tachometers for vintage outboards?

[n0ukf]

I'm looking for a tachometer for one or more of my older 30-40 hp J/E outboards (2-3 cylinders). Does anyone know of any compatible tachs on the market? Teleflex only works on motors with alternator and points (not generator and mag), and the tinytech ones I read about in another post don't thrill me if they have a non-replaceable battery (buy a new tach when it runs down).

 

[Hooty]

Re: tachometers for vintage outboards?

The battery in the Tinytach lasts 4-5yrs. and a new tach is about $40.00.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[Lark40]

Re: tachometers for vintage outboards?

TinyTachs work well and, uh, you simply don't have many alternatives.<br /><br />Their engineer told me you could try to pry the case apart and replace the battery. There was risk, but at that time, you have nothing to lose.

 

[rolmops]

Re: tachometers for vintage outboards?

Hello.<br />Many of us are faced with the same dilemma.<br />It took me about 7 minutes to find a 1960's airguide for my '57 engines.Just yesterday I bought another one off e-bay for 12 dollars.There are hundreds of tachometers on e-bay.Look for the ones that have either 2 or four wires coming out of them.(one to catch the pulse of one of the points,one to a ground and two for the little lamp inside).The "airguide" company made a lot of them.<br />Good luck.

 

[n0ukf]

Re: tachometers for vintage outboards?

Hooty, but can we be sure that they'll still be around that long? <br />Yeah Lark40, I'd probably pry it apart to try replacing that battery before buying another unit. I'm like that with my toys. <br />I'll have another look on ebay too.