tach problems.. and electrical leak HELP PLEASE

[fisholdschool]

Hi there,
I am wondering if you can help me with this problem. I have a tach that jumps up to 7000 rpm as soon as I start the engine. It started working intermittently the other day right after I popped my blown bilge pump fuse from the panel under the center console. Next time I started the engine it jumped right back up to 7000 rpm. AND... my other, or maybe related problem is that I have an electrical leak. I have a pretty simple syster. From the engine I have the positive and negative leads for my 90 yamaha that run to the outboard. I also have a neg and positive wire that lead to my fuse panel. I did the omhs test on the fuse panel wires and all is good. When I was tracing the leak, about 8, I pulled the main fuse from the red wire in the outboard and it returned to infinity... that wire I believe runs to the ignition, and I am at a dead end. WHne I turn the ignition to the on position, the omhs drop down to zero... Is this supposed to be like this? I could install a battery switch, but that is a bit of a hassle... PLEASE help Thanks in advance.

 

[QuadManiac]

Re: tach problems.. and electrical leak HELP PLEASE

You can't use an ohmmeter on a live electrical system. If you are going to try to measure resistances in your electrical system, disconnect the positive battery terminal first, then do your thing.

Else, you can ground one lead of the meter, set it to DC volts, and measure the presence or absence of voltages instead.

And what is 'about 8'... an 8 amp parasitic current draw from the battery when everything is supposed to be turned off?

 

[jtexas]

Re: tach problems.. and electrical leak HELP PLEASE

How did you determine you have a leak? Best thing is to fill the boat with electricity and watch to see where it's running out........sorry bout that, couldn't resist.............

Why does the fuse panel need a ground wire? The red wire from the fuse panel - what's the other end attached to?

The bilge pump, does it also have a float switch?

Is 7000 the highest number on your tach? so it pegs soon as you turn on the key, or when the engine starts?

Ever figure out why the bilge fuse blew?

My experience, 97.6% of all electrical malfunctions on boats can be cured by cleaning and tightening the connections. Polish 'em till they shine. Get rid of all the corrosion. Make a list of what works and what don't.

 

[QuadManiac]

Re: tach problems.. and electrical leak HELP PLEASE

Gecko speaks truth!