1998 Mercury Tachometer, MONTAUK 17 Bilge Pump

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Author Topic:   1998 Mercury Tachometer, MONTAUK 17 Bilge Pump

Don SSDD posted 03-09-2014 09:06 AM ET (US)
I have a 1998 Mercury 90-HP two-stroke-power-cycle engine on my 1987 Montauk 17. The boat has Mercury controls and speedometer, but still has an original OMC tachometer, which is failing. What are my options for replacing the OMC tachometer?
My bilge pump needs replacing too, any suggestions there?
I thought there may be some newer technology around that is worth considering. Thanks--Don
deepwater posted 03-10-2014 01:58 PM ET (US)
Ware is the bilge pump located ?
Don SSDD posted 03-10-2014 05:10 PM ET (US)
In the bilge area, next to the original battery tiedown at the stern.
jimh posted 03-11-2014 10:39 AM ET (US)
Boston Whaler boats are double-bottom hulls and don't really have a bilge in the sense of the usual meaning of a bilge. They do have sump areas in the cockpit sole intended to collect water. Small centrifugal water pumps are usually installed right in these sumps to lift water out and overboard. I don't think there has been much progress or breakthrough in the fundamental design of the pumps and their impellers. There are some electronic control methods that are different.
If the existing pump has been permanently mounted in the sump, it may be desirable to use a replacement with mounting holes that match the existing holes. This avoids having to seal the existing holes and make new ones.
As for tachometers, you can choose from among many choices. Mercury sells tachometers, and there are many other brands. Look at Faria as a choice. They are the actual manufacturers of many instruments sold under other brands, including outboard engine OEM brands. See
http://faria-instruments.com/index-marine.php
sosmerc posted 03-11-2014 01:11 PM ET (US)
It is true that there are a number of aftermarket companies that make tachometers that will work. I would not recommend Faria though as I see too many of them show up at my shop DOA. In all fairness to the company, you can send a dead instrument to them and they will repair or replace it promptly, but at a price.
I have had better luck with Mercury guages and Teleflex Guages. What you are looking for is a tach that can be set for 12 pole alternator (6 pulse) for you Merc 2 stroke.
sosmerc posted 03-11-2014 01:14 PM ET (US)
Forgot to mention, before you ditch that OMC tach, if it has an adjustment knob on the back, try gently moving it just a touch in either direction....I have found this sometimes "revives" tachometers that have suddenly become jumpy and or erratic.
Don SSDD posted 03-11-2014 03:47 PM ET (US)
Thanks for the replies. The pump there not is not fastened down, so no issue with holes.
Don
Don SSDD posted 03-12-2014 08:22 AM ET (US)
I forgot to mention- the tach needle was sticking and then it stopped all together. It appears to be a needle issue, as opposed to a signal issue.
Don

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Author	Topic: 1998 Mercury Tachometer, MONTAUK 17 Bilge Pump
Don SSDD	posted 03-09-2014 09:06 AM ET (US) I have a 1998 Mercury 90-HP two-stroke-power-cycle engine on my 1987 Montauk 17. The boat has Mercury controls and speedometer, but still has an original OMC tachometer, which is failing. What are my options for replacing the OMC tachometer? My bilge pump needs replacing too, any suggestions there? I thought there may be some newer technology around that is worth considering. Thanks--Don
deepwater	posted 03-10-2014 01:58 PM ET (US) Ware is the bilge pump located ?
Don SSDD	posted 03-10-2014 05:10 PM ET (US) In the bilge area, next to the original battery tiedown at the stern.
jimh	posted 03-11-2014 10:39 AM ET (US) Boston Whaler boats are double-bottom hulls and don't really have a bilge in the sense of the usual meaning of a bilge. They do have sump areas in the cockpit sole intended to collect water. Small centrifugal water pumps are usually installed right in these sumps to lift water out and overboard. I don't think there has been much progress or breakthrough in the fundamental design of the pumps and their impellers. There are some electronic control methods that are different. If the existing pump has been permanently mounted in the sump, it may be desirable to use a replacement with mounting holes that match the existing holes. This avoids having to seal the existing holes and make new ones. As for tachometers, you can choose from among many choices. Mercury sells tachometers, and there are many other brands. Look at Faria as a choice. They are the actual manufacturers of many instruments sold under other brands, including outboard engine OEM brands. See http://faria-instruments.com/index-marine.php
sosmerc	posted 03-11-2014 01:11 PM ET (US) It is true that there are a number of aftermarket companies that make tachometers that will work. I would not recommend Faria though as I see too many of them show up at my shop DOA. In all fairness to the company, you can send a dead instrument to them and they will repair or replace it promptly, but at a price. I have had better luck with Mercury guages and Teleflex Guages. What you are looking for is a tach that can be set for 12 pole alternator (6 pulse) for you Merc 2 stroke.
sosmerc	posted 03-11-2014 01:14 PM ET (US) Forgot to mention, before you ditch that OMC tach, if it has an adjustment knob on the back, try gently moving it just a touch in either direction....I have found this sometimes "revives" tachometers that have suddenly become jumpy and or erratic.
Don SSDD	posted 03-11-2014 03:47 PM ET (US) Thanks for the replies. The pump there not is not fastened down, so no issue with holes. Don
Don SSDD	posted 03-12-2014 08:22 AM ET (US) I forgot to mention- the tach needle was sticking and then it stopped all together. It appears to be a needle issue, as opposed to a signal issue. Don