81 chrysler wiring help

[81 beachcomber]

hey guys, im new to the forum. have a few questions regarding my 1981 chrysler outboard, 70hp. my tach is not working anymore. it lights up and looks as though it is connected (white wire) but does not show the rpms. anyone have a wiring diagram? also just wondering where the purple wire should be connected (generator) any help appreciated.

cheers

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 81 chrysler wiring help

If your 1981 is a distributor ignition engine, the white wire is the signal wire. Power is taken from the "I" terminal of the ignition switch and black is ground.

If it lights up, it is getting power and has ground so the problem will either be a broken tachometer, a broken signal wire, a disconnected wire at the engine terminal board OR---CD box is no longer putting out signal.

The purple wire is unused on distributor ignition engines but it is the tach signal for Prestolite distributorless ignitions.

I don't show a 70 being made in 1981 Are you sure it is not a 75 or even an 85 with a different hood. There will be an ID plate inside at the front where the control cables and fuel line enter.

 

[81 beachcomber]

Re: 81 chrysler wiring help

hmm. all of the wires are connected at the terminal block on the motor. i have a different tach sitting around. ill hook that up and see if it works. and i guess ill check the ID plate and see what motor it is. on the hood cover it says 700 however. also how can you tell if it is a prestolite ignition. isn't that where there are magnetic coils in the flywheel?? thanks a lot for your help i really appreciate it. im new to outboard mechanics. lol i know my sbc's inside out but have never worked on a 2 stroke outboard. Thanks, Rylan

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 81 chrysler wiring help

If is has a distributor, it is not Prestolite and needs a 12 pole tachometer. If it has no distributor, it is Prestolite and needs a 20 pole tachometer.

12 pole uses the white wire for signal, 20 pole uses the purple wire.