Multiple questions/problems. Need help

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Dec 11, 2011 | 04:47 PM

1949 F6

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From: Denver

Multiple questions/problems. Need help

I recently bought a 1989 F350 Diesel with an E40D. The tach doesnt work so I began to look into the fuses and other electronic junk around the e-brake. There is a 3 port round female connector that comes into the cab just right near the hood release cable. Any ideas on what this goes to? Does it have anything to do with the tach? It seems like the tach is dead most of the time but will jump up for a moment on occasion. I have read about PCMs and TECAs and axle sensors and what not but I dont know where to start. There are a few fuses missing out of my block, anyone have a diagram of that? These are the reasons I like sticking to old outdated technology (see username). A FTEr told me about the sensor on the engine and I will change that tomorrow. Thanks for the help!

Dec 11, 2011 | 05:47 PM

starmilt

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From: Faibanks Ak.

I don't know how to test a tach sensor, but every bad one I have seen had the insulation on the wires seperating away from the sensor. Even some good ones have the seperation issue, though I suspect they are living on borrowed time.

Dec 11, 2011 | 08:03 PM

swimnshoot

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From: JAX FL

The insulation on the wires coming out of my IP were bare so I put some liquid electrical tape on them and that cured my erratic tach.

Dec 12, 2011 | 06:18 PM

1949 F6

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From: Denver

I am going to check if NAPA has the tach sensor, Advaced Autoparts didnt. I put in 2 new batteries, new terminal clamps, and new alternator but my voltage gauge still shows low and my battery light is on. The harness that plugs into the alternator doesnt look so good, could that be the problem? Voltage regulator maybe? Any other ideas?

Dec 13, 2011 | 06:39 PM

1949 F6

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From: Denver

Charging issue solved. It turned out to be the voltage regulator however I changed out the alternator pigtail as well. NAPA doesnt show the sensor on the engine in stock, and none of the autoparts guys at various store seem to know what I'm talking about. Any ideas on where to get one?

Dec 13, 2011 | 08:19 PM

joshofalltrades

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for where to get one, pick up your phone, call the napa you talked to, and ask the important question "when can you have it here for me?" most parts you need that aren't in stock can be had in not more than a day, but a few have to be ordered in from the manufacturer, and can take up to a week, possibly with small shipping charges added.
or you can gamble by shopping online, appearing to save money, but either getting wrong parts or parts that fail in 2 weeks, and then having to fight everything again