I'm stumped by a tach issue on my 1991 C36 (Universal M35). The tach (original equipment; Motorola; rebuilt in 2002) sticks at about 1900 rpm and won't go higher. Between 0 and 1900 it works fine. Occasionally, the tach works fine even above 1900.
I've checked the send wire from the alternator to the tach, and the connections look fine. As an experiment, I also disconnected that wire and ran a new wire straight from the alternator to the tach, and that did not resolve the problem.
The alternator belt looks to be properly tensioned, and there is no evidence of the belt slipping.
Also, I played around with the calibration adjustment on the tach, so see if that had any effect, which it did not.
So I'm stumped. Is it the tach (now 24 years old), or something with the alternator? Any ideas would be most welcome. Thanks much.
--Nelson Lee
Nelson Lee, "Stella," 2002 C36, hull 2069, Universal M35BC, berthed Sausalito, CA
24 years for an an electronic gizmo that lives outside? I think it's a testimonial to Motorola. I'd place my bet on the pointer shaft - a wear spot or needs lubrication. Try tapping hard on the glass.
Nick Caballero
Retired C36/375IA Mk II Technical Editor
I'll round out this discussion by providing the answer to my own question! The culprit was, as predicted, the tach. I purchased a used (but never used) replacement tach from Dennis Igarashi, who took over the inventory of Seaward Products, and still provides new replacement parts. (GREAT GUY!). The new tach works perfectly (needs to be calibrated, though).
--Nelson
Nelson Lee, "Stella," 2002 C36, hull 2069, Universal M35BC, berthed Sausalito, CA
Nelson,
Do you have the contact information for Dennis? Would you please share.
Gary Bain
S/V "Gone With The Wind"
Catalina 36', Hull #: 1056, Year: 1990, Engine: M-35
Standard Rig
Moored: Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Home: Auburn, Maine
I'm happy to provide the contact information for Dennis Igarashi. This fellow has tons of parts for Catalina boats. And he's really nice and helpful.
3721 Capitol Ave.
Whittier, CA 90601-1732
626-374-1732
diagarashi@earthlink.net
Nelson Lee, "Stella," 2002 C36, hull 2069, Universal M35BC, berthed Sausalito, CA