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  #26   IP: 24.19.226.68
Old 05-23-2022, 01:17 AM
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mine looks different..........

My alternator ie very different. I will take photos and
post tomorrow. Thanks very much.
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Old 05-23-2022, 01:46 AM
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pictures of my alternator and tach

Here are photos of my tach and alternator.


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Old 05-23-2022, 02:01 AM
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more pictures of the alternator

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Old 05-23-2022, 02:22 AM
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more pictures of the alternator

Attachment 16251

Attachment 16252
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Old 05-23-2022, 02:26 AM
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My tach instruction sheet

here is my instruction sheet

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Old 05-23-2022, 08:09 AM
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Oh Lordy, now I really feel bad over getting after you about an AC tap. I'm sure an alternator shop can do what you need but I'm not so sure I'd spend a nickel on that relic. Tachometer project aside, is there any plan to replace the alternator either now or in the future? I think that would be my primary focus with the tach installation as a side benefit.

Attached is a collage of alternator connection pictures. Of the eight shown, half of them already come with AC taps.
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Old 05-24-2022, 06:53 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ndutton View Post
Oh Lordy, now I really feel bad over getting after you about an AC tap. I'm sure an alternator shop can do what you need but I'm not so sure I'd spend a nickel on that relic. Tachometer project aside, is there any plan to replace the alternator either now or in the future? I think that would be my primary focus with the tach installation as a side benefit.

Attached is a collage of alternator connection pictures. Of the eight shown, half of them already come with AC taps.
Yeah, I'm with Neil. If you are going to stick with that alternator/tach combo, a good local alternator shop can actually "renew" that alternator while you ask them for an AC tap if you will go that route. It won't cost that much and peace of mind would be good knowing the internals of your alternator are new. I had mine "refreshed" 2 years ago by a local shop along with my starter.

On another note, looking at your pics, I can't stress enough the importance of good proper wiring for your engine. You can get away with re-using the wiring if it's the right gauge but just make all new terminal heat shrink connections with tinned connectors and a proper heat shrink crimper. Proper grounds will reduce future issues you may face. I have had a decent amount of issues in my past with the two boats I have purchased where inadequate wiring lead to problems I could not figure out until I found out it was something as simple as changing out a wires or just re-crimping with legit wiring and/or terminals.
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  #33   IP: 24.19.226.68
Old 05-28-2022, 12:36 AM
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I do NOT have a motorola

Soooo...
I got a hold of a good marine alternator shop. They charge $107 per hour and
he thought adding the W wire may take about an hour and a half...

Hmmm.....the pretty looking hole plug concept is still in the running!!

Seriously, if I want this RPM info which I have never had to be operable,
my old blue alternator may become a door stop.

I would most appreciate suggestions as to a new, reasonably priced alternator
which definitely has the W tach wire...and HOPEFULLY could be fitted
without drastic fabrication tasks needed.


As far as having "good" wiring on my 1965 boat...."I'm trying".
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Old 05-28-2022, 10:45 AM
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I would be a LOT cheaper to just wire the tach to the coil.
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Old 05-28-2022, 01:12 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by joe_db View Post
I would be a LOT cheaper to just wire the tach to the coil.
. . . . . and ignore the age and condition of the alternator.
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Old 05-28-2022, 03:48 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ndutton View Post
. . . . . and ignore the age and condition of the alternator.
There is that - I would probably replace that thing on general principles, but I wouldn't pay $150 to get an AC tap on whatever that is.
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Old 05-28-2022, 04:46 PM
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More plans on how to EASILY get my tach "working"

So....here are my two new ideas:

(so far I tried using the ground terminal of the coil
as a "pulse" connected directly...and then tried with a 5k
resistor in the connection....both with no luck.)

1) Tap in to the actual wire from the photosensor in my
Indigoi modified distributor. The new tach I bought
needs a pulse...as they show in the instructions, you
may get one from adding a new sensor which senses
steel gear teeth passing by. Fine. The opto-interruptor
now in my distributor also gives a "pulse". This method
eliminates all the alternator hacking and gives a signal
unaffected by pulley sizes, slipping belts and other issues.
My Indigo base unit has a red led to see the "pulses". I have
a feeling that they potted the PCB so getting at that exact
signal may be hard. But again....the sensor in my distributor
senses a clear/blocked light path...so that is the pulse ...obviously.


2) Keep looking on Youtube and other sources about how I
can personally modify my alternator to install a W wire.
(geeeezus...how difficult can it be?) I am a retired engineer.
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Old 05-28-2022, 04:55 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by joe_db View Post
I wouldn't pay $150 to get an AC tap on whatever that is.
I agree. For comparison, I can install an AC tap in a Delco 10Si alternator as a stand alone project in about 15~20 minutes. The shop's 1˝ hour estimate was either by a one armed blind guy or it's code they really don't want to work on your old blue alternator. I can't say I blame them.

Question for Dave:
You said reasonably priced alternator. What's the budget?
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Old 05-28-2022, 05:01 PM
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New alternator very rough "budget"

Cost for a new alternator?

I dunno....roughly $100? ..... plus 8 dollars for a can of blue paint.
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Old 05-28-2022, 05:41 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bigoledave View Post
So....here are my two new ideas:

(so far I tried using the ground terminal of the coil
as a "pulse" connected directly...and then tried with a 5k
resistor in the connection....both with no luck.)

1) Tap in to the actual wire from the photosensor in my
Indigoi modified distributor. The new tach I bought
needs a pulse...as they show in the instructions, you
may get one from adding a new sensor which senses
steel gear teeth passing by. Fine. The opto-interruptor
now in my distributor also gives a "pulse". This method
eliminates all the alternator hacking and gives a signal
unaffected by pulley sizes, slipping belts and other issues.
My Indigo base unit has a red led to see the "pulses". I have
a feeling that they potted the PCB so getting at that exact
signal may be hard. But again....the sensor in my distributor
senses a clear/blocked light path...so that is the pulse ...obviously.


2) Keep looking on Youtube and other sources about how I
can personally modify my alternator to install a W wire.
(geeeezus...how difficult can it be?) I am a retired engineer.
To repeat, there is no reason you can't just tap the coil negative. You might need a resistor that costs a dollar.
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Old 05-28-2022, 05:42 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bigoledave View Post
Cost for a new alternator?

I dunno....roughly $100? ..... plus 8 dollars for a can of blue paint.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/15498983131...YAAOSwbRFie6u0

No association, it was the first one that popped up.
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Old 05-28-2022, 05:52 PM
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used replacement...

Thanks very much...

Do we know for sure that it has the now infamous W wire??
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Old 05-28-2022, 07:10 PM
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That wire is not needed for the $30 tachs on Amazon nor the Isspro tach on this website
I actually don't know offhand if they have an AC tap or not.
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Old 05-28-2022, 07:41 PM
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My tach info....again

Here is my tach which (I posted before in this thread.) The
instruction sheet clearly shows the requirement for the W tach wire.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thanks for your interest
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Old 05-28-2022, 08:15 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bigoledave View Post
Here is my tach which (I posted before in this thread.) The
instruction sheet clearly shows the requirement for the W tach wire.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thanks for your interest
Actually it has settings for attaching to the coil as well. See the tables included, it looks to me on their crappy scan that "speed ratio 2" is for a 4 cylinder 4 stroke. Mine is the same, it had gas and diesel settings too.
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Old 05-29-2022, 12:50 AM
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Talking getting comical now..

This is getting a bit comical. Here is the response from the
closest contact I could find through amazon regarding hooking up the tach.



Hi dear Dave,
Thanks for your email and so sorry for any trouble.
We are so sorry that we can't find your order in our store.
Here is the picture to show the proof, please check the attachment to confirm it.
So please contact the correct seller to solve your issue well.
Because you confirmed the item, and here is the instruction of the item, you can see it and then you can know it better.
And according to your meaning, you don't want to buy the speed sensor and then you want to use the item you ordered directly, is that right?
If yes, we are so sorry, that item can't be done this.
You should need the speed sensor and then can do it.
So sorry again and hope for your kind understanding.
You can also contact your correct seller to solve your issue well.
Have a nice day.
Regards,
June
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can't find 114-5895990-9684253.png

ahahahaha
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Old 05-29-2022, 07:20 AM
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These are the directions that came with my tach. They look identical to your tach. Connect it to the coil through a 5K resistor and I am 99.9% sure it will work. No one at Amazon is going to have the slightest clue.
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Old 05-29-2022, 11:01 AM
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i did that---no luck

I have tried that ....with no luck. See my previous post about it.

I will try it one more time.

thanks

I was communicating with the place in China...not Amazon.
Amazon gave me a link.
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Old 05-29-2022, 11:46 AM
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Quote:
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I have tried that ....with no luck. See my previous post about it.

I will try it one more time.

thanks

I was communicating with the place in China...not Amazon.
Amazon gave me a link.
Do you have it on the 2 setting as shown? If the speed ratio is 96 or 112 or similar, it will probably always sit on 0.
Are you sure you are on the negative side of the coil?
The thing might just be dead if it does nothing.
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Old 05-29-2022, 12:04 PM
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I'll repeat, and now considering the budget, I'd spend it on a new alternator before anything else without regard to an AC tap or 'W' terminal. Next, I'd trash this tachometer or put it in the box of shame as a lesson learned. Everyone on this forum has learned lessons the same way so welcome to the club. Finally, when you decide you really want a tachometer, if ever, give Ken a call at Moyer Marine and order a proper tachometer that is designed to connect to the coil. You'll get a quality gauge, it will be pretty much plug and play and the instructions won't be in poorly translated English. Sure, it will cost more than the Chinese cheapo you're struggling with now but in the big picture of boat ownership it's not that much.

One of Dave Neptune's prophetic rules is Do it right and cry once ($).

You'll be glad you did.
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