Fried tach

[Gundy]

Dang. If it ain't one thing it's another.
While working on the Bugeye getting ready for CMP
track day I somehow fried my VDO tach.
Reads idle rpm just fine but will not go over 2.5k on
revving.
Geesh.
I disconnected the bloody thing and checked all connections.
Re-installed and it it still is wonky.
Sooooo....
I was never REALLY pleased with the VDO from an aesthetic
point of view.
The speedo is a 120mph Smiths.
Soooooo.....
I ordered this sucker. Ex Works Mini 8000 rpm Tach.
It is a nice match for the Smiths speedo and as a bonus it has an adjustable redline indicator.
Old VDO tach pic for reference.
It may not be here in time but it will look correct in the end.
Hehe...there may not be many 7K rev shifts at CMP
if it doesn't get here in time.

 

[dklawson]

So what happened to the VDO Dave? VDO gauges are usually bullet-proof.

Is that a "new" Smiths tach from Caerbont? If so, read the wiring pin out instructions carefully. There are some differences from traditional tachs and how you set the DIP switches.

If you are still online and you are really worried about having a tach for the weekend... email or PM me. I may be able to find something you can use until the Smiths arrives.

 

[Gundy]

So what happened to the VDO Dave? VDO gauges are usually bullet-proof.

Is that a "new" Smiths tach from Caerbont? If so, read the wiring pin out instructions carefully. There are some differences from traditional tachs and how you set the DIP switches.

If you are still online and you are really worried about having a tach for the weekend... email or PM me. I may be able to find something you can use until the Smiths arrives.

Beats me. The thing died and when I found the blown fuse and replaced w/ new fuse it was working wonky.
I removed the whole thing and checked all connections.
Same results.
I appreciate the offer, my friend, but I can just about
hear redline anyway.
CMP isn't racing so it will not be a problem.
Heck, maybe it'll sort itself out.
The tach is supposed to be an all original Smiths unit.
4 cylinder only model.

 

[dklawson]

If you change your mind, there is still time tomorrow to send you a loaner.

Keep in mind that if it is an original Smiths tach, most of the ones that look like the one in your picture are the RVI type that does not work with electronic ignitions. As long as your dizzy has points you will be OK. Also remember that RVI tachs wire in series with power to/from the coil and do not use the modern single wire hookup used by voltage sensing tachs.

 

[Gundy]

My dizzy is an Aldon Yellow with vacuum advance and points.
Re-curved for performance engines.
The "new" Smiths tach I ordered works for both + or - ground too.
I got confirmation from across the pond that it has been dispatched this morning.
pic of an Aldon
Again thanks for the offer and the tips.
:thumbsup:

 

[bugedd]

What is the model # of that Smiths?

 

[Gundy]

Well, I screwed the pooch on this one.
I don't know why I had 80mm in my mind.
It is 100mm for a Bugeye dash.
Live and learn.
BlueMax, my buddy, found me a 100mm Smiths racing tach.
Ordered THAT one today.
Overnight shipping will have it here tomorrow.
Pic:
Mine will be 0-8000 scale.

 

[dklawson]

If the tach from Europe is truly "new" it will be a Caerbont manufactured gauge. Those are the type I mentioned earlier where you have to pay close attention to the dip switch settings and which wires you use for connecting to the ignition system. They are a high-tech, universal application tach built to look like the traditional Smiths instruments.

Sorry about the diameter difference. The racing tach looks nice though. Unfortunately, unless your engine is exceptionally prepared, it looks like the needle won't see the "top" half of the scale.

 

[DrEntropy]

Very sexy. But as Doug noted, half of it is "excess to requirement"!

 

[Trevor Jessie]

I think David said he ordered the 8000 rpm scale. I have some of the modern "Smith" gauges in my car and they work fine. Probably not precision, but fine for a road going car.

 

[Gundy]

Reading comprehension is sorely lacking here.

My gauge will be a 0-8000 scale.
Dude said for an additional $100 they could install
an adjustable redline pointer.
I passed on that part.

 

[bug_sixty]

Ok.. I would order the 14thou with the adjustable pointer and set the pointer to... 10thou.. NOW how impressive would that be standing still

 

[Gundy]

It arrived today. The orientation of the tach
will put 7k rpm right about 1 'o clock on the face.
Pics when I get home.

 

[Gundy]

If the tach from Europe is truly "new" it will be a Caerbont manufactured gauge. Those are the type I mentioned earlier where you have to pay close attention to the dip switch settings and which wires you use for connecting to the ignition system. They are a high-tech, universal application tach built to look like the traditional Smiths instruments.

Sorry about the diameter difference. The racing tach looks nice though. Unfortunately, unless your engine is exceptionally prepared, it looks like the needle won't see the "top" half of the scale.

You are fountain of info my man!
It is indeed a Caerbont unit.
No dip switches to set. It uses a toggle switch to set cylinder numbers. 4 cylinder being the default.
Looks simple....famous last words.

 

[jlaird]

You guys and your toys, sigh.

 

[Gundy]

You guys and your toys, sigh.

He who dies with the most toys wins!

Got it from APT Instruments.
Neat shop. They do re-builds and very very friendly and helpful.
Located in Bloomington MN.
www.gaugeguys.com


Pic of tach. Item # RET5-1A32-01

 

[dklawson]

That looks sweet (and I don't even use the expression "sweet")!

Post a picture of it when it's installed in the dash.

 

[bgbassplyr]

You guys and your toys, sigh.

He who dies with the most toys wins!

But still dead.

 

[jlaird]

i am too young to die.

 

[Gundy]

i am too young to die.

I'm so old I knew dirt when it was a rock.