High RPM concerns

[smittysmith13]

I have a '91 or '92 60 hp johnson outboard. The motor seems to run fine for its' age, but I have a couple of concerns.

First, not running I notice that my tach needle stays anywhere between 1 and 2 thousand rpm's. Is this a issue??

Second question, when running wide open, my tach pegs out at the 7 thousand mark. Because of that, I never run it wide open out of fear that I am reving it to high. I think 5500 is max for this outboard?? I don't know.

Thanks,

Smitty

 

[CATransplant]

Re: High RPM concerns

The fact that your tachometer doesn't zero out when the engine's not running is an indication that there's a problem with your tach. That it pegs at WOT is another.

Start by checking the accuracy of your tachometer. You can do that with another tach.

Unless you are way underpropped, or have a spun hub on your prop, it's unlikely that your engine is turning 7000 rpm. I'd check the tach before doing anything else.

 

[ezeke]

Re: High RPM concerns

When you go from running engine to off, many tachometers stay at the last reading. When you turn the ignition key to run with the engine off, the needle should snap to zero.

 

[smittysmith13]

Re: High RPM concerns

you know, i have never paid attention to see if it snaps to zero when the key is turned on. I will check that out today.

thanks

 

[ezeke]

Re: High RPM concerns

I think that your powerpack is rev limited to 6700 RPM, though it may be 6200. If it is, it will be marked on the powerpack, so I would not be too concerned about over-rev. if you have one of those powerpacks.

I would check the pulse setting on the tachometer though. If it has mutiple numbers with a p after them, use 6P.