What Tachometer Are You Using?

[M Towsley]

My current tach is an AC with hourmeter, but it is way off on rpm's and the label showing the average rpm is partly torn off. I might send it off to be gone through, but haven't decided on that yet.

I would prefer to do a non-hourmeter tach, but ran into the problem of the tach drive having internal threads and my right-angle drive set-up for external threads.

Checking with Mitchell tachs they only have a 2050 rpm average and a 2300 rpm average tach listed that would be close to our average cruise of 2150 rpm.

What are you guys using and does anyone have something available for sale that would fit my needs?

Thanks!

[Pearson]

Re: What Tachometer Are You Using?

Marty,

Attached is a picture of the tach that came with my plane. I think it is the original, but couldn't prove it. The plane is a 1946 BC12D with A65 Continental.

[M Towsley]

Re: What Tachometer Are You Using?

Hi Richard,

No, that would be a replacement. The originals were U.S. Gauge or Stewart Warners without the hourmeter. That is the type I have in mine, and it was a replacement from many years ago. Thanks, though!!!

[M Towsley]

Re: What Tachometer Are You Using?

I'm going to bump this question again because out of 83 views I cannot believe someone doesn't have an answer. If I purchased a new tach with hourmeter, the only ones I found have the 2050 cruise or 2300 cruise. Which one should I use or is there another choice? Was there ever one with a 2150 average cruise?

I missed an AC on Ebay last night that had no hourmeter. Your opinions are greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: What Tachometer Are You Using?

This may not be a case of your being ignored as much as none of us know the answer. I remember when you firs asked the question thinking this would be a neat nugget of information to know, but I haven't a clue what the answer is. Hope someone does. Have you thought of asking Harry Fenton? (the Continental engine guy) If anyone might know, it should be him.
Hank

[M Towsley]

Re: What Tachometer Are You Using?

That thought ran across my mind as I was doing the research looking for information and ran across the Fly Baby page. I guess we are all screwed if counter-clockwise mechanical tachs dry up someday.

I guess I try and go out of my way to help, take pictures, shoot videos, give locations where parts can be found, share items like the lube chart. Perhaps I need to redirect some of my time to other priorities. And, to top it off I purchased an item fromone of our brethren that turned out to be less than what was described. All of this after me asking specific questions about the condition of the item. Basically I was lied to and then he takes me to task over his lack of responsibility. I suppose I am starting to lose my sense of humor.

The search for info will continue. Thanks Hank.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: What Tachometer Are You Using?

If the only problem is a clockwise vs counter clockwise tach you can change the direction with the 90* fitting. You just pop the end caps off and you can reverse the direction of rotation in the fitting.
Hank

[ajfriz]

Re: What Tachometer Are You Using?

I'll check what I have, but I think it's an AC without an hr meter. I'm not using it because I plan on using the big three in one.

[M Towsley]

Re: What Tachometer Are You Using?

I didn't know that, Hank. I will have to look at it, that's interesting.

Yes, please let me know what you have and what the labeling says on the AC. The one I have is just too way off on rpm's. I don't have a spare to throw in while getting mine serviced. There was an AC on Ebay that did not have an hourmeter, but I missed the auction.

[Ragwing nut]

Re: What Tachometer Are You Using?

Do you not have a local speedo shop that can make a cable for you? I assume you have a CC tach? I have 4 cc AC tachs and would need checked before installed. i have one original tach left that would need rebuilt. I have about 20 tachs for L2M's and they are different yet.

[M Towsley]

Re: What Tachometer Are You Using?

Mike,

No speedo shop around. The problem is not so much the cable as the tach. I don't want one with an hourmeter. I bought two thought to be AC tachs, no markings, from you over the years. That was before I realized the problem of the internal threads on both that my 90 degree fitting won't work on. It is for external threads. ??? Dunno, I will e-mail you so you can get back with me further. Thanks!

[Ragwing nut]

Re: What Tachometer Are You Using?

I don't remember which ones you got from me. The one i have left is an original that was in my Deluxe, cc rotation, o-3500 starting at the 8 oclock position, non recording, has the 90 adapter on it along with a usable original 48" tach cable. The tach will need at a minimum checked, maybe reconditioned. numbers very legible but is an older silver face that has turned gold. you can have it if it will solve your problem.

[wmfife]

Re: What Tachometer Are You Using?

Have you tried Barnstormers? I found an Aeromarine clockwise tach there with no hour meter that goes from 0-2500rpm with a rt. angle drive that I haven't found yet. But the tach in the plane I bought is the original counterclockwise model. So now I'm faced with keeping it original or improving a Deluxe with a period-original optional substitute. Just need to find that angle drive. I mean Deluxe means Deluxe. Right?

[astjp2]

Re: What Tachometer Are You Using?

I bought the spruce tach, the hour meter is based on average cruise RPM. Most A-65's ran at 2050 rpms in crusie. The C-90-8's ran the 2300 cruise. I got the 2050 RPM one and it is fine, you are only talking about a .1 fast every hour. I use the hour meter to keep track of my oil changes. I use the GPS time for my log book. Tim

[M Towsley]

Re: What Tachometer Are You Using?

Thanks Tim. The book cruise, and where I run it is 2150. That is why I was wondering about the 2050 rpm tach. One of the guys here has an older tach and cable he is going to send me to look at. Again, thanks for the input.