Tachometer

[gezellig]

I have a 1982 Californian with Perkins engines. The Tach for the port engine on the fly bridge did not work the first time I took the boat out this season. It works on the lower station and there do not appear to be any loose connections.

Any suggestions?

 

[WD40]

Did you run the engine up anywhere near full throttle, even momentarily?
Neither of the tachs will work on Otter until I give the engines a good "goose" up to 1,500-1,800 rpm.
It has to do with the alternator turning over fast enough to put out enough voltage to run the tach.
From my limited experience, I understand it's relatively common.

 

[gezellig]

Problem solved. It was a broken ground wire between the two tachs on the upper station. The ground is not show on the drawing, I noticed when I took them off to get at the back to remove the tach.

 

[High Wire]

Wow, a true easy fix!!! Savor the moment.

 

[MVDarlin]

Also. Msny tachs that run off the alternator require a load on the electrical system to function. With fully charged batteries they may not ooerate when you stat up. Turn on some lights or a pump to get it to function.