Johnson/brp systems check gauge

[Fishfinda tackle]

I have a 2003 Jonson/BRP 2 stroke. My tach isn't working..wont budge at all. I suspected faulty/oxidized wiring but after speaking to 2 mechanics who knows these motors, I was advised that the tach is probably blown and that it is not uncommon. The systems check feature on the tach works fine (low oil, no oil, temp, etc) all the lights and warning chimes come on during start up as they should...just the tach itself wont budge. I was hoping to get some honest advice from someone here who knows the "systems check" Johnson/brp stuff in case the mechanics are just trying to make a buck off me. Any advice? ...By the way, I just got off the phone with my dealer and was quoted $175 for a new tach....OUCH! What/where can I check before I fork over the green?
thanx in advance

 

[ezeke]

Re: Johnson/brp systems check gauge

It is far more common to have a faulty rectifier than a bad tachometer. Put a voltmeter directly on the battery terminals with the engine off and take a reading. Start the engine and take another reading. That will indicate that the charger is working or not.

 

[Fishfinda tackle]

Re: Johnson/brp systems check gauge

Im not following you... The charging system works great. I know because the batteries are getting charged wonderfully with the motor running. Besides, the dash voltmeter reads the charge as well.
Im not doubting you but what does the charging system/rectifier have to do with my dead tachometer?

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Johnson/brp systems check gauge

What hp motor?

If the tach needle goes to zero when the key is turned ON, most likely the tach is OK. If the needle doesn't move, then the tach is bad for sure, since the lites work OK.

The regulator has a separate circuit that generates a square wave tach signal. It could be bad and the rest of the regulator work fine, or vice-versa.