Tachometer Jitters

Mark_VA · Jun 4, 2003

The mechanical tachometer on my 2210 is difficult to read over 2000rpm due to needle fluctuations that vary about 400rpm. Assuming that the cable is the culprit, is there a cleaning and/or lubrication procedure that could be done to the tachometer cable to minimize this?

Thanks

normde2001 · Jun 4, 2003

Yes, remove the cable, grease it, and replace it.

dwynn · Jun 4, 2003

undo the cable at tach. or at the motor end of the cable and pull out the inner cable and wipe it down with some
grease or oil it should stop it from being so jittery it worked on mine.

allenp · Jun 4, 2003

I had the same problem. It ended up being the tachometer. In checking with the salvage yards for a used tach, I stumbled across one for a YM195. It works fine and is MUCH more stable than the one it replaced. Maybe you will be lucky and it will be the cable.

Soundguy · Jun 5, 2003

As a part of my yearly service on my tractors, I remove the tach cable ( on my 8n and NAA ) and spray wd-40 or silicone lube down both ends, just to keep them free, especially when the sit during the winter, etc.

Soundguy

Mark_VA · Jun 5, 2003

Thanks for the informative replies.
I was concerned about making things worse if I used the wrong sort of cleaner or lubricant on the cable.

normde2001 · Jun 6, 2003

You can't go wrong. If it is crudded up, clean with diesel, kerosene or mineral spirits. You can lube with anything. I prefer Permatex "White Lithium Grease". It seems to hang around longer.

kayssupply · Jun 7, 2003

Be careful using WD 40 on things that will set for a long time. I have had it lock up the action in my firearms before. I switched to another lube. It varnishs when it sets. It makes a great hand cleaner though. I had to use it up some how.
If you are in a severely cold climate a grease type lube can get thick and make the cable do weird things.

Anonymous Poster · Jun 9, 2003

Mark we used to use a dry graphite lub for speedometer cables. I agree that if you use too much WD40 and it coolects dust it will clog up. I dont think 1 time would do it though. That white lithium grease is hard to beat though
Ralph