Merc 500 - Can I add a tach?

GA_Boater

GA_Boater

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I have a 1966 Merc 500 - 50hp S/N 2012023 with Kiekhaefer magneto ignition. Can a tach be hooked up to one of the stator leads? I know its a 12 pole stator. Am I all wet? I've searched the forums but ho luck so far. Thanks.
 
merc850

merc850

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Re: Merc 500 - Can I add a tach?

Yes an aftermarket unit or go for the best - a Mercury tach. Sometimes dealers will have used ones cheap, I've been using an old Merc tach for 20 years on 2 different engines.
 
GA_Boater

GA_Boater

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Re: Merc 500 - Can I add a tach?

Thanks merc. Am I right that the tach signal is from the stator? I have no switchbox.
 
merc850

merc850

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Re: Merc 500 - Can I add a tach?

Yes you hook the sender terminal of the tach to either one of the yellow stator leads, NOT the red one.
 
GA_Boater

GA_Boater

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Re: Merc 500 - Can I add a tach?

Thanks again, merc. Red is +12 = tach death. LOL
 
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