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I was driving my '67 the other day when the tach needle started acting erratically. The needle got stuck at about 1,500rpm and stopped moving with the engine's actual speed. So, I stopped the engine and reached behind the cluster and found the knurled collar connecting the tach cable to the tach. It seemed loose, so I did my best to tighten it. There's not a lot of room in there for fat fingers like mine, but I did my best to tighten the collar. I only managed to move the collar a small amount.
After that, the tach again worked as normal. So, it appears the cable fitting somehow worked itself loose.
Now that the tach is working again, I'm tempted to just forget about it. But, my question is: how tight should that collar be? Is it common for this to work loose? And, is there an easier way to tighten the collar so it doesn't come loose again without removing the cluster, which I hear is not an easy job.
Check the distributor end too. The cable is only so long, so a loose sheath connection at either end might be enough for it to slip. I would be concerned with the thrust button in the distributor being worn also. I don't think a slightly loose nut on either end would be enough to allow the cable to slip.
Please contact the experts on that here on the forum. They know more than I.
Ron
Check the distributor end too. The cable is only so long, so a loose sheath connection at either end might be enough for it to slip. I would be concerned with the thrust button in the distributor being worn also. I don't think a slightly loose nut on either end would be enough to allow the cable to slip.
Please contact the experts on that here on the forum. They know more than I.
Ron
Good to know Ron.
The fact that the tach started working fine after tightening the cluster end of the cable is hopefully a sign that all will be fine...
I've not heard of a distributor thrust button before. Anyone care to better explain what this is, and what to look for?
Should I take off the distributor top shield and hand-tighten the knurled tach drive cable fitting to ensure its tight at this end?
Also go to the FAQ section of this forum or do a search, I believe there was a rebuild thread on the distributors with pictures. I don't think the wear is going to be the total problem, but could be contributing. I couldn't find the one in the FAQ with pictures. Might have been a LAR's post.
I am wondering if the cable and / or sheathing was replaced with a cable too short.
But, if you got it working, enjoy the driving.
Tach trouble?
h
Dennis
