Buying a new tachometer

[Jerry999]

I have a 2003 90 HP Mercury on a 171 Sea Fox. The tach doesn't work so I'm looking to buy a new one. Since it's a 3 cylinder carbureted engine, is there anything special that I need to know? I've been reading a lot about pulses and settings so I wanted to make sure to get one that works.
Thanks for any help.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Have you done any troubleshooting?

 

[Jerry999]

Not Really, I understand about the grey wire and power to the tach, but thats about all.

 

[Jerry999]

If I ran the engine what reading would I expect on the grey wire and what setting would I set on my volt- ohm- amp meter?

 

[Scott Danforth]

http://www.cdielectronics.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/CDI Troubleshooting Guide - 2012.pdf

start reading

 

[Jerry999]

OK Thanks. I have both a analog and digital meter so if I use the analog then I wouldn't need a DVA adaptor. I will check it out tomorrow. Still if I need a new Tach will any Marine 8000 RPM tach work and what would I set it to. The old one was set between 4 and 5 which wasn't any help. I just bought the boat and all gauges look original.

 

[Silvertip]

Tachometers are pretty universal. Just don't buy one at an auto store because those are typically for cars only and they will not withstand moisture. You can get a tach right here on IBoats. Click SHOP at the top of this page.

 

[Jerry999]

Thanks Grumpy, All help appreciated.:mad-new::laugh:

 

[Jerry999]

Appreciate it Silvertip !

 

[robsalik24]

You have to buy a marine outboard tach only. I just recently found this out after buying an automotive one just to see what the revs I was turning. the signal coming from the pick up on the motor is different on an outboard motor than it is on an automotive type engine / inboard outboard. Farrah makes tachometers for outboard. Easy to install easy to set up worth 80 bucks.