Visual way to tell engine is running?

[lennyzx11]

My Dixie chopper has a pony engine for the dump box bagger.

The pony engine can’t be heard over the mower and I’d like to come up with a way to see what f motor is running back there while mowing. You can’t see it unless getting off.

First thoughts are a tachometer or a light.

Ideas from the brain trust?

 

[CobyRupert]

A streamer on the exhaust pipe?

 

[Industrial Toys]

Neon bulb and resistor on the high tension? Spark Tester? Small Flourescent light? I guess it depends what kind of motor it is and if it has any Low Voltage when running.

Could be hard to see a light in the daylight.

Take off the muffler. lol

 

[hawkeye08]

If it has a battery (for electric start), you should be able to run wires to an indicator light you can see on tractor.

 

[zzvyb6]

On my mower vac combo, I have some earmuffs (Stihl) that completely hide the diesel mower engine and deck sounds and admit tones from the Honda vac engine. Without the muffs, its one giant rock concert. The suction sound is my main concern because the hose can get blocked by wet leaves, grass and an occasional stick or branch. Also, the suction sound changes when the trailer is full and flow stops.

 

[the old grind]

My Dixie chopper has a pony engine for the dump box bagger.

The pony engine can稚 be heard over the mower and I壇 like to come up with a way to see if motor is running. First thoughts are a tachometer or a light.

Occam's razor says to hold that thought.

I say you don't have to trust my brain, but a tach would be just plain nice, cheap to add, and easy to install.

 

[Richard001]

Occam's razor says to hold that thought.

I say you don't have to trust my brain, but a tach would be just plain nice, cheap to add, and easy to install.

I second Old Grind's suggestion. Try a Tiny Tach, not very expensive and easy to install.

 

[r porter]

yep-one of them 10 dollar tachs.

 

[lennyzx11]

Ordering one today. I may still try to put an idiot light on.

Laughing.
Just yesterday I had it in the garage and leveled the deck. Started the pony engine for the first time this year. Started right up surprisingly.
Went to pull it out of the garage to let it sit and run a few minutes.

Sat on seat, pulled levers to reverse. Nothing. Pushed forward. Nothing.
Checked hand brake. Off.
Bounced butt up and down on seat. Nothing.

Sheepishly reached down and turned key to start the mower’s main engine.