Tachometer and Pertoronix Distributor

[jwmhelipilot]

Can anyone tell me why my tach stopped working after installing a Pertronix Distributor?

I read in the maintenance manual that the tachometer get's a pulse from the coil to work...

I originaly had a Lucas 25D4 and the Pertronix is a 45 type, maybe something with that?

-James

 

[Sarastro]

This comes up all the time--you might want to try doing a search.

Apparently the pertronix does not create a large enough current pulse to trigger the tach. I don't know if anyone has figured out a way to solve this.

 

[jwmhelipilot]

Tried a search, to no avail... but thanks for the answer. Guess I have to figure out a new tach setup.

-James

 

[Bruce74B]

I have never heard about tach probs with them...what is the story there? I am thinking about going solid state but not if my tach won't work.

Bruce

 

[davester]

I'm surprised that you didn't find anything with a search. It's fairly well known that RVI tachs (current sensing) don't work with electronic ignition. Base on my previous searches, I have the following relevant links:

https://members.shaw.ca/tsmit/tachmod/tachmod.html

https://www.marcos-restoration.net/downloads/smiths_tachometer_conversion.pdf

As I recall, one of these guys has a service that will either supply you with a DIY conversion kit or will convert your own tach.

 

[dklawson]

Theo in your first link will do the conversion for you or sell you a kit to convert your gauge. He's very good about answering emails.

 

[Roger]

Re: Tachometer and Pertronix Distributor

This is a well known problem, but it's fixable. Nisonger know all about it and will fix it for you. Bit pricey, though.