Install a dash tachometer to my 1988 - 45hp Merc.

[ewalden444]

Hello,<br /><br />I have a Merc 1988 Classic 50 on a 1988 bass tracker. I want to install a tach to the motor. Can someone tell me the steps I need to get this done, Also, what is the best techometer to get for this boat. <br /><br /><br />Thanks

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Install a dash tachometer to my 1988 - 45hp Merc.

Instructions will come with the tach. There are four connections to it: 1) ground, 2) 12V from a switched source (on when the key is on). 3) internal light (from light switch), and 4) sense (tach sense from control box).

 

[Nos4r2]

Re: Install a dash tachometer to my 1988 - 45hp Merc.

You need a tach that supports a 12-pole alternator for a classic 50

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Install a dash tachometer to my 1988 - 45hp Merc.

You need a tach for marine applications. An auto tach is not compatible. Most marine tachs have a selector switch on the back to set it up for a specific motor. Check around on e-bay for great deals. Got mine for $28.00 brand new in the box. Cheapest I found thru retail was $149.00.<br />You will need to cut a hole in the dash 3 1/16" to 3 1/8" diameter. That was the hardest part for me. Check for clearance behind when choosing the location. Typically the connection for the tach signal is run from the motor to the remote control box in the wire harness. Yours will probably be a light grey wire. An accy harness is needed to connect from the remote control box to the dash. This harness has the connections for tach, temp, alarm and tilt gauge as well as power and ground.

 

[riccd2001]

Re: Install a dash tachometer to my 1988 - 45hp Merc.

Just a comment about tight-clearance meter installations...<br /><br />Although the Faria meters (Tach, speedo, volts) I bought on eBay all worked great on my Merc 850, the small steering area in my boat really didn't have the room for easy in-dash installation. If that's a problem for you, I found that Livorsi Marine still have a simple cost-effective solution - Marine Deck Mount Cups and necessary installation hardware (livorsi.com/catalog/close_outs) included.

 

[SeaKaye12]

Re: Install a dash tachometer to my 1988 - 45hp Merc.

Hi,<br /><br />I've been shopping for a tach as well...for my 850. There's an amazing assortment at teleflex.....dozens of appearance options for the face...same old tach back behind, although some of them have hour meters incorporated as well.<br /><br /> http://www.tflx.com/marinelines.html <br /><br />Then...another one I'm considering is beede. Again...lots of choices.<br /><br /> http://www.beede.com/ <br /><br />I think that you'll find that nmost tachs sold for outboard applications will have the right settings for your 12 pole 6 pulse needs.<br /><br />Let me know what model you pick...and post a picture of it installed....showing WOT of course...with a pretty lake in the background... <br /><br />Thanks for reading, Chuck

 

[AMD Rules]

Re: Install a dash tachometer to my 1988 - 45hp Merc.

The other item you want to consider is the wiring. Mercury makes available a wire harness, that in most cases plugs directly into your controls. Ths makes for a professional installation (includes instructiona). If you don't have that harness, I'd recommend it.