Johnson / Evinrude Outboard Tachometer Install

How to install a Tach.

[@brandonhebert5485]

Wow, I just purchased a 1996 Johnson 40 to see if I could find a video about installing a tach, and you're doing it for an OMC 40. Life is good.

[@WoodGuy]

Just when we thought you were done and we were saying to ourselves, that's great, but I don't have that kind of controller......you went and covered all the different kinds of bases, great video!

[@AAE-cg1il]

This inspired me….I have an Erude 30 hp on my 16 ft side console. It’s an e-tec and it had a harness with an 8 pin System Check connector already under the side controller. Just needed an extension to reach the Tach on the dash……took longer to clean up the dust from cutting the hole in the fiberglass console than it did to install. I agree…..you don’t need it but it is useful. Keeps me more in-touch with my outboard.

[@mikedurhan9941]

As far as I am concerned, you are a genius. Well, at least a great teacher. And yes, the 1979 and newer side-mount is vastly superior to the 1978 and older - in all respects. Thank you for a great video.

[@guglielmodicarlo4139]

LOL your calling this guy a genius??

[@alafanlaman]

Great video. Thanks Brandon. I have a side-mount concealed set up on an old Javelin bass boat that has set up for 10 years. Have brought back everything electrical under the dash but the tach. It gets a signal with key switch but no RPMS displayed with motor running. Guess I have to see where that elusive gray wire is not sending a signal. Great explanation of how everything works. Thanks.

[@steveoden]

Thanks for sharing just the info I needed!

[@jeffreysmothers6231]

Awesome thank you so much I have a tack I need to put in an old boat that I upgraded to a newer motor that has all this and I picked up a tack and was wondering how it all hooked up no wondering anymore

[@samtate1260]

Thank you for your help and info I have 1984 115 hp Evinrude with a power pilot control box has a tachometer but does not work now it will thanks again 👍

[@earlybirdfishing]

it looks spectacular .

[@JoseReyes-cf4zg]

Amazing video so helpful I been wonder where those wires goin now I know thank you so much I would give a shake shake

[@bkmodelcars]

Okay I think I have found all the appropriate wires I have it all hooked up it reads when it's running but how do I know that it's right it doesn't seem right I have a 150 Mariner Magnum

[@adamealey8802]

I have a 1980s not sure on the year v4 90hp I try hook up a tach it works but doesnt read the rpms I had hard wire it trace the grey wire it all hookup right but still no signal I took a test light to that wire no light no power through the signal wire even on the motor too

[@davekimbler2308]

Just a little tach-y for in the morning ! Lmao. Do you need any parts off that Merc 150 ? It’s really stuck and I’m going to pull the head and just see how chewy it is in there , one cylinder is at 85 and the rest around 110 ( these readings are from 2018 ) Lol. Controls and cables , T&T with pump , lower unit and steering bar all good . If I can clean up the cylinders I might just keep it .

[@charlesperry2688]

Hello Great Video, I have a 40hp outboard Johnson/Evinrude, what is a stater?

[@zook909]

I'm going to become a expert at that really quick... BRB hahah I wish you would have done the mini dash.

[@danielnicholls6868]

just found a 6000 rpm omc surface mount tach with 3 pin plug plus same wires with terminals for block. some timing lights can read rpm for checking

[@davidcooley5135]

I've got a bass tracker it's a older model it's got a dash like yours I raised my dash when I put the floor in it but I have a speed dometer and a older tach I'd like to install u got any ides for me thanks

[@MrHendrilankamp]

Hi Brandon, Thanks for sharing this. I have an Evinrude-Johnson 4-stroke (rebranded Suzuki DF40) I have gone through the manual trying to find the pulse of the engine but no luck. Do you have any idea what the setting should be? Also, if you select the wrong setting. could it harm the tacho? Thanks!

[@nathanw5747]

is the blue wire the nav light ? i got mine all working other than the light . so do i connect the blue wire and throw it on my nav light switch? edit** i got it figured out you i had 3 wires coming off the back (blue,purple , black) that was seperate away from the main plug that plugs into the remote. i thought the controller since its grouned through main power plug would be enough if i hooked up the blue wire to the switch but that was not the case the light is on a seperate circuit meaning the black wire needs to be grouned as well. purple i assume is for if your running multiple all together

[@safiasaharqaisrsni8263]

Hi i have tohatsu 25hp 2 stroke 2006. How do i add rpm meter?

[@RANGUIDRY]

This explanation of which wire does what is what I was looking for. QUESTION: Is the gray wire suppose to send 12volts to the tach with switch on motor not running? Thanks

[@BrandonsGarage]

I doubt it.. but never checked.

[@ryanallen6598]

Thank you for making this. My remote was like the second remote you showed. Tach gray runs to sender, and ground and hot go to (+ - ) key turns on and the gauge moves. Motor starts no movement of the tach once running. 1976 Evinrude 135hp. Thinking rectifier is bad?

[@jaimyware1231]

Did find out anything? Mine is doing the same thing. I’m stumped 🤔. Thanks for any updates.

[@ryanallen6598]

@@jaimyware1231 nothin unfortunately

[@scottdempsey3532]

Does a speedometer plug in the same spot on the controller as a tachometer?

[@BrandonsGarage]

No, but still have the power and ground there you could use. But most older ones that run off water pressure just need power for the light.

[@davidcooley5135]

I have a 30 horse motor it sounds like when u give the gas to it sort of sounds like it's over rebing

[@williamlarimer334]

You need to get info from the tach manufacturer on how to set the tach for the right reading according to what motor you have.

[@kevinhacker6191]

Dude you know way to much about this shyt, lol. Best info video ive ever seen on a certain subject

[@davidcooley5135]

if I don't have a harness is there any way I can wire it up

[@williamlarimer334]

He told us that the purple ( 12 v +) can be connect on the key switch. the black is ground from control box, and the grey is coming out of the bottom of the control box

[@alfajranmotorternate]

Woowww good👍👍👍

[@blackmouthcur6097]

Hey, would you happen to know where I might find a Stainless Steel prop for 40hp Johnson 2002 model, it’s on a 14’ fiberglass skiff, I have no idea what pitch I would. Have suggestions from you would be great benefit to me. I know you have dealt with a wealth of boats and outboards.

[@justinmiller2439]

What about black plug engines with electric start

[@BrandonsGarage]

Does it have a stator /battery charging? the black plug doesn't have the gray wire within, so you would have to run it elsewise.

[@guglielmodicarlo4139]

you dont need a tachometer harness you just need wires positive negative and signal, and optional lighting ,

[@Bobbywolf64]

It would have been nice to round out the video showing the tach working. Could have waited a day to wait for nice weather, or took the boat out for a rip. But good video none the less. Thanks.

[@WoodGuy]

Not to worry, I'd bet the farm Brandon is going to do a video and show the tach working, he's sneaky like that.

[@davidcooley5135]

my tach is alot bigger than the speed odometer

[@gsxroyce256]

You could have someone 3D print a mount

[@josephiacuzio6361]

You could of used a Harley Speedometer/Tachometer mount. They would of been perfect.

[@wayne3340]

Except a boat motor can rev to 6000 rpm. Harleys and tractors rev to about 1700. Just joking.

[@DougsMessyGarage]

What? Radio Shack still exists?

[@BrandonsGarage]

haha, nope! Only in the pile of parts I've never used.

[@DougsMessyGarage]

@@BrandonsGarage I was wondering if that was the case.

[@streetscapes]

What is this "radio shack" you speak of? lol

[@BrandonsGarage]

The day before they closed they were selling everything for $0.05 I stocked up on all the misc things I use.

[@PatrickLabelle]

@@BrandonsGarage Well that answers my question, I thought you were there like yesterday and I couldn't believe some were still open! Excellent video, it's incredible how you covered all the bases. 👍

[@junkyardjedi7706]

Instead of a dashboard, try a piece of PVC pipe in whatever diameter you need cut at 120degrees. Your welcome.

[@mattd8668]

Step 1 find a radio shack

[@michaellauer3397]

Never use your aluminum boat for ground… OK for testing but don’t run electricity through your boat always ground your boat, but never run electricity through it. You will promote electrolysis. Somewhere, not where you might think your boat will corrode like crazy, more pronounced in saltwater.

[@Vera-xu3xw]

My tachometer is my ears

[@MotorsportsX]

Stupid advice