Specs for external "shop" tachometer

[ShoalSurvivor]

I'm looking to pickup a shop tach to adjust idle and set timing on my 2004 Mercruiser 4.3
Will one of these $20 "small engine" tachs to the trick?
Amazon Tach
are they all "pulse" tachs?

I'm looking for a wired version to connect to tach pigtail on the harness (purple / grey), but the all show clamping into or wrapping the spark plug wire.

Recommendations and instructions for hookup would be greatly appreciated!
thanks,
Michael

 

[Scott06]

I'm looking to pickup a shop tach to adjust idle and set timing on my 2004 Mercruiser 4.3
Will one of these $20 "small engine" tachs to the trick?
Amazon Tach
are they all "pulse" tachs?

I'm looking for a wired version to connect to tach pigtail on the harness (purple / grey), but the all show clamping into or wrapping the spark plug wire.

Recommendations and instructions for hookup would be greatly appreciated!
thanks,
Michael

normally a shop tach is for temp hook up either on a plug or the negative side of the coil. if you need a timing light I would get a timing light with a tach. I keep waiting for my old dial back timing light to die (1990 vintage...)

https://www.amazon.com/INNOVA-3568-Digital-Timing-Light/dp/B000EVYGV4/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=CTY29KVHZ6LX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.4ZbCTDeQJCogcmmh_p9Xx7jLs6LrWLFxxJljs9Z0QfAzGrLvyXxHiFwoXt9U92rsgorPu3coecyI8kg1JAFynGX7tErMPXe4T-DpXPA-ZZyURvfqGQb57NDp7J6RtsCP0xGRDdYKLYNDbyG0XxjrG0SBFDOdq58Ydc-RDqE-gAtWNwh-djJm8wcxgCzgm6Zc7sfdBmn5YP_tXdtNR-23mbALQUQCC9WzGa3j8jyCIxo990s1hgalUoarxucn-JM7HW-J9qzTrowk2YnxSLBjnvelUy1sll2pXO94cPCrwo0.3kJCbqGVU_zXvBCD-9ZUkw0gO8JIZ8h1LB5fOmkV7vQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=timing+light+with+tach&qid=1773692786&sprefix=timing+light+with+tach%2Caps%2C135&sr=8-1-spons&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.9fe8cbfa-bf43-43d1-a707-3f4e65a4b666&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

I bought this because it also does the KV of the spark which can be helpful when trouble shooting , but its a little pricey. Nice that you just hold it close to the engine and can do any cyl or stroke combo ..

https://www.amazon.com/General-Technologies-Corp-TA100-Tachometer/dp/B000RT9BH2/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1KGD5TBIPVR3G&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.a2TFglInpkeUAyqGr_294einntqUq932DL1_m0MNrcCSDIBVLD7TCqptPelhFxMmcUDofAesfx65N8miCZ0Vq9Of_ZRuEaQXx-bIEg3LV14ctOYezH-5M0Q9_SR5h7CryqrOYm0CAZPXytbIlw3yvAwTlcmjJ-9AT1Ljqxy-O75xVc6P6CxPdVGHsSg6r2iq4KTptuNxV-t_O2bP_BW1P0jVHzsgJShbqexIOUwXDKmBxeOefYeh_mfePfWHcUxl9bbkg1z0AGdFlwNwgj7JhyU9h4Pt4fTkec5lOf8sark.EutKTvFmrFoIAIh4abqlhFZZEzuGcCFeWrWu4_dwjZE&dib_tag=se&keywords=ignition+analyzer&qid=1773692619&sprefix=igntion+analyzer%2Caps%2C147&sr=8-2

this has a tach feature also is a VM-

Amazon.com: ALLOSUN EM127 Digital Automotive Meter Digital Multimeter RPM Dwell Angel Ignition System Test Duty Cycle Measurement 1999 Reading LCD DCV DC Resistance Measure : Automotive

Buy ALLOSUN EM127 Digital Automotive Meter Digital Multimeter RPM Dwell Angel Ignition System Test Duty Cycle Measurement 1999 Reading LCD DCV DC Resistance Measure: Multimeters & Analyzers - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[dingbat]

I have one similar to the one posted. Use

I'm looking to pickup a shop tach to adjust idle and set timing on my 2004 Mercruiser 4.3
Will one of these $20 "small engine" tachs to the trick?
Amazon Tach
are they all "pulse" tachs?

I'm looking for a wired version to connect to tach pigtail on the harness (purple / grey), but the all show clamping into or wrapping the spark plug

i use one similar to the one you posted to adjust idle on my small, two and four stroke engines.

Came as a “wrap around” but added a battery clip to make it a “clamp-on”. Works well for the purpose. No complains for the price

 

[Scott Danforth]

I have a laser photo tach I use on 2-strokes

I have 5 old tach / dwell meters that I use. One of them was my father's from the 60's, one is mine from the 80s, and the other is from my wife's late father and 2 from a garage sale. Paid $8 for the last two about 2 months ago

My recommendation is hit your local garage sale

 

[Scott06]

I have a laser photo tach I use on 2-strokes

I have 5 old tach / dwell meters that I use. One of them was my father's from the 60's, one is mine from the 80s, and the other is from my wife's late father and 2 from a garage sale. Paid $8 for the last two about 2 months ago

My recommendation is hit your local garage sale

Same here the sun tach and dwell I bought in 1990 ish died, so I use my fathers that he bought in the 60 s, still works. garage Sales and FB market place are good places to look.