tachometer?

[RTZ]

I am trying to get my tachometer running on my 88hp evinrude V4. I bought the boat several years ago and the tach has never worked. It now has power and the needle moves slightly when powered up. I tested the signal wire and it has continuity. I noticed my rectifier is not mounted to the engine. Does the rectifier case need to be mounted to the block to provide a solid ground in order to run the tach? Thanks.

 

[F_R]

Yes, the rectifier absolutely must be grounded. and the tach won't work if the rectifier is defective. Neither will it charge the battery. There are four diodes in the rectifier and all must be tested in forward and reverse direction (the diodes, that is, not the gearshift). That's eight tests total.

 

[RTZ]

Thank you FR!
The knowledge shared on here is very valuable. I ordered the correct bolts to put the rectifier back on the block and hopefully have a working tach. If not, I will test the rectifier and replace if necessary.