Tac Question

[flwillie]

I have an 05 225 opti. On Sunday I noticed the tac was jumping around. At one point running flat out it was reading 6500 rpm with no alarms. The motor seems to running just fine. I plan on checking all the connection tomorrow but was wondering what else it could be.

[mikepags]

gauge is going bad.............mine did that and I about had a heart attack........was running like 5000 and started a slow wide turn and all of a sudden it bounced to like 6500 or so and then down again............I thought it was all over for me and my checkbook for a second.........but turns out it was a warranty issue thru ranger ..............

[EuropeanAM]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by flwillie &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I have an 05 225 opti. On Sunday I noticed the tac was jumping around. At one point running flat out it was reading 6500 rpm with no alarms. The motor seems to running just fine. I plan on checking all the connection tomorrow but was wondering what else it could be. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Take a look at the back of the tach. Most models have a "calibration pot" on the back, with multiple settings.

MAKE NOTE OF THE CURRENT POSITION. With a small, flat-blade screw-driver, rotate the pot a click or two in either direction (DO NOT rotate it beyond the positions indicated as it can damage the unit), and then return it to the original position.

Now run it... and see if the tach doesn't work better. Sometimes, a minimal amount of moisture inside the tach can affect this "pot" in a "VERY BIG WAY".

[Largemouthlou]

Truth be known, Willie was trying to race me and over trimmed!!!

[flwillie]

Thanks Don, I'll give that try

And Louis, you know I would never try to race your Stroker with my party barge

[flwillie]

No luck Don. I did what you said and tac just pegged when fire up the motor. Set it back where it was and it did the same thing.

Guess it's shot. Motor run fine. ran 65 with no problems.

[EuropeanAM]

One more thing before you "condemn" that tach....

Sometimes, the "positions" on the pot markings are off a little bit. With the engine on the hose attachment (or in the lake), run it at idle, and utilize a small screwdriver to move the pot slightly each side of the setting. You may see the tach come to life....

Of course, you then need to "verify" the tach's readings to ensure that it's accurate.

Suggestion: If you end up replacing the tach.... consider one of the Smartcraft Instruments instead. The tach in each of those units will be "dead accurate".

[CRIMSONGAMBLER]

Mine is doing the same thing, had it checked, said it is going bad. Some times it works fine- sometimes not. What do the smartcraft cost?

[EuropeanAM]

You can get the System Monitor (larger size, 3-3/8" hole size) with cable for $315.

The newer MercMonitor (currently on backorder) is $428 for the basic kit w/cable.

[flwillie]

Thanks Don, I'll check it again like you suggest. I've been wanting smarthcraft, so maybe nows the time. I did a bit of looking today and I found one for $279. Now if just remember where it was.

[EuropeanAM]

The smaller version of the System Monitor is only $298 shipped to your door... cable included.

(System monitor is available in 2-1/8" or 3-3/8" sizes, with a slight price difference).