal |
10-32 threaded stud (single terminal) |
| Gauge stations |
Single station |
| Gauge scale compatibility |
US ohm-scale marine temperature gauges |
| Application |
Mercury / Mariner outboard cooling temperature signal to dash gauge |
Installation Guide
1
Allow the engine to cool fully and disconnect the battery negative cable before opening the sender port.
2
Label and remove the gauge wire from the old sender stud. Unscrew the old sender and confirm it is 1/8"-27 NPT. Clean the port threads to bright metal so the new body can ground correctly.
3
Apply a thin coat of non-hardening marine thread sealant suitable for NPT fittings. Avoid heavy PTFE tape wraps that can block the ground path through the sender body. Thread the sender in by hand, then snug with a wrench — do not over-torque this small fitting.
4
Reconnect the gauge wire under the 10-32 stud nut with a marine-grade ring terminal. Reconnect the battery, run the engine on a flush kit or in the water, and confirm the gauge needle climbs smoothly as temperature rises.
Note: Professional installation is recommended when you are unsure about sender location, grounding, or gauge wiring.
Troubleshooting & FAQ
Is this an OEM or aftermarket part?+
This is an aftermarket JLM Marine replacement matched to Mercury 12415. It is not a genuine Mercury, Mariner, or Quicksilver part.
Will this work with a dual-station gauge setup?+
No. This is a single-station sender. Dual-station temperature senders use a different electrical design — choose a dual-station unit if your helm needs two gauges from one sender.
My gauge stays pegged or reads nothing — what should I check?+
Confirm the body has a clean metal ground at the port, the signal wire is tight under the stud nut, and the gauge is a US ohm-scale temperature gauge. Heavy PTFE tape on the threads can break the ground path and cause false readings.
Is Mercury 12415A2 the same as this sender?+
No. 12415A2 is a temperature sender kit (sender plus related hardware). This listing is the sender assembly corresponding to OEM 12415 only.
Important Notes
- This is a gauge sender, not an overheat warning switch. Do not substitute it for a switch-style temperature sensor.
- The sender body must ground through the engine casting — do not isolate the threads with heavy PTFE tape wraps.
- Verify the removed sender is OEM 12415 (or Sierra 18-5896) and that the port is 1/8"-27 NPT before installing.
Why Choose JLM MARINE?
-
Quality Control: Each batch is inspected for dimensional consistency and workmanship before shipment.
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Support: Marine parts specialists can help you confirm OEM number, thread size, and gauge type before you order.