diesel rev counter

trevorbrady · 22-07-2013 7:51pm #1

does anyone know of a pre electronic wizardry, ECUs, engine management etc four-cylinder diesel car that came with a rev counter in the dash?

I'm looking for a basic 4-cyl diesel rev counter to bodge into my diesel converted VW van. This isn't a wanted ad, just looking for info/pointers about what to look for on ebay etc

thanks

macplaxton · 22-07-2013 8:14pm

I think you'd use a regular signal driven tachometer, excepting instead of getting a signal from a coil, the signal would come from the alternator. Only thing after that is to get the correct match between signal and engine speed. The alternator would be driven at a fixed ratio between the crank rpm and alternator rpm.

This might get you started on your homework: http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/f28/adding-tacho-diesel-5839.html

Have a Google Image search for "VDO diesel tachometer" to get an idea of instruments.

Red Kev · 22-07-2013 9:38pm

W124 Mercedes has them, comes in a unit with a clock .

Rovi · 23-07-2013 8:18am

Durite do a range of diesel tachometers.
They work off the 'W' terminal on the alternator, and are adjustable to read correctly.
http://www.durite.co.uk/pdf/2013/5/05.6_Equipment_and_Accessories-Dashboard_gauges_Automotive_and_Marine_and_Accessories.pdf

welder · 23-07-2013 10:13am

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12V-24V-52MM-UNIVERSAL-TACHO-REV-COUNTER-0-4000RPM-Original-Durite-/230726937570?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item35b865abe2

trevorbrady · 23-07-2013 11:28am

I'd need a wider range than 0-4000RPM. I'll go rooting around ebay again

thanks folks

davycc · 23-07-2013 12:02pm

trevorbrady wrote: »

I'd need a wider range than 0-4000RPM. I'll go rooting around ebay again

thanks folks

how about one from a mk2 golf /jetta td/gtd?

afik they have the rev range & oem+:D factor you looking for

redline starts at 4.5k & ends at 5k if any use

welder · 23-07-2013 12:23pm

trevorbrady wrote: »

I'd need a wider range than 0-4000RPM. I'll go rooting around ebay again

thanks folks

Here ya go !

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Smiths-Rev-Counter-52mm-RPM-Gauge-Diesel-Petrol-Land-Rover-Defender-or-TD5-/271241985807?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3f27483f0f

welder · 23-07-2013 12:25pm

And in case it has to have a black face :

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Smiths-Rev-Counter-RPM-Gauge-Diesel-or-Petrol-Land-rover-Defender-or-TD5-/271241985806?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3f27483f0e

mustang68 · 23-07-2013 2:57pm

Boat rev counters, try marine stuff.

_Conrad_ · 26-07-2013 7:20pm

mustang68 wrote: »

Boat rev counters, try marine stuff.

I was just thinking that before i saw your post. I had a marine one picked up in the US that was put in a van, it's range was 0-4500.
I had an adapted ford scorpio TD one in a diesel sierra too.
And i must ask a friend of mine where he got his, he also had a diesel sierra and fitted one i think the range was 0-6000 but was supposedly designed as a diesel one.

Out of interest op what engine is in that van? A 1.6 or 1.9d vw engine surely shouldnt need much more than 4500 anyway? Or is it something more fancy?

trevorbrady · 26-07-2013 8:54pm

just an old 1.9D from a Vento. I'll look for boat tachos, thanks

hi5 · 27-07-2013 12:04pm

Argos €13.99, just connect to your crank pulley;)

http://www.instructables.com/id/Tachometer-made-from-a-bicycle-speedometer-cycloc/

trevorbrady · 27-07-2013 3:39pm

we have a winner!!! Thanks Hi5, that's exactly the kind of bodge I like. Off to Argos tomorrow

diesel rev counter

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