Rev counter for a diesel

[wombat88]

Is there such a thing as simple, easy to fit and cheap rev counter kit for a diesel? Maybe something that picks up a mark on the flywheel?

 

[VicS]

Tiny-Tach .'...... picks up pulses from a sensor clamped to a fuel pipe.
Google and search the forums for info / experiences

 

[oldmanofthehills]

I have bought simple optical counter (chines??) to try and calibrate the old engine as counter on panel was designed for different model. Cost maybe £20 as far as I recall. Needed a clear white mark on flywheel and didnt give good reading if engine vibrating too much, when it could read half or double at some speeds. Got rid of engine and never tested it on new replacement as that has properly calibrated built in thingy.

 

[Jim@sea]

I had one in the 1980's which just bolted onto the engine as the vibration of the engine running made it work as a clock.
Found another one 3 years ago, Certainly not many made now.

 

[boatmike]

Most rev counters work off the electronic pulses given off by the alternator. Does not matter if its a diesel or petrol engine

 

[coopec]

My rev counter works off a pulse from the alternator but how will I calibrate it? (On the rear of the RPM gauge there is a method of adjusting it)

I plan to use one of these to sense the true RPM as a guide.
LCD Non-Contact Tach Handheld Digital Laser Photo Tachometer Tester RPM Motors | eBay

 

[forelle541]

As above the Tiny-Tach is a super bit of kit. I’ve had one on Bevorlac for over 10 years now and it works faultlessly.

 

[Plum]

My rev counter works off a pulse from the alternator but how will I calibrate it? (On the rear of the RPM gauge there is a method of adjusting it)
y

Try the Acoustic Tachometer (RPM) app on your phone but on thd app you must set the upper and lower limits fairly close to what you expect to avoid detection of harmonics then it gives good results.

www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[wombat88]

Excellent and cheap solutions to pursue, many thanks!

 

[coopec]

Try the Acoustic Tachometer (RPM) app on your phone but on thd app you must set the upper and lower limits fairly close to what you expect to avoid detection of harmonics then it gives good results.

www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

I've just got a new phone and I'm battling to work out how to make a phone call.? (But thanks anyway)☹

 

[Little Dorrit]

I looked into all the options a year ago and in the end, decided it was going to be just as easy as fitting one that connects to the alternator. It cost about £18 from AliExpress and was not that difficult to fit; I just needed to feed the wires up to the dashboard and make a new dashboard panel out of a piece of 3mm PVC sheet.