Tachometer

[PLKennedy]

I started up the engine for the first time today. The tach registered about 900 rpm for about twenty seconds and then dropped to zero.  The engine was just perking along.  I shut it down, strated up again, and the same thing occurred. Any thoughts on what's wrong and how to cure ir?
 
 Peter

[Stu Jackson]

Peter,
 
 Guess your batteries were FULLY charged.
 
 If the alternator isn't "being requested" to output, there's nothing to "report."
 
 The tach works off the alternator.  No output, no revs.
 
 It's rare that the batteries do NOT need input.
 
 Hang a load on the batteries, like lights or refrigeration, for a while, then try again.
 
 Stu

[PLKennedy]

You are right about the batteries; they are FULL.  I'll try a load late this PM.  I think the connestion is good, sine the hour meter works, and I do get a read on the tach for about 20 seconds.

[PLKennedy]

Stu, you were right.  WHen I disconnected the shore power, and started the engine, the battery was drawing, the alternator working, and the tach was doing what was designed for it to do.
 
 Peter and Susan