best tachometer

[dgjks6 6]

I have almost memorized the engine rebuild process for my k181. At the end it alks about getting it to 3600 rpms. I have read some of you do it by sound, but I can't. So what is a good, inexpensive way to do this?

[littleredrider 409]

x2!!!

[sorekiwi 761]

http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/index.php?...64&hl=sirometer

[puddlejumper 67]

I use a simple manual handheld tach that you just hold against the output shaft. Maybe not as precise as the electrical tachs. But it was cheap enough on ebay. 15$ If I remember right. Its a older SW.

[Anglo Traction 761]

I like the simplicity and accuracy of a Contactless Laser Tacho. Got mine on the Interweb for equivilent to $14 shipped . Just need to tale the PTO Pulley off and stick a 1/2" reflective patch on it for the Laser to record it.

[Guest]

Harbor Freight has a few cheap digitals:

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch...ategory=&q=tach

The multimeter/tach looks cool.

I have an r/c aircraft digital tach I've been meaning to try that I picked up for $10 for my other hobby -but it thinks it's seeing a 2,3, or 4 blade propeller. Don't know if it will work using reflectors.

[dgjks6 6]

After extensive research I went with Anglo Tractions idea. Extensive research is 10 min on the web and here looking at the link posted above.

The vibration one looked to complicated for me. looking for a blurry line worried me because everything looks blurry to me. A lot of people said the cheal electric ones were inconsistant.

I found a cheap laser one from China for less than $5, but I went with a US guy who sells them for $24 (I know - he probably gets them from China, but at least his ad was in english)

I will let you know how it works.

[sorekiwi 761]

I have a plug-in box for a multimeter that reads the number of pulses from the spark plug lead, Sometimes it works great, sometimes it's way off, and sometimes the readings jump around so much you cant read them.

Its Snap-on and i think it cost me around $80. Most of the time I go back to using my $30 Sirometer.

I'll be interested to hear how well the laser tach works.

[Ken B 3,166]

I bought a digital tach sold at most Dealers that sell good commercial lawn equipment. It was about 40 bucks. It has one wire that wraps a few times around the plug wire. It give you RPM's and hrs. Costs about 40 bucks.

[rick 246]

Fluke 88 automotive DMM with inductive tach pickup works fine.....

[Ken B 3,166]

Eh them Fluke 88's are mighty expensive to reccomend! When I bought mine the kit was 450 bucks.

[dgjks6 6]

This thing rocks. First thing Ihave bought that was easier to use than I thought.

Step 1 - apply reflective tape - I did not realize the screen roated also so I took it off to put on the tape

step 2 - point laser at tape with engine running

step 3 - read

Now the only problemis my horse runs 500 rpms short, but that is a problem for another day.

[Anglo Traction 761]

I'm glad your pleased with it. I was when I got mine (same as yours). Lots of uses. At least your Top RPM is on the safe side.

[WheelHorse_of_course 99]

The vibration one looked to complicated for me. looking for a blurry line worried me because everything looks blurry to me. A lot of people said the cheal electric ones were inconsistant.

The learning curve on the sirometer was not very steep. It is really cool when you get it to match!

:banghead:

[145Automatic 7]

Thanks for the information dgjks6. I like the simplicity. I believe a laser tach will be added to my wish list. I love this site.