MF 230 Tachometer Help

[Sbalak]

I'm new to the forum and hoping some experts can help me out. I just purchased a 1976 MF 230 (4cyl gas) tractor. She's running pretty good, put my tachometer isn't showing RPMs. I've taken the cable off the distributor and confirmed that if I spin it the tach works (working cable, working gauge). Below the distributor there's a tach drive unit and I've confirmed that with the tractor running this unit isn't spinning. I've seen in other posts it is common for these unit's gears to wear out. I've searched my manual, Agco's site, and the web.....but I can't find a part number or re-seller for this unit. Any suggestions on where I can get a replacement part?

Thanks,
Scott

 

[Blizzard0308]

AGCO Parts Books and you can go in as a guest and search for your tractor. In doing a quick search I believe 1047225M91 is the Gear Assembly, Tachometer Drive and 535930M91 is the Adapter Assembly, Tachometer. But please double check these numbers because I am not sure what the serial number is for your tractor. I hope this helps.

 

[Sbalak]

Thanks for the help Blizzard! Those are correct. I was looking at AGCO, but at the wrong MF 230 years. No distributors on diesels.

 

[Sbalak]

So I called my local AGCO to inquire about those two parts and I was informed they are longer available and there is no alternative part in her catalog. Aside from going to a junkyard, she didn't have any other suggestions. Have to admit that I was a little surprised since the tractor is only ~30 years old. Has anybody ever changed the distributor type to an alternative. My distributor works fine, but I'd really like to get my tach working so I know my PTO speed.

 

[The kid]

So I called my local AGCO to inquire about those two parts and I was informed they are longer available and there is no alternative part in her catalog. Aside from going to a junkyard, she didn't have any other suggestions. Have to admit that I was a little surprised since the tractor is only ~30 years old. Has anybody ever changed the distributor type to an alternative. My distributor works fine, but I'd really like to get my tach working so I know my PTO speed.

If you can't find a replacement part to run a spin type mechanical tach, then I suggest going to a conventional points type that works off ignition wiring on the coil. Just like old hot rods have. you would need to find a comparable tach that would fit the existing dash hole.

Another method is what I have. I have an alternator with a mechanical tach drive on the rear of it which drives the tach thru a cable which works just like the original gnerator tach drive.

 

[The kid]

I'm new to the forum and hoping some experts can help me out. I just purchased a 1976 MF 230 (4cyl gas) tractor. She's running pretty good, put my tachometer isn't showing RPMs. I've taken the cable off the distributor and confirmed that if I spin it the tach works (working cable, working gauge). Below the distributor there's a tach drive unit and I've confirmed that with the tractor running this unit isn't spinning. I've seen in other posts it is common for these unit's gears to wear out. I've searched my manual, Agco's site, and the web.....but I can't find a part number or re-seller for this unit. Any suggestions on where I can get a replacement part?

Thanks,
Scott

http://www.stevenstractor.com/parts/massey-ferguson/tach-gear-box-drive.html

Is this it?

 

[Sbalak]

Thanks for the advice. No, my adapter has a 90 degree on it and I think the cable out is larger. I've been looking into it and I think I'm going to do the electronic tach off the coil or off the alternator. After I get it all put together I'll post some pics.

 

[The kid]

Thanks for the advice. No, my adapter has a 90 degree on it and I think the cable out is larger. I've been looking into it and I think I'm going to do the electronic tach off the coil or off the alternator. After I get it all put together I'll post some pics.

Could the one I linked to be a replacement and all you'll need with it is a new cable. The one in the link is pointing upward like your picture. The one I linked to, may be more universal and cable ports line most standard early model MF"s. I'd send then an email with a picture of yours removed before ruling it out.

 

[Sbalak]

It's been about two months, but I finally got around to posting some pics of my new electronic tach. I purchased a Datcon 4k (light and hours) for ~$40 from Ebay. It was pretty easy to install, but I had a heck of time getting a good reading. It was initially reading about 4 times the expected RPM. I replaced the distributor cap, coil, points, condenser with no luck. On a whim I pulled the plugs and noticed they were fouled pretty bad. Sure enough when I replaced them I started getting accurate RPM. I'm guessing the fouling was causing dual sparks based on the tach readings. On a side note the tractor now starts much easier & stronger. My next step is to pull the carb and give it a thorough cleaning as the Massey likes to run with a little choke always.

Scott

 

[The kid]

It's been about two months, but I finally got around to posting some pics of my new electronic tach. I purchased a Datcon 4k (light and hours) for ~$40 from Ebay. It was pretty easy to install, but I had a heck of time getting a good reading. It was initially reading about 4 times the expected RPM. I replaced the distributor cap, coil, points, condenser with no luck. On a whim I pulled the plugs and noticed they were fouled pretty bad. Sure enough when I replaced them I started getting accurate RPM. I'm guessing the fouling was causing dual sparks based on the tach readings. On a side note the tractor now starts much easier & stronger. My next step is to pull the carb and give it a thorough cleaning as the Massey likes to run with a little choke always.

ScottView attachment 297067

Scott, what size tach is this. I'm referring to the hole size in your dash. This sounds like an easy solution for those who's mechanical tachs have failed. What was supplied for the hookup? Looks great. Does it also come with a chrome exterior finish ring?

 

[Sbalak]

Thanks! It's a standard 3-3/8" tach. My previous tach was also 3-3/8" so it was a drop in replacement for me. I really wanted a 3k tach w/hour meter, but I couldn't find any reasonably priced that were pulse driven which also had an hour meter . Most low rev engines are diesels so it was more common to find alternator signal (W) driven tach. It was very easy to install and connect. One positive wire to the ignition (I spliced onto a wire just behind my key switch). One negative wire to the ground. One signal wire to the negative terminal of the ignition coil. It also has an internal dash light which I connected to my light switch. Assuming you have everything set up (wires, solder iron, splicing connections, dash access, etc) I think this is ~1hr total job....but then again it took me a month to get it right!

It comes with the tach, mounting bracket, and instructions. It' pretty much a DATCON TACHOMETER 0-4K HOUR METER 16 PULSE. I found one on EBAY with a chrome ring. I purchased mine from another seller, but these things seem to be all over ebay. Good luck!!

Datcon Tachometer 0 4K Hour Meter 16 Pulse P N 100245 12 24 Volt | eBay