Tachometer

[Jerry]

I have a 88 with a M18 Universal. My question is when I start the engine the tach does not register anything for close to a minute or longer and when it does start to come alive the engine bogs down a little. Is the tach tied into the oil pressure or what? Also does this engine panel have an oil pressure indicator? Thanks for any help.

 

[John Visser]

Alternator tach

Its probably because your alternator doesn't come alive until it hits a certain RPM, and the tach won't work unti the alternator is on. The bogging down is because fo the battery charging load, now that the alternator is up.Some smart regulators solve htis problem, 'though its really not a problem.jv

 

[Larry W.]

Balky tach

Jerry; It's possible you have a "smart" regulator that delays starting the alternator for a period of time, usually about ten seconds but possibly more, until the engine can start up and get running. When the regulator starts the alternator, a load comes on the engine. Or the RPM at start up isn't high enough. Check your regulator.