Adding a tachometer
Adding a tachometer
Adding a tach to a car without one or with an 84-85 setup is very easy. You can get all the parts new or used, but the junkyard is best since you need several inches of the wiring harness.
Parts needed:
Tachometer with two prong plug, three will not work, and a few inches of the pigtail.
Pickup sensor, all OM61x engines have the bracket in place to mount it.
Base/amp bracket, all W123 models have predrilled holes to mount the bracket on the drivers side fender by the glowplug relay.
Amp base and a few inches of it's pigtail.
Tach amp.
16' of ~24 gauge wire.
Misc electrical butt connectors, tape.
Wiring:
Plug white pickup sensor into it's base socket.
The pigtail of the amp base will have 3 wires- Brown, green, black.
Brown is ground, attach it to any clean ground connection in the engine bay.
Black is power for the amp and tachometer. Connect it to a switched power source (there is one in the glow relay) with an inline 3amp fuse, run that wire from the amp base to the black/red stripe wire on the tach pigtail to power both the amp and tach.
Green is RPM signal output. Run that wire to the green/stripe wire of the tachometer pigtail.
Start the engine and enjoy.
techguy512 of the Mercedesshop.com forums has built a modern replacement for the old tach amplifier.
He is asking $46 each. The thread and his contact information can be found here:
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/sh...p?t=219949
Here is a writeup on a DIY digital one:
DIY - Microcontroller based digital tachometer
Why wouldn't a 3-prong work? I'm hoping to swap my 617.952 into a manual 240. It looks like my tachometer from the 300D is a 3-prong.
(02-15-2009, 10:01 AM)Gasoline Fumes Why wouldn't a 3-prong work?
(02-15-2009, 10:01 AM)Gasoline Fumes Why wouldn't a 3-prong work?
(02-15-2009, 11:26 PM)ForcedInduction(02-15-2009, 10:01 AM)Gasoline Fumes Why wouldn't a 3-prong work?
I don't know what each pin is wired for. The two pin is simple: power-signal.
(02-15-2009, 11:26 PM)ForcedInduction(02-15-2009, 10:01 AM)Gasoline Fumes Why wouldn't a 3-prong work?
I don't know what each pin is wired for. The two pin is simple: power-signal.
(02-15-2009, 11:41 PM)Gasoline Fumes They're labeled on the back of my cluster:
W
-G
+
I think I can figure it out.
(02-15-2009, 11:41 PM)Gasoline Fumes They're labeled on the back of my cluster:
W
-G
+
I think I can figure it out.
(02-16-2009, 09:51 PM)winmutt Whats W?
(02-16-2009, 09:51 PM)winmutt Whats W?
The EGR computer drives it, the same way it works on the 240D.
So to use the '85 tach in an '83 240D, I need the EGR computer, or the tach amp, or both? Is there a good wiring diagram out there for the '85 300D? I have the Haynes manual, but I'd never call it good.
(06-15-2010, 06:42 PM)BRABUS hello
Im not so good in english.
What is Amp base and Tach amp.
Is sensor reading from the crank shaft wheel?
Is it still possible to get the modern replacement for the old tach amplifier ?
Thanks for helping me.
Best regards
(06-15-2010, 06:42 PM)BRABUS hello
Im not so good in english.
What is Amp base and Tach amp.
Is sensor reading from the crank shaft wheel?
Is it still possible to get the modern replacement for the old tach amplifier ?
Thanks for helping me.
Best regards
those are posts for Bob Myers' custom tach amp.
here's his official site:
http://www.mbelectronicupgrades.com/
I worked with him to make a tach amp that can work with more aftermarket or gasser tachs - thus opening more options.
for example, he made me a tach amp that could drive my stock M110 tach that was designed to receive a 12V pulse from a coil 3 times per revolution.
he also has upgraded programmable wiper relays that are really awesome when driving in variable rain conditions.
The versatility is the beauty of using modern computing to do something so simple. He can also program it to send a voltage signal at a desired RPM range to trigger a high boost stage, water injection, nitrous, etc. Memory is limited though, so some more complicated things might mean he has to delete the "self test" startup sweep feature to make room.
DOPE!!!!
Hey Guys, question.
I am in-process of wiring up my Unimog. I have a VDO programmable tach I am going to use with my 617's crank sensor. I also am planning on using the electronic amp from MBelectronicUpgrades.com
Anyways, In order to calibrate the VDO tach....I need to know what my idle RPM is. Anyones guess on the easiest way? Use a 300DT tach?
Optical tachometer.
http://www.harborfreight.com/digital-pho...66632.html
Ok, so after reading through this thread, and techguys thread, Im still not completely sure how the tach works on some of these cars without an amp.
I want to put a tach in my 80 240, which had none, so I went to the yard this morning and unfortunately could not find a single 123 with an instrument cluster left.
Instead, I grabbed the instrument cluster out of an 82 300SD, the tach base, pickup, and now I don't understand how this worked. Wires from the pickup come over to the base, and wires leave the base, theres no amp, but the wires aren't connected in some way ????? Did the tachs on SDs with a 617 work differently?
Do I need to grab some more parts, like the EGR computer? will I be able to make this work in my 240?
here are some pics
[attachment=3005]
That wasn't an 82 SD. The 300SD was only offered with SRS in 85, which has an EGR computer that drives the tachometer.
The base you grabbed is for 84/85 and g@s engine models and is just a diagnostic plug for a mechanic to check engine RPM. The parts you have, except the tachometer, will work for your car but you'll need to get an amplifier from an 82-84 model. The W126 tach will not physically fit in a W123.
(06-26-2010, 10:53 AM)ForcedInduction That wasn't an 82 SD. The 300SD was only offered with SRS in 85, which has an EGR computer that drives the tachometer.
The base you grabbed is for 84/85 and g@s engine models and is just a diagnostic plug for a mechanic to check engine RPM. The parts you have, except the tachometer, will work for your car but you'll need to get an amplifier from an 82-84 model. The W126 tach will not physically fit in a W123.
(06-26-2010, 10:53 AM)ForcedInduction That wasn't an 82 SD. The 300SD was only offered with SRS in 85, which has an EGR computer that drives the tachometer.
The base you grabbed is for 84/85 and g@s engine models and is just a diagnostic plug for a mechanic to check engine RPM. The parts you have, except the tachometer, will work for your car but you'll need to get an amplifier from an 82-84 model. The W126 tach will not physically fit in a W123.
(06-26-2010, 09:33 AM)dropnosky Im still not completely sure how the tach works on some of these cars without an amp.
(06-26-2010, 09:33 AM)dropnosky Im still not completely sure how the tach works on some of these cars without an amp.
Ended up reading about this and stumbled on other possible tach options.
Good thread here that covers it.
http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/archive...98847.html
Auto Meter 2888 "Z-Series" Pedestal Mount Diesel Tachometer - any alt external pickup- on this one
http://performanceparts.com/part.php?partID=166241
Universal Diesel Alternator Tachometer Interface
http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.cfm/p...prd128.htm
Diesel Tiny-Tach (i think hooks up to an injector line)
http://www.tinytach.com/tinytach/diesel.php#
http://teleflexmorse-eu.com/library/inst...rnator.pdf
http://www.downloadingfiles.co.uk/telefl...rnator.pdf
Auto Rectifier - BB834
http://www.bikudo.com/product_search/det...bb834.html
(07-25-2010, 09:57 PM)85-300Dt Ended up reading about this and stumbled on other possible tach options.
Good thread here that covers it.
http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/archive...98847.html
Auto Meter 2888 "Z-Series" Pedestal Mount Diesel Tachometer - any alt external pickup- on this one
http://performanceparts.com/part.php?partID=166241
Universal Diesel Alternator Tachometer Interface
http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.cfm/p...prd128.htm
Diesel Tiny-Tach (i think hooks up to an injector line)
http://www.tinytach.com/tinytach/diesel.php#
http://teleflexmorse-eu.com/library/inst...rnator.pdf
http://www.downloadingfiles.co.uk/telefl...rnator.pdf
Auto Rectifier - BB834
http://www.bikudo.com/product_search/det...bb834.html
(07-25-2010, 09:57 PM)85-300Dt Ended up reading about this and stumbled on other possible tach options.
Good thread here that covers it.
http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/archive...98847.html
Auto Meter 2888 "Z-Series" Pedestal Mount Diesel Tachometer - any alt external pickup- on this one
http://performanceparts.com/part.php?partID=166241
Universal Diesel Alternator Tachometer Interface
http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.cfm/p...prd128.htm
Diesel Tiny-Tach (i think hooks up to an injector line)
http://www.tinytach.com/tinytach/diesel.php#
http://teleflexmorse-eu.com/library/inst...rnator.pdf
http://www.downloadingfiles.co.uk/telefl...rnator.pdf
Auto Rectifier - BB834
http://www.bikudo.com/product_search/det...bb834.html
(02-17-2009, 06:39 AM)Gasoline Fumes(02-16-2009, 09:51 PM)winmutt Whats W?
I'm pretty sure that's the signal. I looked at the harness in my '85 300D and the -G pin is not used, only two wires there.
(07-17-2010, 06:43 AM)techguy512(06-26-2010, 09:33 AM)dropnosky Im still not completely sure how the tach works on some of these cars without an amp.Nor am I. I have a 3 pin tach from the EGR controlled set-up, but I don't have the rest of the car to examine, which is really sort of needed to any productive reverse-engineering.
The objective is of course to allow the 3-pin tachs to be used with the 2-pin systems. I have a feeling that EGR computers might become scarce in the future.....
Anyone near Austin, TX with a 3-pin D or SD with working tach willing to help out? I'm trying to determine what sort of signal is presented on pin W. It seems to be nothing like the 2 pin version.
Thanks,
Bob
'82 300D, Petrol Blue-Green Metallic
(02-17-2009, 06:39 AM)Gasoline Fumes(02-16-2009, 09:51 PM)winmutt Whats W?
I'm pretty sure that's the signal. I looked at the harness in my '85 300D and the -G pin is not used, only two wires there.
(07-17-2010, 06:43 AM)techguy512(06-26-2010, 09:33 AM)dropnosky Im still not completely sure how the tach works on some of these cars without an amp.Nor am I. I have a 3 pin tach from the EGR controlled set-up, but I don't have the rest of the car to examine, which is really sort of needed to any productive reverse-engineering.
The objective is of course to allow the 3-pin tachs to be used with the 2-pin systems. I have a feeling that EGR computers might become scarce in the future.....
Anyone near Austin, TX with a 3-pin D or SD with working tach willing to help out? I'm trying to determine what sort of signal is presented on pin W. It seems to be nothing like the 2 pin version.
Thanks,
Bob
'82 300D, Petrol Blue-Green Metallic
82 300sd going into a Jeep Comanche...can I transplant this tach system along with my repower?
This is the crank sensor right?
The gray wire from the crank sensor runs to the scan tool connection right?
And I hope the wiring harness from the scan tool connection is all there is to the dash unit?
The MB dash tach unit and clock appear to be the correct size to fit into the new vehicle. Am I missing something here or is it as straight forward as I'm thinking?
(01-19-2011, 09:34 AM)Walkenvol The MB dash tach unit and clock appear to be the correct size to fit into the new vehicle. Am I missing something here or is it as straight forward as I'm thinking?
(01-19-2011, 09:34 AM)Walkenvol The MB dash tach unit and clock appear to be the correct size to fit into the new vehicle. Am I missing something here or is it as straight forward as I'm thinking?
Ben - my idea was to keep the MB parts shown in the pictures (crank sensor, scan tool connection, and dash mounted tach with clock) and fit them into the Jeep. Obviously, I would keep the MB wiring (or a like substitute) between the 3 pieces. The Jeep tach would be removed from the dash when replaced with the MB tach. Don't know what drives the stock Jeep tach, but the Jeep engine is leaving. What am I missing concerning the "Jeep engine electronics won't work with the Benz engine"?
Syncro - The MB tach and clock were working in the donor vehicle before I pulled the engine so hopefully everything is good? There have been a few other OM617 Jeep repower threads I've followed, and I don't recall one that had a working tach. I would prefer to not have to mess with the Jeep dash to transplant the MB tach pod and would prefer to wire the MB scan tool connection into the Jeep wiring to run the Jeep tach. If there is a way to make that work I'd love to know it!
(01-19-2011, 02:08 PM)Walkenvol If there is a way to make that work I'd love to know it!
(01-19-2011, 02:08 PM)Walkenvol If there is a way to make that work I'd love to know it!
Sent Bob an e-mail and got a response back. Sent him the factory service manual electrical info for the Jeep tach. The Jeep tach has an adjustable potentiometer in the dash mounted tach unit to adjust between different engine choices. Hope he can work something out.
e-mail back from Bob appears hopeful;
"I have written some tach amplifier software that converts the standard "one pulse per rev" output to the standard MB tach to a "two pulse per rev" or a "three pulse per rev" output. This, along with some circuitry that shifts the output level from 5V to 12V works quite nicely with standard aftermarket tachs that are switchable for 4, 6, or 8 cylinder operation, like most are....."
interesting the MB system operates on 5V?
(01-19-2011, 02:08 PM)Walkenvol Ben - my idea was to keep the MB parts shown in the pictures (crank sensor, scan tool connection, and dash mounted tach with clock) and fit them into the Jeep. Obviously, I would keep the MB wiring (or a like substitute) between the 3 pieces. The Jeep tach would be removed from the dash when replaced with the MB tach. Don't know what drives the stock Jeep tach, but the Jeep engine is leaving. What am I missing concerning the "Jeep engine electronics won't work with the Benz engine"?
Syncro - The MB tach and clock were working in the donor vehicle before I pulled the engine so hopefully everything is good? There have been a few other OM617 Jeep repower threads I've followed, and I don't recall one that had a working tach. I would prefer to not have to mess with the Jeep dash to transplant the MB tach pod and would prefer to wire the MB scan tool connection into the Jeep wiring to run the Jeep tach. If there is a way to make that work I'd love to know it!
(01-19-2011, 02:08 PM)Walkenvol Ben - my idea was to keep the MB parts shown in the pictures (crank sensor, scan tool connection, and dash mounted tach with clock) and fit them into the Jeep. Obviously, I would keep the MB wiring (or a like substitute) between the 3 pieces. The Jeep tach would be removed from the dash when replaced with the MB tach. Don't know what drives the stock Jeep tach, but the Jeep engine is leaving. What am I missing concerning the "Jeep engine electronics won't work with the Benz engine"?
Syncro - The MB tach and clock were working in the donor vehicle before I pulled the engine so hopefully everything is good? There have been a few other OM617 Jeep repower threads I've followed, and I don't recall one that had a working tach. I would prefer to not have to mess with the Jeep dash to transplant the MB tach pod and would prefer to wire the MB scan tool connection into the Jeep wiring to run the Jeep tach. If there is a way to make that work I'd love to know it!
(07-25-2010, 09:57 PM)85-300Dt http://teleflexmorse-eu.com/library/inst...rnator.pdfi noticed these 2 links for 'diesel tach wiring' have gone dead, a google has lotsa stuff
http://www.downloadingfiles.co.uk/telefl...rnator.pdf
(07-25-2010, 09:57 PM)85-300Dt http://teleflexmorse-eu.com/library/inst...rnator.pdfi noticed these 2 links for 'diesel tach wiring' have gone dead, a google has lotsa stuff
http://www.downloadingfiles.co.uk/telefl...rnator.pdf
Received this e-mail from Bob;
"I have a unit that puts out a 12V pulse (instead of the normal 5V pulse) with special software for 4cyl tachs or 6cyl tachs. It is used in the W460 G-Wagens with petrol tachs that have had diesels transplanted. It is also used with some aftermarket tachs like Sunpro, etc. for other diesel swaps.
The price is $10 over the normal tach amp ( $59). Keep it in mind as you contemplate your project...."
Strikes me as a better option than attempting to mount the MB dash tach into another vehicle. I plan to give it a shot when I get to that point.
Forced are the mounting points already there for the pickup sensor on the non turbo 5 cyl block? I already have 2 tachs, and acess to a turbo parts car in the yard. I just remove the sensor, amp, and all related wiring correct?
As Im finishing up my 617 turbo swap into a toyota pickup im trying to find a way to use the factory toyota tach with the diesel. Has anyone had experience with these? http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.cfm/p...prd128.htm
It says it can use the signal from a flywheel sensor but im not sure about the Crank sensor? And also if it will use the crank sensor do I need the mercedes amp or can I just wire the 3 wires coming of the CPS straight to this converter?
(04-15-2011, 05:05 PM)4rnnr33 As Im finishing up my 617 turbo swap into a toyota pickup im trying to find a way to use the factory toyota tach with the diesel. Has anyone had experience with these? http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.cfm/p...prd128.htm
It says it can use the signal from a flywheel sensor but im not sure about the Crank sensor? And also if it will use the crank sensor do I need the mercedes amp or can I just wire the 3 wires coming of the CPS straight to this converter?
(04-15-2011, 05:05 PM)4rnnr33 As Im finishing up my 617 turbo swap into a toyota pickup im trying to find a way to use the factory toyota tach with the diesel. Has anyone had experience with these? http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.cfm/p...prd128.htm
It says it can use the signal from a flywheel sensor but im not sure about the Crank sensor? And also if it will use the crank sensor do I need the mercedes amp or can I just wire the 3 wires coming of the CPS straight to this converter?
(04-15-2011, 11:38 PM)Syncro_G(04-15-2011, 05:05 PM)4rnnr33 As Im finishing up my 617 turbo swap into a toyota pickup im trying to find a way to use the factory toyota tach with the diesel. Has anyone had experience with these? http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.cfm/p...prd128.htm
It says it can use the signal from a flywheel sensor but im not sure about the Crank sensor? And also if it will use the crank sensor do I need the mercedes amp or can I just wire the 3 wires coming of the CPS straight to this converter?
You could try it. Many of the 617A alternators don't have the w terminals so you may end up spending more to get it working.
If your engine has the sender on the front of the crank shaft, you'll likely come out ahead using Bob's custom tach amp as mentioned above.
(04-15-2011, 11:38 PM)Syncro_G(04-15-2011, 05:05 PM)4rnnr33 As Im finishing up my 617 turbo swap into a toyota pickup im trying to find a way to use the factory toyota tach with the diesel. Has anyone had experience with these? http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.cfm/p...prd128.htm
It says it can use the signal from a flywheel sensor but im not sure about the Crank sensor? And also if it will use the crank sensor do I need the mercedes amp or can I just wire the 3 wires coming of the CPS straight to this converter?
You could try it. Many of the 617A alternators don't have the w terminals so you may end up spending more to get it working.
If your engine has the sender on the front of the crank shaft, you'll likely come out ahead using Bob's custom tach amp as mentioned above.
(07-25-2010, 09:57 PM)85-300Dt Auto Rectifier - BB834haven't looked at this for a bit ..but i think the idea with this rectifier was that it allowed you to have a W connection where there was none before
http://www.bikudo.com/product_search/det...bb834.html
(07-25-2010, 09:57 PM)85-300Dt Auto Rectifier - BB834haven't looked at this for a bit ..but i think the idea with this rectifier was that it allowed you to have a W connection where there was none before
http://www.bikudo.com/product_search/det...bb834.html
Quote:"if you have your alternator cracked open at a rebuild shop of some kind, they can usually tap into the signal you need and give you a terminal to hook up to... even if your alternator didn't originally come with one."
Quote:"I would try to modify a gas one into a diesel one,some people have done it,I found the schematichttp://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtop...bd#4819683
You may need to modify the alternator to add the W connection inside if it has not been done in factory."
what make is the tach? volvo diesel has a bosch with the W
http://auto.pantaiwan.com.tw/proimages/2...938538.pdf
EP130009
also maybe this
http://www.vwdiesel.net/forum/index.php?topic=358.0
Quote:"if you have your alternator cracked open at a rebuild shop of some kind, they can usually tap into the signal you need and give you a terminal to hook up to... even if your alternator didn't originally come with one."
Quote:"I would try to modify a gas one into a diesel one,some people have done it,I found the schematichttp://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtop...bd#4819683
You may need to modify the alternator to add the W connection inside if it has not been done in factory."
(04-17-2011, 04:32 PM)85-300Dt what make is the tach? volvo diesel has a bosch with the W
http://auto.pantaiwan.com.tw/proimages/2...938538.pdf
EP130009
also maybe this
http://www.vwdiesel.net/forum/index.php?topic=358.0
Quote:"if you have your alternator cracked open at a rebuild shop of some kind, they can usually tap into the signal you need and give you a terminal to hook up to... even if your alternator didn't originally come with one."
not sure what's going on here "Alternator" 115 Amp Bosch AL129X works in 123s!"
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/show...tor&page=9
EDIT- http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtop...?p=4821564
Quote:"I would try to modify a gas one into a diesel one,some people have done it,I found the schematichttp://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtop...bd#4819683
You may need to modify the alternator to add the W connection inside if it has not been done in factory."
(04-17-2011, 04:32 PM)85-300Dt what make is the tach? volvo diesel has a bosch with the W
http://auto.pantaiwan.com.tw/proimages/2...938538.pdf
EP130009
also maybe this
http://www.vwdiesel.net/forum/index.php?topic=358.0
Quote:"if you have your alternator cracked open at a rebuild shop of some kind, they can usually tap into the signal you need and give you a terminal to hook up to... even if your alternator didn't originally come with one."
not sure what's going on here "Alternator" 115 Amp Bosch AL129X works in 123s!"
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/show...tor&page=9
EDIT- http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtop...?p=4821564
Quote:"I would try to modify a gas one into a diesel one,some people have done it,I found the schematichttp://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtop...bd#4819683
You may need to modify the alternator to add the W connection inside if it has not been done in factory."