How to check diesel RPM?

[neil1967]

My Perkins 4108 idles very lumpily at an indicated 900RPM, but in all other respects is fine - no smoke or oil or water consumption, and it revs well. Before I investigate further I would like to check the actual engine idle speed - it may just be that the engine is idling to slowly. So what is the best way to check the rpm, without using the permanent rev counter? I have a Gunson strobe for the car, but that only works on petrol engines, as it takes timing off the spare plug lead.

Thanks

Neil

 

[Bilgediver]

My Perkins 4108 idles very lumpily at an indicated 900RPM, but in all other respects is fine - no smoke or oil or water consumption, and it revs well. Before I investigate further I would like to check the actual engine idle speed - it may just be that the engine is idling to slowly. So what is the best way to check the rpm, without using the permanent rev counter? I have a Gunson strobe for the car, but that only works on petrol engines, as it takes timing off the spare plug lead.

Thanks

Neil

Lumpy running can be caused by a poor injector and exacerbated by a sloppy governor. Maybe get the injectors serviced at a diesel shop and if the lumpy running is not not cured then get the fuel pump serviced as the governor is inside it.

 

[PCUK]

You need to borrow a strobe tester.

 

[Puggy]

Search eBay for RPM meter, very inexpensive: I bought one to check my rev counter and works a treat.

 

[nigelmercier]

Search eBay for RPM meter, very inexpensive: I bought one to check my rev counter and works a treat.

Or on Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B008CKBMH0/dolcetto-21

 

[cryan]

You need a hand held tachometer. They come as either a contactless type that uses lasers or contact type where they have a wheel that you press against the crank pulley. Go for the laser type as your far less likely to lose all you fingers in a drive belt. ( I know someone who this happened too).

 

[neil1967]

Thanks all. I am going to get the injectors serviced this winter and will bear the governer in mind. I had no idea that laser/LED tachos were so cheap!

Neil

 

[Piers]

I bought one and calibrated the tachies on Play d'eau. Two people required. One to control the throttle, note down the tachy and strobe readings, whilst the other manages the strobe.

Simples.