Honda tach/hour meter problem

bmacpiper · Posted: Fri May 21, 2010 7:54 pm Post subject: Honda tach/hour meter problem

I've had problems with my Honda tach (2004 Honda BF90)--reading erratically and/or too high. As mentioned in other posts here, a thump on the face will settle the needle to the proper reading.

However, this tach also has a digital/LCD hour meter built in. When I got the boat last spring, it has 110 hours or so on it. As of today, it shows 550+. Now then, as much as I would love to have spent 400+ hours on the boat in the past year, alas, I only get out about 100 hours a year.

So--any theories on this--and any suggestions on a good gauge rebuilder if that is indicated? I'm in the Seattle area.

tx,
bmc

Aurelia · Posted: Sat May 22, 2010 12:17 am Post subject:

We had a sketchy one on one of our 90s and we replaced it with a new gauge and all is well now.

PW · Posted: Sat May 22, 2010 1:34 am Post subject:

Viking Lady had the same problem with one of it's Honda 90 tachs at about 450 hours.... replaced both and no problems since. One of the units I took off was working just fine, it's yours if you want it - let me know and I'll be glad to ship it over or you can pick it up in Seattle. I checked one repair house and it appeared less expensive to just replace the unit than have it serviced.

ron

bmacpiper · Posted: Sat May 22, 2010 10:21 am Post subject:

Hi Ron,
Thanks, and yes, I'd like to take you up on the old gauge if you don't mind. I'm near Seattle and my wife works at 3rd and Madison.

As an aside, when you buy a new gauge, are you able to somehow change the hours, i.e. from zero to 150 or whatever you think your current hours are? Or do you just have to add 'em up? How expensive is a new gauge?

tx,
bmc

PW · Posted: Sun May 23, 2010 11:01 am Post subject:

Hi BMC - I can't remember the actual costs but bought original replacement Honda units thru King Salmon Marine who services the Honda 90's every year, but it seems like they were about $70.00 each with tax. I suspect the meters can be bought less expensively but we try to support our local shop. I could not find a way to 'reset' the hours so I hooked the meters up to a battery and ran the hour meters up to the 'old meter' hours (a mistake I wouldn't do again - as you say, 'just addem up').

I'll drop you a PM with pick up details. I will take the meters into the store today so you can pick them up anytime.

ron

bmacpiper · Posted: Sun May 23, 2010 11:40 am Post subject:

Thanks Ron!
You are an officer and a gentleman.
ben

Salty · Posted: Sun May 23, 2010 7:02 pm Post subject:

Before you replace your tach take a look at the back of it. I seem to remember that there is a white plug or switch to change for different alternators. I was having trouble with my tach on my Honda 90 and moved that alternator thing back and forth four or five times and that fixed it. It has worked fine for the last two years. Corrosion must build up in the wiper on that selector.

bmacpiper · Posted: Sun May 23, 2010 7:35 pm Post subject:

Salty · Posted: Sun May 23, 2010 7:43 pm Post subject:

That is a great question. I did add some hours that just did not make sense. The hours did not increase as many as yours though.

Roamad · Posted: Sun Nov 24, 2024 7:03 pm Post subject:

I know this is an old thread. But I just want to share a big “thanks” to the C-Brats community for the solution below to my wobbly tachometer problem. I was worried I would have to replace my tach. Then I found this thread and the solution below restored stability to my tach needle. I’ve attached a photo to this post that shows the adjustment dial in the back of my tach. All I did was turn the dial through its full range of motion, then return it to its original setting. Problem solved!