Best tach on a budget for diagnostics/tuning?

[Mas]

What do you suggest?

 

[Eshaw150]

Re: Best tach on a budget for diagnostics/tuning?

you are going to get mixed respones on this
i like to use a faria tack its a plug in and american made

 

[DJ]

Re: Best tach on a budget for diagnostics/tuning?

Plenty avialable here on iboats. Go to the Marine Store (upper left corner).

I've used just about every brand. Never had any trouble with any of them.

 

[Mas]

Re: Best tach on a budget for diagnostics/tuning?

Plenty avialable here on iboats. Go to the Marine Store (upper left corner).

I guess I should be a little more specific. I'm looking for a hand-held or maybe something like a tiny-tach...nothing like a dash-mount, but rather a laser reflective or inductive hand-held. I did not see anything in the marine store that was a "hand held?" Maybe I overlooked one?

MAS

 

[DJ]

Re: Best tach on a budget for diagnostics/tuning?

You won't find one here. You are looking for a "tool".

There are plenty of choices out there. The trick is finding one for a two stroke and two or three cylinder engines.

You can use a four stroke tach, just 1/2 the reading.

I've used my four stroke handheld tach. (inductive type) on outboards. But, you have to "interpret" the readings.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Best tach on a budget for diagnostics/tuning?

for diagnosis only and proper set up, you can use a timing light with the tach function. i use a tiny tach, get my motor properly set up, then put it back on the shelf, until i want to check again.

personally i hate instruments on a boat, just something to break or something to make you worry. on and i/o they are a necessity.

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: Best tach on a budget for diagnostics/tuning?

If you need a reed or laser tach go to this site below. I have a reed tach and used it a lot on the smaller imported engines. They are pricey....
http://www.dlwilliamscompany.com/stichtmt-1b.html

 

[Willyclay]

Re: Best tach on a budget for diagnostics/tuning?

Take a look at:

Reed AT-6 Photo Non-Contact Laser Tachometer, MSRP=$89.00USD

EZ-Tach Digital Clamp-On Tachometer, Model 325, MSRP+$59.00USD

Post what you decide on!

 

[ezeke]

Re: Best tach on a budget for diagnostics/tuning?

I have an EZ-Tach 325 but I find that it has limited application for outboards because you need to be facing the cylinder head when you use it. I think that an inductive timing light with digital tach display is a much more versatile tool.

The following links show the one that I use but not where I bought it: http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/ACT-CP7529.html
http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/actcp7529.html

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Best tach on a budget for diagnostics/tuning?

I just found a Matco Digital Inductive Tach/Timing light on eBay for $80., plus shipping. It arrived, and is in perfect condition.

I then placed my old Craftsman Inductive timing light up for auction...and got $41, plus shipping.

All said...I replaced my 20 year old Sears light, for a Matco digital tach/light...for about $39.

Could work for you!

 

[Mas]

Re: Best tach on a budget for diagnostics/tuning?

Wow, thanks guys. I'll look over your recommendations and let you know. I am looking for digital...but I am on a budget. I like the idea of a tiny-tach and not permanently installing it. I do not like the idea, however, of the battery only lasting 5 years...which then cannot be replaced...then have to throw it away! :-(

Anyways, I'll check 'em out,

MAS