tachometer needle fell out
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Instructor
Joined: Nov 2008
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tachometer needle fell out
I've been having problems with my car, the mechanic who worked on it last came over because after he fixed it, it still would not idle. He told me it was the carb, put his hand over the choke and wrapped the hell out of my engine by slamming the thottle open several times. Needle fell off the tach during this little operation, I was not happy.
The tach and speedo were rebuilt less than a year ago, but after I looked at the tach I couldn't see a reason why revving the engine should make the needle pop off, any ideas?
The tach and speedo were rebuilt less than a year ago, but after I looked at the tach I couldn't see a reason why revving the engine should make the needle pop off, any ideas?
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
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From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Sonny,
If the tach was rebuilt there is a chance that the needle was not installed properly. The needle is a press fit to the speed cup shaft and if not seated properly it can come off when the engine is revved up and down. The torque of the head will wiggle the needle loose and it will fall off. The only other way a needle could come off would be for the end of the speed cup shaft to break off.
I wish I had better news, but the tach will need to come out of the car to be repaired. If you pull the tach out you can re-set the needle by installing it at 4k rpms and while pushing downward turn the needle toward 0. You'll feel it bite on the shaft and it may take you a couple of times to get it on. You kind of get a feel for it.
Willcox
If the tach was rebuilt there is a chance that the needle was not installed properly. The needle is a press fit to the speed cup shaft and if not seated properly it can come off when the engine is revved up and down. The torque of the head will wiggle the needle loose and it will fall off. The only other way a needle could come off would be for the end of the speed cup shaft to break off.
I wish I had better news, but the tach will need to come out of the car to be repaired. If you pull the tach out you can re-set the needle by installing it at 4k rpms and while pushing downward turn the needle toward 0. You'll feel it bite on the shaft and it may take you a couple of times to get it on. You kind of get a feel for it.
Willcox
Last edited by Willcox Corvette; Oct 9, 2009 at 10:56 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 148
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From: Budapest, Hungary
sorry but I haven't laughed like this for a long time...I can't see from my tears...From now on I won't push the pedal that much. Who knows, the engine will fell out one day...
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That won't be an easy fix. I hate to work in the interior...especially the dash.
Good luck
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
If the needles are installed properly there should never be an issue with this. If they are not, yes quick torque can cause them to fall.
Willcox
Willcox
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
That's how you install them. You put them well above zero and turn them counter clock wise while pushing downward. Works ever time.
The backs like an old wore out vette and will probably need some more work. You guys are good... you can usually tell by my posting rate huh..
Willcox
