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Long Distance Fisherman
Junior Member
 
USA
63 Posts |
Posted - 09/01/2009 : 4:26:00 PM
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My tach seems to only work when it wants to.I need to get it up and running so I can find out what kind of rpm's I am running.Would like to know how to check to see if it is the tach head or something on the engine. Have been told I need to make sure I am running 5300 rpm's wot to find out if engine is performing correct and if I have correct prop..Fuel economy really sucks at this time.The engine is a 98 Evinrude 150hp.
Always"fishin for a place to hunt-huntin for a place to fish" |
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JOHN C
Advanced Member
    
USA
2024 Posts |
Posted - 09/01/2009 : 7:58:34 PM
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Would be a lot cheaper to get a new tachometer (then-no doubt, but peace of mind) than to blow your engine's power head!!! John Castelluccio, Jr.
New SUV-'06 Yukon, new 56 yoa house, new boat-'06 Avenger, Semi-retired-'07, soon to get "new-wife"-'09 and in debt for the rest of my life-Now&4-ever!!! |
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Long Distance Fisherman
Junior Member
 
USA
63 Posts |
Posted - 09/02/2009 : 3:15:34 PM
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John,I wanted to know how to find out if it is in the tach or if it could be somewhere else.Not afraid to buy the new tach head,just don't want to buy it and have that not be the problem.
Always"fishin for a place to hunt-huntin for a place to fish" |
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JOHN C
Advanced Member
    
USA
2024 Posts |
Posted - 09/02/2009 : 8:03:35 PM
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Sorry about that...if I remember correctly-a working tachs' needle/arrow should try to go below zero when the ignition switch is turned to 'ON' but not start. I remember that was the case with my Steward-Warner tach for my Lafitte skiff. Hopefully, someone will chime in and give more precise advice/info!!! John Castelluccio, Jr.
New SUV-'06 Yukon, new 56 yoa house, new boat-'06 Avenger, Semi-retired-'07, soon to get "new-wife"-'09 and in debt for the rest of my life-Now&4-ever!!! |
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Long Distance Fisherman
Junior Member
 
USA
63 Posts |
Posted - 09/02/2009 : 9:03:43 PM
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I did get to look and see if it did that,it will go to about 600 when the key is turned in the off position.When you turn it to the on position it will drop to 0.The tach head that is in it now also has several sensor lights in it and they all seem to work when the key is turned on,that is they will come on and then count down and then go off.The guy at the parts place told me he has never had to sell a tach head like mine,said they just don't seem to go out.So my question is,how do you find out what could be the problem?Thanks in advance
Always"fishin for a place to hunt-huntin for a place to fish" |
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Big John
Advanced Member
    
USA
1113 Posts |
Posted - 09/03/2009 : 10:37:20 AM
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An intermittent problem like yours could easily be something simple like a poor wiring connection somewhere. Start at the Tach and trace the wiring back to the motor. Check all the connections and clean them up. Might solve your problem and doesn't cost you anything but time.
Old Fishermen Never Die, They just smell that way ! |
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kjshunter
New Member
4 Posts |
Posted - 09/03/2009 : 8:05:16 PM
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I'm dealing with the same issue on a 140 johnson. Here is the research I've found. 1. check all connections at tach, then from the terminal strip at the motor making sure all is tight. 2. if connections are tight it may be one of two things, bad tach or bad rectifier/regulator. The rectifier is part of the charging system and also sends the signal to the tach on the grey sending wire. If the rectifier is bad your tach won't work correctly. To check:If,while you run your motor , you get 13.5 volts or more comming off your starting battery, your rectifier should be ok. If you are getting less than 13 volts it could mean the rectifier is going out. I'm still working on mine, when I get it going, I'll fill you in some more. |
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Long Distance Fisherman
Junior Member
 
USA
63 Posts |
Posted - 09/03/2009 : 8:20:27 PM
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Thanks,I checked my voltage today with the engine running got 13.5 turned engine off and turned perko switch off and still got 13.5 duhh, can't figure that one out.I thought the battery only held 12 volts.Figured I would try starting it on battery and then unhook battery and see it I could tell that way,like you would on a car to see if altenator is working,of course an older model car,not these new ones.I have checked what I could of the wiring though,same as you,let me know and I will like you know what I come up with.Mark
Always"fishin for a place to hunt-huntin for a place to fish" |
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JOHN C
Advanced Member
    
USA
2024 Posts |
Posted - 09/03/2009 : 9:45:18 PM
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WARNING...I may be wrong , but if your outboard engine is running and you disconnect a battery cable---YOU WILL BLOW THE POWER PACK...$$$$!!! John Castelluccio, Jr.
New SUV-'06 Yukon, new 56 yoa house, new boat-'06 Avenger, Semi-retired-'07, soon to get "new-wife"-'09 and in debt for the rest of my life-Now&4-ever!!! |
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Long Distance Fisherman
Junior Member
 
USA
63 Posts |
Posted - 09/04/2009 : 05:17:49 AM
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Thanks John,I think I had an idea something might not work right,why I posted that to see,one of those things in the back of your head you kinda know you shouldn't do that so ask for opinions.Then I think I will charge the batteries up take it to the river.Put the perko on 1 battery and ride for awhile, turn anything on that I can and see if it will charge back up.If it runs that battery down I have another to get to the dock.What you think? Mark
Always"fishin for a place to hunt-huntin for a place to fish" |
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frogman
Average Member
  
USA
238 Posts |
Posted - 09/04/2009 : 07:52:01 AM
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L.D.F., F.Y.I.; Fully charged battery is 12.6 volts. A battery will hold a "surface charge" of higher than that for a short time after being charged. It will go to 12.6 Volts after a short while after the charge. If you got a 13.5 volt reading, you at least know your charging system is putting out. |
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Long Distance Fisherman
Junior Member
 
USA
63 Posts |
Posted - 09/04/2009 : 09:12:57 AM
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Thanks,frogman.I did not know that.
Always"fishin for a place to hunt-huntin for a place to fish" |
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Steve H
Junior Member
 
56 Posts |
Posted - 09/04/2009 : 3:28:32 PM
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| I went thru the same thing. Tach worked when it felt like it. I bought the new tach 1st. Nothing. It ended up being the rectifier/regulator. Had it replaced in Feb. No problems since. |
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Speckcrusader
Starting Member

30 Posts |
Posted - 09/09/2009 : 11:03:25 AM
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I agree with Steve H. Mine was the V/R. A good one will put out +14 v while running wide open....in any case, mine was intermittant as well..the first hint of the V/R problems.Changed it ..no furthur problems.
David k. |
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kjshunter
New Member
4 Posts |
Posted - 09/09/2009 : 12:13:13 PM
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| Bad rectifier for me also (even though I was showing 13.5 volts). Changed it, now tach works perfect. Easy fix. |
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Long Distance Fisherman
Junior Member
 
USA
63 Posts |
Posted - 09/09/2009 : 1:07:38 PM
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I have the rectifier/regulator on order,it should be here tomorrow.I will post as to wether it fixes it or not.Thanks
Always"fishin for a place to hunt-huntin for a place to fish" |
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Long Distance Fisherman
Junior Member
 
USA
63 Posts |
Posted - 09/10/2009 : 1:19:53 PM
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I installed the rec/reg this morning same thing,guess I will try to find a new tach for it now.As was before-waiting on parts.Let you know how that works out.
Always"fishin for a place to hunt-huntin for a place to fish" |
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Long Distance Fisherman
Junior Member
 
USA
63 Posts |
Posted - 10/27/2009 : 08:59:00 AM
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Thanks Tony,the problem was fixed with your suggestion.I have had alot of other problems since talking with you.I really thank you for your help.Mark
Always"fishin for a place to hunt-huntin for a place to fish" |
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