Topic: Tach not functioning

[Schuyler]

The tach on my "new" bike doesn't work.  I took it off the gauge and when I push down on the end, I can feel the vibration but it doesn't turn. 

Would it normally turn when it's off the gauge?  or does it need to be "pressed" up into the gauge to function, therefore making me "test" worthless?

If it should turn, Is the cable end that goes into valve cover the culprit?

[Gordon]

The cable is probably just broken inside the sheath. 

[bird]

If the tach cable is attached to the engine (and unattached at the tacho end) the inner should turn as the motor runs or is revved. Should be easy to see. If the inner is not turning, check where it connects to the engine. Or as the other guy suggests, it may indeed be broken somewhere in side. Good luck.

[dave500]

20 bucks will get a complete cable,trying to twist the cable,,it shouldnt turn if its still connected to the engine,take the whole thing off and have a look,pull the inner cable out,are the ends intact?

[florence]

Mine stopped working when the cable broke a while ago.  At the time it bugged me but now I've got used to it I wonder why I ever bothered to have one at all.  I might take it off.

[Gordon]

Thanks, I am going to take the whole thing off when I get off work.  Last night, I couldn't figure out how to take off the cable on the engine side. 

I am just not one to buy a bunch of parts until I know if it's the problem or not, cause that's an expensive road! 

That's definitely the fiscally smart way to go.  

I'm not sure if you discovered how to remove the cable from the valve cover or not, but if you haven't it's the screw on the side of the tach drive housing.  Be careful when removing it.  Often times the screw is stuck pretty well from years of not being touched and the impact driver is the first tool to come out, but it's not a good idea to use it for this application.  The housing can't take too much lateral force and will break off fairly easily.  If it's stuck, use some penetrating lubricant and let it seep in for a while.  If it still won't budge try the poor-man's impact driver and tap the end of the screwdriver lightly while turning to loosen. 

[Gordon]

You're welcome!  I can be helpful sometimes, but I promise not to let it happen too often.

[CB750Ken8]

I figured I'd throw this out in this thread since it the newest gauge thread but I liked some of the gauges from this site and the prices seemed good, only down side is most of the gauges said they were for 300cc 500cc 400cc or so cycles at  least the gauges I liked, heres the link.

http://www.aliexpress.com/store/800137/201291459/Motorcycle-digital-speed-meter_2.html