I have a Hunter 2009 41' with a Yanmar 54 hp engine. On two occasions the tachometer in the cockpit has failed (i.e. the needle pointed due south and stayed there) while the engine contiuned to run perfectly. On each occasion, I found that the key had come out somewhat. Upon restarting the engine with the key fully in, the tachometer worked again. anyone have an explanation?
Tachometer troubles
- Thread starter sgbridge98
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When the key comes out the voltage regulator for the alternator shuts down and alternator stops working. The tach gets it's signal from the alternator stator so it indicates zero RPMs. Not good fore the alternator if the key comes out while running ad it could damage either the alternator or voltage regulator
You are not turning off the key are you? Our key cannot be removed without turn it to the off position.
Pretty sure sgbridge did not mean the key had been turned off. Sounds like the key just came out of its key hole. That, in and of itself, would not affect any electrical system and the ignition switch is still in the "on" position even if you can pull the key out in that position. Surely he would have noted that all the instruments had “gone south” if it was just an ignition switch turned off.
I'm also pretty sure that the 54 HP yanmar has a tach sender unit located on the aft port side of the engine near the transmission. Right under the salt water drain cock! I'd check both terminals on it for corrosion before I went further as it is very likely to be the source of you discontent. It looks like a 1.5” diameter cylinder sticking out of the engine block with two electrical terminals on the end.
I'm also pretty sure that the 54 HP yanmar has a tach sender unit located on the aft port side of the engine near the transmission. Right under the salt water drain cock! I'd check both terminals on it for corrosion before I went further as it is very likely to be the source of you discontent. It looks like a 1.5” diameter cylinder sticking out of the engine block with two electrical terminals on the end.
Marc:
I assume that you have a "tubular key" like on my 3JH engine. I cannot remove mine without turning it to the off position either. If the key switch is defective there may be another issue.
I assume that you have a "tubular key" like on my 3JH engine. I cannot remove mine without turning it to the off position either. If the key switch is defective there may be another issue.
Yes..Tubular key, however I have one of those styrofoam floats on the key ring and our dog likes to stretch out in front of the instrument panel and has on more than one occasion pushed the styrofoam float which turned the key off. I now try to remember to tuck the styrofoam float behind the protective plexiglass plate.
We did not turn the key to the "off" position. The key fits loosely and is prone to back out of the hole.
Escapade, our 2008 41ds, does the same. Tubular key, but can be removed with the key in the "on" position. We have a float on it and try to remember to tuck it behind the plexiglass guard too. That seems to hold the key in the ignition.
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