Tach not working.

[Mahoneymik]

Can anyone point me to, or describe the best way for me to troubleshoot my tachometer? It (along with most of my instruments) isn't working. I want to fix all of them, but I'd like to start with the tach. Then maybe engine oil temp.
Thanks for your help!
Michael.

[Al Schober]

You'll have to tell us what you have for a tach. Some tachs get their signal from the distributor, and have to be told how many cylinders in the engine. Others get their signal from the AC output of the alternator and have to be calibrated to account for variations in alternators and drive pullies.
Personally, I use a portable tune-up meter which attaches to the distributor and has a switch for # of cylinders.

[Mahoneymik]

Thank you Al!

You'll have to tell us what you have for a tach. Some tachs get their signal from the distributor, and have to be told how many cylinders in the engine. Others get their signal from the AC output of the alternator and have to be calibrated to account for variations in alternators and drive pullies.
Personally, I use a portable tune-up meter which attaches to the distributor and has a switch for # of cylinders.

I'm sure it's whatever came with the '77 Catalina 30. But I'll check it.
I have a total rats nest that I have to try to figure out. :^/

[JOHN COOKSON]

If there are two wires on the coil - terminal disconnect the wire to the tach at the coil and the tach and then run a new temporary from coil - to the tach so you can figure out if the tach or wiring is shot.

TRUE GRIT

[JOHN COOKSON]

most of my instruments isn't working. I want to fix all of them, but I'd like to start with the tach. Then maybe engine oil temp. Michael.

One more shot here.
If none of the gauges are working maybe there is no power to any of them. A volt meter will tell the story real quick.
When you are ready to go put up a post and I or one of the other forum members will tell you how to troubleshoot the gauges. Meanwhile check out the drawings and schematics section of the forum.
BTW: It's a water temp gauge not an oil temp gauge. (most likely)

TRUE GRIT

Do you have a copy of the Moyer A4 maintenance and repair manual?

[Mahoneymik]

One more shot here.
If none of the gauges are working maybe there is no power to any of them. A volt meter will tell the story real quick.
When you are ready to go put up a post and I or one of the other forum members will tell you how to troubleshoot the gauges. Meanwhile check out the drawings and schematics section of the forum.
BTW: It's a water temp gauge not an oil temp gauge. (most likely)

TRUE GRIT

Do you have a copy of the Moyer A4 maintenance and repair manual?

That's a great point. I'm going to look into that. I do have the maintenance and repair manual. I'll check it and the schematics section.
And thanks for the temp gauge correction.
It's so great to have all of you in these groups for guidance. Much appreciated!
-Michael.