New Tach? Additional Gauges??

[excalibur-oc]

Now that you veterans have solved my problem with the tach Racing high on me I was wondering if I should replace the tach since I had to move the dial back & forth to get it to work properly?

I am also considering installing a voltage meter on my '81 175 Johnson. to help me keep an eye on the rectifier. How difficult would this be to install & is there a specific meter I need? Would a telfex be OK?

With the recommendations I have been given to my set up I would also like to put in a tilt gauge. I feel this would help me duplicate & evaluate the changes. Again, how difficult would this be to install & is there a specific gauge I need? Would a telfex be OK?

Txs Ex

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: New Tach? Additional Gauges??

Any volt gauge will work. Just be sure its connected to any hot wire that gets its power from the starting battery. Not sure about the T&T gauge. It "may" have to be matched to the sending unit.

 

[Tom Scully]

Re: New Tach? Additional Gauges??

I wouldn't replace the tach until I had to. I fit acts up again soon you can try using some TV tuner cleaner or switch contact cleaner on the switch to try and extend it's life. Make sure the power is off before you spray it.
Teleflex guages for voltage and trim will work just fine.
The trim gauges tend to be a maintenance issue down here in the salt water.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: New Tach? Additional Gauges??

Voltmeters need only three connections. +12V that is active only when the key is on. The +12V connection ont he tach or fuel gauge would work. It also needs a good ground. Again, the ground connection on any gauge will do. Third, if the gauge has light you'll need a connection to the light terminal on any of the other gauges. If your engine does not have a T&T sender you will need that as well. These are engine specific so your best bet is to see the dealer. Teleflex T&T gauges will work fine. I question their value since any trim settings vary with load, speed and water conditions so no one setting is always correct. Seat of the pants is the best gauge.

 

[Tom Scully]

Re: New Tach? Additional Gauges??

"Seat of the pants is the best gauge."
For Sure!!

 

[excalibur-oc]

Re: New Tach? Additional Gauges??

That is great guys I won't waste my money on the Tilt gauge.

 

[excalibur-oc]

Re: New Tach? Additional Gauges??

Sorry - 1 more question regarding gauges.
Would an Amp meter be a better gauge than Volts.
Remember I would like to use it to keep an eye on Rectifier/Regulator.

 

[james williams]

Re: New Tach? Additional Gauges??

An amp.gauge shows if the alt. is charging or not.A volt gauge shows how many volts is in the bat.It does seem like an amp.gau. would warn you quicker.BUT,as soon as the alt.stops the volt-gau.goes to minus nearly instantly. Justmytwocents.

 

[Tom Scully]

Re: New Tach? Additional Gauges??

The voltmeter will work to keep an eye on the rectifier, and you won't have to run any additional wires from the engine.
When it's working properly you will see around 13-14 volts while running.
Anything below 12.5 or over 14.5 is abnormal.