Morose tach

[Roger63]

https://tulsa.craigslist.org/pts/d/tulsa-vintage-moroso-tach/7375311815.html
Saw this advertised locally with the mechanical cable for a mopar. Where would the cable connect to?

 

[RemCharger]

A proper distributor

 

[Roger63]

A proper distributor

I just learned something new, I didn't know those distributors were available.

 

[Jerry Hall]

Yes, a tachometer drive distributor.

 

[33 IMP]

Mopar sold several varieties of tach drive distributors. Mine is a cast iron electronic version, bought over the counter. I think there were some oem versions installed in Chrysler 300 letter cars, on the assy line. They would have been dual point.
Mechanical tachs are a real nostalgia item . They belong in a gasser style car, imo.

 

[guy gadbois]

A morose tach? Why is it sad? [ ;););) ]

 

[33 IMP]

A morose tach? Why is it sad? [ ;););) ]

Auto correct strikes again.
I heard the guy who invented auto correct died recently. May he rust in piss.

 

[guy gadbois]

Auto correct strikes again.
I heard the guy who invented auto correct died recently. May he rust in piss.

LOL! Literally.

 

[67charger383]

Got one yesterday (10k with telltale)

How do I test it?

I was told it works, but I got it for free. It is in good condition except for the needle being rusted.

 

[65hemi]

You can test the mechanical tach operation using a variable speed drill. I would be cautious about expecting fine accuracy. I think the mechanical tach gives a general indication of RPM but my rev limiter and shift light are controlled electronically through the MSD box.
You will need a tach drive distributor too. I had a local shop make the correct length cable drive.

 

[33 IMP]

Got one yesterday (10k with telltale)

How do I test it?

I was told it works, but I got it for free. It is in good condition except for the needle being rusted.

If you have a cable and sheath, drive the cable with an electric drill, variable speed. Make sure you spin it the right direction.(sorry, dont remember if that is cw or ccw).

 

[67charger383]

You can test the mechanical tach operation using a variable speed drill. I would be cautious about expecting fine accuracy. I think the mechanical tach gives a general indication of RPM but my rev limiter and shift light are controlled electronically through the MSD box.
You will need a tach drive distributor too. I had a local shop make the correct length cable drive.
View attachment 1174183

Have a Vertex magneto

 

[65hemi]

Will need some sort of tach drive on the magneto in order to use a mechanical tach.

 

[67charger383]

Will need some sort of tach drive on the magneto in order to use a mechanical tach.

 

[33 IMP]

I have two, a 3 3/4,10 grand, and a 4 1/2 (or whatever size) nine grand. The smaller one tested great, but the big one had a serious problem with the needle waving all over. A 2500 rpm drill motor pegged the 9000 tattletale.
So against express instructions on the tach, I shot some pb blaster in it. Figured I had nothing to lose. Just a tiny shot. The tach smoothed right out, works good again. Just saying.
I found my autometer monster, and my replay vdo work much nicer, but you can't beat the nostalgia of a mechanical tach.