More than likely the wire has fallen off or bad connection. I'd be checking
it for continuity first.
One should be "live" while one should be "sender".

"Don Backous" wrote in message
. ..
I went out on the Columbia river today after Salmon and noticed that the
tachometer was not functioning. The outboard is a 1995 Mercury.
When I turn on the ignition key, the needle on the Tach snaps to 0 but it
just stays there after the motor starts.
After doing a little searching on the internet, I am forming an opinion
that if the tach is not working, it usually means the rectifier is faulty.
Does a 1995 mercury outboard have a rectifier? I went to the parts express
and couldn't find one.
Obviously, I am no expert on outboard engines so I am coming to this group
in hopes of getting some information from someone who is.

Thanks in advance.
Don

fyi...I got skunked....no fish today