Diesel Tach calibration/mounting

[VTCruiser]

just picked up an Autometer #2888 diesel tach with the alternator pickup.

1 - has anyone installed this behind a 60 series gauge cluster in the stock location? if so, how did you secure it there?

2 - The installation instructions recommend the a mechanic/dealer with proper "testing equipment" do the calibration. Will most mechanics have this equipment? what's needed exactly?

 

[sandcruiser]

bump.
I might have to go this route and would love to know the answer as well.
Also- is there any sensor that can be purchased (such as the autometer) that will hook up to the stock 12v diesel Tach? (sorry for a potential hijack)

 

[brownbear]

Bring the instruction book into a garage and see if they know what is needed.

Somehow I can see confusion......but.

Other than that, possibly call a tech support line at Autometer and see if you can get additional info. If they have such a beast.

 

[VTCruiser]

well i got it mounted, fits PERFECT. I used 2 of the four original screw holes and screws, piece of metal strap and some electrical tape. Now i just gotta take it up to the toyota dealer and get it calibrated....i'll try to call autometer too.

 

[Tapage]

How it get the signal . ? from altenator .. how about if you change the puley diameter . ?

 

[brownbear]

Ok now you gotta put a pic on here of the fit and install. This thread is nothing with out a picture of that install

 

[VTCruiser]

no digi cam right now

new nikon d50 on its way so soon i can get some pics up.

I really don't know what is required to calibrate it, so far i'm 0-2 in finding a shop that can do it....

 

[brownbear]

did you ask autometer?

 

[owensexport]

Best bet is to start the engine and adjust the
tachometer to the idle speed.
I did it on my LD10 Blizzard and set it for 600 rpm
at idle which is the factory idle speed.
No need to pay to get it calibrated, you are not setting
timing by the tach......

 

[VTCruiser]

i figured out HOW to calibrate it but two problems exist.

Autometer recommends that it ibe calibrated at cruising engine speed for accuracy. Also, I have modified the fuel delivery slightly, and the idle speed is slightly off stock, but this is not a big problem. The only thing i need is a tool for reading rpm (most deisel shops have them that pick up fuel injector line pulse). That way we can rev the engine, calibrate the tach accordingly and be done. In the mean time i may may just adjust it to "stock" idle to use as a rough representation.

 

[VTCruiser]

Ok, here are a couple pics of the tach installed, FINALY.

I used electrical tape to hold the tach in place and metal strap to secure it. I used the stock screws and holes (there are 2 opposite each other). The strap ran from one to the other over the tach. I connect the tach to the strap using the screw that would usually secure the "pod".

EDIT: oh, for now i have it calibrated to "idle". Its pretty accurate but not perfect. It will work unitl i can find a diesel shop that can pick up my rpm are cruising speed via fuel injector pulse.

 

[curious1]

I gotta say that looks very nice. So no bubble gum was need to hold it in?

 

[crushers]

damn nice fit, congrates

 

[-uhuru-]

can't you just use a timing light to calibrate it?

I have this same gauge but haven't had a chance to install it...

what does highway idle mean? which gear?

you just let the car roll on 5th? what if the rpm's fall to low?

I'm puzzled ...

A+ for the looks of the install VT ... better than stock!

 

[VTCruiser]

i think a more accurate way is to use injector pulse, but i am no expert. This is just what i have gathered from asking around.

What they mean is, calibrate the tach according to highway cruising RPM. It is not recommended to try to do this with the truck moving. Basically, rev the engine until your RPM reader says about 2000 rpm and then calibrate the tach to that speed. Versus just calibrating it to stock idle specs. this way the gauge will be more accurate where it matters.

can't you just use a timing light to calibrate it?

I have this same gauge but haven't had a chance to install it...

what does highway idle mean? which gear?

you just let the car roll on 5th? what if the rpm's fall to low?

I'm puzzled ...

A+ for the looks of the install VT ... better than stock!

 

[-uhuru-]

This makes more sense .... thanks VT ...

bless,

Tito

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

very cool I always wondered how it would fit in a 60, I suspected it would be the same but now I know

Anyway, I have the same tach. The way I calibrated it was when you feel the peak torque come on -- 1800 rpms... Toy dealer would not have the tools to check RPMs but any diesel shop would... I would try there first. I believe they have a device they put on the number 1 injector tube that senses the pulses and turns it into a tach reading.. Good luck with it..

Also are the colors different at night? (I suspect so because the tach is white and the FJ60 guages are green, correct?)

 

[R2HKS]

Interesting, I'll be keeping an eye on this thread because my factory BJ42 tach no longer works and I wanted to replace it with that autometer gauge in the factory spot.

Its a very nice install and looks factory.

 

[Tapage]

Looks very nice and clean your instalation VT .. !

 

[VTCruiser]

Thanks guys, the install was very painless. The next time I pull the cluster i'll get some pics from the back and how its mounted.

Also are the colors different at night? (I suspect so because the tach is white and the FJ60 guages are green, correct?)

yes, the tach light is white and the others are factory green. I haven't looked into it yet but you can probably get a green bulb for it. Green is definitely easier on the eyes at night. I'd also like to hook the tach light up to the dimmer too, eventually.