problem with tiny tach on 30 Nissan 4stroke

Wee Hooker

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Sep 11, 2005
Messages
618
Purchased a tiny Tach commercial unit to help with some prop selection. Instructions that came with it are lame. I got it intalled and now it seams that any of the 3 ( 180, 360, 720deg) available settigsg give me questionable readings. Got it set to 360 ( which seemed to give me the closest to factory spec idle speed) but the display bounces through a 300-400 rpm range at top end. ( 5800-6200) Any Tiny Tach owners out there with advice?
Wonderign if I have a defective unit. :-(
 

pvanv

Admiral
Joined
Apr 20, 2008
Messages
6,570
Re: problem with tiny tach on 30 Nissan 4stroke

The settings are to set the frequency divider for number of sparks per revolution of the crank. In other words, once every 2 revs -- such as for a 4-stroke car (720), once for every rev -- such as for a normal 2-stroke OB, or twice every rev as on some multicylinder motors that have distributors.

I think you will find that you are getting interference from the fairly high energy ignition, and need to locate/isolate the inductive wire differently for it to stabilize. In other words, the tach may be a bit too sensitive.

If you have the fuel-injected 30, you can monitor real-time data from the ECU, which would rule out all questions. To do so, you need a diagnostic kit 3AC729200M $325.00, available from any dealer, and also a laptop PC to run the software and collect the data from the motor. BTW, idle should be 850 (+/-30) RPM, and is not adjustable. WOT should be 5750 (+/-500) RPM, preferrably on the higher side for maximum performance, and will be determined by prop pitch, boat loading, etc...

As an alternative to the tinkertoy tach, a Factory tach is available, quite pricey -- but very reliable and dead-nuts accurate -- either with or without warning lamp. Part number 3N8-72640-1 (with lamp, configured for EP models), 3B7-72530-2 (without lamp, configured for MF and EF models). If ordering a Factory tach, consider ordering the appropriate interfacing cable as well: 3R0-72537-1 is the one that connects to the RC box leads (with warning lamp), and 361-72539-0 is the one that connects directly to the MF/EF motor (for use without warning lamp).
 

Wee Hooker

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Sep 11, 2005
Messages
618
Re: problem with tiny tach on 30 Nissan 4stroke

Thanks, I'll try the 720 deg setting next time out. I'll also reroute and shield the pick-up wire ( what you say makes allot of sense!) I don't want to get to fancy. Mainly want it for prop selection and as an hour meter.

Thanks again

Dave
 

pvanv

Admiral
Joined
Apr 20, 2008
Messages
6,570
Re: problem with tiny tach on 30 Nissan 4stroke

Dave,

From the FAQ at TT's website:

Will the Tiny-Tach? work on multi-cylinder engines? Yes. Occasionally a multi-cylinder engine may require a filter to cut out extreme electronic noise. Filtered models are custom built ? call for information if you are having a problem with erratic readings.

You may want to give them a call. I suspect that the 360 setting is the correct one, btw.
 

Wee Hooker

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Sep 11, 2005
Messages
618
Re: problem with tiny tach on 30 Nissan 4stroke

Thanks again, I had called them and told them the motor I wanted to use it on so I'm guessing it's not a common thing on the Nissan 4 strokes. That said, I'll call them again and see if they have any "aftermarket/shielding "tricks. Too late to order a new one now.

Too be honest, I'm not very impressed with this product. I expected better functionality and user friendlieness for my $80. I should have gone with the Merc Tach.
 
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