Replacement Tacho?

[Bob L]

Problem:  Tacho needle fluctuates as if not damped in operation, after a few seconds it appears to settle down and read true but any change in RPM and it kangaroo’s off again about 1.5K around the true reading.  It's been to JDO for repair which did improve matters but the problem has returned.  Discussing with them as its under warranty.  

However, thinking of replacing.  Its 1999 vintage off an EU2 Supersport with 3 pins on the back for the main connections.  Caterham no longer supply and think the same with Smiths.  The label on the back advises its a Caerbont RVC 1490-02 .  This is the basic one with no warning lights.

Anyone had a similar problem and can recommend a decent replacement?  Would prefer to keep the same connections but happy to change if the instructions are good.  

[JonT]

Yup, I had the same.(1997 EU2 car).

I went for a Racetech gauge https://www.merlinmotorsport.co.uk/p/racetech-80mm-electronic-tachometer-with-shift-lights-rttc-sl which also has built in shift lights. They do a cheaper version without the shift lights too. There's a button for max rpm telltale/programming, but I've just tucked it out of the way upbehind the dash. Once all set up you don't really need it.

It matches the speedo since my gearbox drive got flaky and was leaking, so I've got a matching racetech speedo driven by a hall sensor on one of the front hubs.

 

[Bob L]

Thanks JonT, I like the look and the basic one is not much more expensive than a repair job.  Was this easy to wire up and does the needle seem reasonably damped in operation?

[JonT]

It was a year or so ago I did it, but IIRC very easy. Same wiring as the existing one (12V, gnd, signal and backlight). I think the instructions are linked off the Merlin website. Seems very well damped in use - certainly much better than the old one!

[Bob L]

Thanks again JonT, info much appreciated.