Tach install??

[howardtm]

hey guys (and gals)
Got a question here. Hopefully my e550 will someday actually be fixed (not holding my breath here for that one) ..aside from that, I've finished making a guage pod (4 guages) to mount atop the dash. I've ordered a tachometer and was wondering...just how and what I connect the wires to? I'm assuming here that a tach for a gas engine will function as well, just connects differently. Was told by the so-called "tech" at Allegheny Ford that they're basically all the same and that it would connect to the CPS lead(s), but failed, like on so many OTHER things) to specify WHICH one. Could use some advice on this one. (also will be ordering an EGT, Boost, and Trans Temp). Also, just as a point of info for my benefit...what should the boost be running when just easing down the road, and/or just idleing? Seems when they took it for a test drive, it was only running @ about 3-5 PSI...just seems kinda low to me.

[bigcountrysg]

Originally Posted by howardtm

hey guys (and gals)
Got a question here. Hopefully my e550 will someday actually be fixed (not holding my breath here for that one) ..aside from that, I've finished making a guage pod (4 guages) to mount atop the dash. I've ordered a tachometer and was wondering...just how and what I connect the wires to? I'm assuming here that a tach for a gas engine will function as well, just connects differently. Was told by the so-called "tech" at Allegheny Ford that they're basically all the same and that it would connect to the CPS lead(s), but failed, like on so many OTHER things) to specify WHICH one. Could use some advice on this one. (also will be ordering an EGT, Boost, and Trans Temp). Also, just as a point of info for my benefit...what should the boost be running when just easing down the road, and/or just idleing? Seems when they took it for a test drive, it was only running @ about 3-5 PSI...just seems kinda low to me.

Ok the Tach I can not help you on. The Egt and Tranny temp are fairly simple installs, Your boost gauge will show a low reading unless the turbo is under load. While I am cruising or idling my boost gauge reads 3-5 psi and at idle it reads 0 psi. But when I am on it or the turbo is under load I have readins of around 23-25 psi. So I with your reading of 3-5 psi not underload is about right. Now when I am cruising down the highway at 70-80 mph my boost reads around 8-10 psi.

I hope this info helps you out some.

[howardtm]

It does indeed Big Guy..thanks..at least I can be reasonably assured my trubo is ok..lol( the rest is a lemon, but turbo is ok...go figure)

[bigcountrysg]

Well the only way I know of killing the turbo is by heat. Heat will not only kill the turbo but can kill the engine too. Also Dirt if your filter is not that good of one then you will get dirt in your turbo which can tear up the turbo wheels also. Everything else is ran by electronics so yeah go figure they will cause you problems. But the turbo is completely operated by air.

[howardtm]

now back to my first querry regarding the hook up of an aftermarket tach. The tach I just bought is for a gasser but was told it would work just as well on a diesel, it would just connect differently...(like Duh!) This one says to connect the green wire to the neg term on the coil...well..lets see...no spark plugs...would be a good bet theres no coil. Now one tech...and granted so far this particular one is just hovering above "idiot" status, says to hook it up to one of the cps leads...but not which one..like thats a whole lotta help (at 75.00 an hour) Can sure use some help here. Will this thing work, and if so, just how or where do I connect the "green" wire, or do I need to return it and buy one specifically made for a diesel??

[bigcountrysg]

Here try this one as it is made for diesels.

Auto Meter

[howardtm]

nope...too big and it says flywheel mods is required. I have a 2 1/16" model from Summit racing parts. With the pod I made, this is as big as I can go...and nope, no other place to really put one where its both visable AND out of the way.

[bigcountrysg]

What year truck are you putting this on and what happen to the factory tach.
Or did it not have one from the factory.

[howardtm]

going into a 2003 E550 (engine is a late 99 build) and never had a factory Tach...wish it did but it doesn't.

[bigcountrysg]

Actually if you read that correctly, it says may need modifications to harmonic balancer or crank pulley, or the fly wheel. But I am with you I wouldn't want to be modifing that stuff either.