Lighting/Tach problem

[freeboat]

I have a 1989 Evinrude 70 on a Tracker 17' Tournament. Problem: I replaced the tach light (other one was missing). Light does not work when I flip on the dash lights (all other guages do), but when I insert the ignition key and turn it to on the light works even with the toggle switch off. Additionally, the tach needle floats to about 1000 rpm when ignition is off, but drops to zero when it turn on the key. The guage registers rpms fine when the engine is running. <br />Was wondering if all this is normal, especially with the light working the way it is.<br /><br />Thanks, Cal

 

[freeboat]

Re: Lighting/Tach problem

Forgot to add the tach guage is a Quicksilver.

 

[gaugeguy]

Re: Lighting/Tach problem

The quicksilver tach lamp can be inserted two different ways, in the switched and unswitched position. If it is in the switched position the power to the lamp is via the lamp stud, in the unswitched position the power to the lamp is there as soon as you turn on the ignition. Remove the lamp, rotate it 90 degrees and re-insert into the unswitched position and the lamp will illuminate when you turn the light switch on (if the lamp stud is connected to the light switch.<br /><br />The tach has a non-return to zero function, meaning when the tach has no power applied the pointer will "float", but will go to zero as soon as you turn the ignition on.<br /><br />Sounds like all is working as it should. Good Luck.

 

[freeboat]

Re: Lighting/Tach problem

guageguy: thanks....glad all is working fine. i did rotate the bulb, but didn't change anything. still comes on with the ignition switch. even switched the ground and hot wire sides and didn't matter either. there are three posts...two are on either side of the light socket, one is obviously the ground, and the other the hot. the third is all alone at the bottom and has a white wire coming from it....must be the rpm wire from eninge? thanks, cal.

 

[gaugeguy]

Re: Lighting/Tach problem

Freeboat, does the tach have a stud labeled "LT" beside the lamp? You should have a stud on either side of the lamp hole (slightly lower) and one about 2" below it and one directly beside it on the left.

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: Lighting/Tach problem

Freeboat...can't help with the light except to say my old 1976 150 Merc was the same way, came on and off with the key, my new 115 Merc tach light comes on with the other guages with the dash switch. Both tachs however stay around 1,000 RPM when shut off and drop to zero when the key is turned back on, asked the mechanic and he said they typically stay at whatever RPM you turn them off at so it's not a problem as Guageguy says.

 

[freeboat]

Re: Lighting/Tach problem

thanks for the help....I will get in there this morning and look at the backside of the gauge again and see what the posts are labelled. will let you know. appreciate it. happy new year.<br />cal