Johnson 1980 V4 85HP tachometer

[austin7777]

Hi all,
I want to install a tachometer on my 1980 Johnson 85HP V4 outboard (J85TLCSA) and have a few questions:

1. After reading a few posts on this forum it looks like the remote control has a plug on it that is made for attatching a tachometer (see picture 1). What I want to know is, is that what this plug is for ?, and is there a way of testing it before I go to the expense of purchasing the tachometer and wiring.

2. I also want to open up my remote control and check the above plug to make sure it is connected, and to check the overheating horn as it does not seem to work, How do I go about opening up the remote control ?, I have taken out the two long bolts and the remote control arm but am still having trouble, is there any hidden bolts or trick to it (I have attatched two pictures of the remote, as you can see I have drilled a hole in the top left hand corner as I thought there was a hidden bolt, but couldnt find one)

Thanks in advance

 

[lexer440]

Re: Johnson 1980 V4 85HP tachometer

remove the center the handle fits to, (looks like you already have) i think now its just stiff, gently pry the case apart, (alloy is brittle take care). also the plug can be used for a tacho, thats where mine is plugged in.

 

[Sixmark]

Re: Johnson 1980 V4 85HP tachometer

If you truly want to test it, you are going to need to take it apart anyhow, it is not unheard of people changing what wires were actually in the plug from the factory.

By looking at the pics, it appears that you box is probably corroded and will need some persuasion to get it apart.

Once you have it apart, check to see what color the wires are going into the plug, if you want to hook up your tach then you are looking for the purple (12v+) gray (tach signal wire) and black (ground)

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Johnson 1980 V4 85HP tachometer

personally, gauges, etc, are only aggravating, can ruin a good day, causing you to worry. you can use your ears, and tell if the motor is running properly.

i have an uninstalled tach, that i use when setting up a motor. then it is disconnected, and put back into the box, until need again for testing.

 

[austin7777]

Re: Johnson 1980 V4 85HP tachometer

Thanks for your replies, is there anyway of checking the tachometer plug with a multi-meter ?, I have tried to get the control box open previously with no luck, the case started to crack and would not come apart.

Thanks

 

[ezeke]

Re: Johnson 1980 V4 85HP tachometer

Surely you can check it.

The purple wire is connected to the ignition switch accessory wiring "A" and should supply 12 volts when the ignition switch is turned on.

The black wire is a ground to the small "M" post on the ignition switch and should show continuity to the engine block at all times.

The gray wire is the signal wire and runs through the harness to the terminal block on the engine. When the engine is running, the gray wire should read at least 5 Volts AC when read with the AC voltmeter. You must have a working rectifier.

Be very careful not to allow external voltage to ride the gray wire or it will destroy your rectifier.

http://www.maxrules.com/graphics/omc_pics/REMCONTBOX.jpg

 

[refuse2]

Re: Johnson 1980 V4 85HP tachometer

Would anyone happen to know what the part number is for the cord to plug into this or how I would happen to attach wires to this plug without it looking like crap?

 

[ezeke]

Re: Johnson 1980 V4 85HP tachometer

You need to either buy the OE harness from your BRP/Evinrude dealer or the aftermarket Teleflex IH14767 Harness. Either one uses a three wire amphenol plug which you may be able to find and wire on your own.