OEM type tach and wiring on 1985 60hp 2stroke 3 cylinder

[Tricky Dick]

I have an all original 1985 Starcraft 16ft v-hull fishing boat with a 60 hp 2 stroke Mercury with the factory controls.
I'm looking for help to purchase correct tach (i see a lot of different forums talking about how many "poles" for specific motors... and then help for installing/wiring an oem type tachometer(this model did not come with one).
I was told you could go into the throttle control/shifter box?
I'm mechanically inclined but know very little about boats and outboard motors.

 

[Silvertip]

There are two ways to do this: 1) there are typically three wires under the console intended for a tach (+12 volts with key on, ground, and the tach sense signal) or 2) if you look closely at your throttle shift control box you will find a connector that accepts the factory wire harness for a tach. Or, if the boat has other gauges (at least a fuel gauge) you can simply jumper the +12 volt, ground, and internal light wires from the fuel gauge to the tach. Then you need to locate the tach sense wire and connect it to the tach. Your engine can use any outboard tach that works from a 12 pole stator. The tach will have a setting on the back that must be set to the "6P" (six pulse -- not six poles) position. You can buy the tach right here on IBoats. Since they provide this free information service, spend your money here.

 

[Tricky Dick]

Perfect!! Thank you for that info that will be VERY helpful. One more question then, well maybe 2 more, I can find/distinguish the +12v and ground wires fairly easily but is there generally a specific color for the sensor wire?
I will definitely purchase my parts here(the tach and any possible wiring harness if needed). Could you recommend a few from this website that would work? I'm looking for about a 3" dia.and something with an hour meter/counter. I will call and speak with a parts rep.as I prefer to talk live when order something unfamiliar.
If this goes well, I'm looking to replace some parts in the water pump a little later next month. It takes a minute or more sometimes for my water stream to start once the motor is running. Someone told me the "vanes" may be a little worn. I do have a complete shop/tech manual on that motor as the guy I bought from knew a guy..... Would you know much about lower units and replacing that sort of thing or are you more of an electronics person?
I enjoy fixing my own stuff about as much as I do actually using it, so your help and expertise is greatly appreciated, and thanks for the super fast reply!!



Here are a couple pics of my boat....Thanks again for the help!!!