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80 - odd problem with tach

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Old Feb 12, 2020 | 11:19 AM
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From: Moyock NC
Default 80 - odd problem with tach

I have an odd problem with the tach in my 80. When I accelerate the tach shows the RPMs lower instead of increase.
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Old Feb 12, 2020 | 01:04 PM
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Originally Posted by 80-Vette
I have an odd problem with the tach in my 80. When I accelerate the tach shows the RPMs lower instead of increase.
A SWAG here. Since the tach is just counting electrical pulses, if it loses a some pulses it will read lower. It's possible the tach output contact at the distributor has corroded over the years. Under acceleration the engine will torque somewhat. Perhaps it's causing some movement in the tach lead wire causing the contact at the distributor to intermittently move onto an area with corrosion and lose some pulses. Also, if the contact crimp has deteriorated over time with corrosion inside, the same effect could result.

I'd start by just flexing the wire with the engine running and see if this causes the effect. If so, then you can clean up the contact (both wire and tach side) or crimp a new contact onto the wire if it's in the crimp.

Note that it may also be the same issue with the connection to the tach inside the distributor.

Last edited by vince vette 2; Feb 12, 2020 at 01:08 PM.
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Old Feb 12, 2020 | 01:48 PM
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Originally Posted by vince vette 2
A SWAG here. Since the tach is just counting electrical pulses, if it loses a some pulses it will read lower. It's possible the tach output contact at the distributor has corroded over the years. Under acceleration the engine will torque somewhat. Perhaps it's causing some movement in the tach lead wire causing the contact at the distributor to intermittently move onto an area with corrosion and lose some pulses. Also, if the contact crimp has deteriorated over time with corrosion inside, the same effect could result.

I'd start by just flexing the wire with the engine running and see if this causes the effect. If so, then you can clean up the contact (both wire and tach side) or crimp a new contact onto the wire if it's in the crimp.

Note that it may also be the same issue with the connection to the tach inside the distributor.
Thanks it is likely corrosion. I was told when I purchased this car that it had sat in storage for 20 years and had not even been started for 10 years. I bought the car about 6 years ago and has still not been on the road.
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Old Feb 12, 2020 | 01:59 PM
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Let me know when you find out. I like to know my batting average.

I've noticed that the tach on my '80, owned since new, sometimes just drops to 0. Likely a similar issue, but I have lots of more pressing concerns in the car.
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