Tach Install

[Jack Daniels]

Ok so i finally have my 20 pole tach and want to figure out how to install it. I think its relatively easy, so my question is, what do i hook up the signal source pin on the tach. Didtn come with great directions per my motor. BTW i have a 1983 FORCE outboard. I attached a figure of the tach itself, thansk for the help.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Tach Install

Simple! You attach the purple wire to the signal terminal, any black wire from ground to a decent ground, and a red wire from the "ignition" terminal on the switch to "power" or 12V source on tach. This turns off power to the tach when the engine is stopped with the ignition key. Your 20 pole tach also has an adjusting button/arrow on the back. Adjustable 20 pole tachs like these are usuallly set to "3" for 12 pole and "4" for 20 pole. Purple wire is an A/C signal source so number of cylinders of the engine doesn't matter. A/C off the stator is the same for all engines with this type ignition. Be certain that the purple is attached to the regulator A/C terminal and that it is also connected on the engine terminal board.

 

[Jack Daniels]

Re: Tach Install

Frank

Should i run the ground back to the battery and connect the power rod to the battery also.

How do you recomend connecting the signal wire to the purple wire, should i just splice into the purple wire?

Thanks

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Tach Install

Since the tach is usually located in a position not conducive to direct connections, what i have started to do is to locate a 4 pole terminal strip under the dash. To this i attach the black ground from the engine cable, the purple wire, and a jumper red from the "I" terminal of the ignition switch. To them I attach the corresponding signal, power, and ground wires from the tach. Plus, I still have one terminal for other use available.

 

[Jack Daniels]

Re: Tach Install

Ok frank sorry for being a nub but you just confused the daylights out of me. Can i just splice into the power and ground from the speedmeter and then run the signal wire to the motor. Is that going to be the easiest way to do it? Thanks sorry for being slow. When it comes to electricity and such thats where i am weak. Thanks again

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Tach Install

All roads lead to Rome. I didn't realise that you already had some wiring under the dash. Of course, you can daisy chain power and ground from the speedo or other gauges if they are wired to turn off with the ignition, and hook up signal to the purple any way you want. I like to preserve the factory terminal on the end of the purple, but it isn't really necessary. You can hook it up any way you want.