I've about given up hope on installing a factory tach. I just don't have the time to go around and find all the darn pieces. So I'm probably going aftermarket.

Now, I don't really know how a diesel tach works anyway but I saw a post about this one:

http://tinytach.com/tinytach/diesel.php

Seems kinda hokey and I'm sure it can measure SOMETHING, but actual RPM?

Anyone have any recommendations for an aftermarket tach. The tinytach's main advantage is cost and size.

Thanks,
Bill

Does your 300D not have the tach pickup built in already? If it does, all you need is a little extra wire, a tach amp, and the tach itself (easy enough to find at a parts yard - or do you not have one nearby? Try eBay)...

It's easy to install, I did it and I'm quite happy with the results!

__________________
'81 300TD Wagon 355k (Miss Diesel)
'83 300SD 180k
'84 500SEL 190k (Parting it out)

Several forum members use it.

__________________
ASE Master Mechanic
asemastermechanic@juno.com

Prototype R&D/testing:
Thermal & Aerodynamic System Engineering (TASE) Senior vehicle instrumentation technician.
Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH).
Dynamometer.
Heat exchanger durability.
HV-A/C Climate Control.
Vehicle build.
Fleet Durability
Technical Quality Auditor.
Automotive Technical Writer

1985 300SD
1983 300D
1984 190D
2003 Volvo V70
2002 Honda Civic

https://www.boldegoist.com/

I'd be interested in one of those, how does one install them? I've wanted one for a long time since I can't seem to be able to get my tach to work, I'm thinking my pickup above the flywheel is dead, or something, but I don't know for sure, I wasted a lot of money trying to get it to work, new tach amp and new gauge pod, no go. There's a reading of 13.4 volts at the two wires going into the tach pod when the engine is running, which leads me to think that there is no frequency being generated by the pickup for the gauge to use, am I heading in the right direction here?

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

I put a tinytach in my boat's diesel engine. It is very accurate, but the refrexh time would make it hard to use in a car I think. Fine for seeing actual RPM while cruising, but not very useful for watching while shifting, etc...

The tach senses pulses in the injector line and converts to RPM. Just make sure you order the right size pickup - it has to be tight.

Incidentally, this is the only company that has ever let me order something without paying - they sent me a bill after I recieved it. Amazing.

__________________
1984 300Sd 210k

Former cars:
1984 300D 445k (!!) (Strider) Original (and not rebuilt) engine and transmission. Currently running on V80 ( 80% vegetable oil, 20% petroleum products). Actually not, taking a WVO break.
1993 300d 2.5 275k. Current 120/day commuter
1981 300SD 188k (Hans) Killed by a deer

So which of the transducer sizes do WE need ?

Yeah, which transducer, I'd like to know since I am going to look into getting one of these.....

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

i would like to see some pic in peoples cars if anyone has em.... where they are mounted (or where do you plan to mount it)


I would have to touch it up to cover all the tach-ie (bad pun) white writing

__________________
1979 Thistle Green 300D 272,xxx miles
1984 Orient Red 300 D 4 spd Euro Import - 189,xxx miles
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Lofat Productions
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I called them and was referred to an engineer who was most helpful. I'm sure they can tell you what size transducer to order.

__________________
1984 300Sd 210k

Former cars:
1984 300D 445k (!!) (Strider) Original (and not rebuilt) engine and transmission. Currently running on V80 ( 80% vegetable oil, 20% petroleum products). Actually not, taking a WVO break.
1993 300d 2.5 275k. Current 120/day commuter
1981 300SD 188k (Hans) Killed by a deer

hi guys,
i installed a vdo tach (mod #333-158) on my 79 300cd/turbo. it connects to the alternator. it's pretty accurate but a lot of work to install. for starters need to take alternator apart to access AC output from the field coil, this is your input to the tach. i'll post some pictures whenever i get around it. i mounted my tach on the pillar post and i also installed a voltmeter, vacuum, and boost gauge on top of the dashboard right above the two center vents.

Unfortunately I'm not pre-wired for a tach. That wouldn't be a big deal, but apparently gettin' all them thar parts is costin' a penny. But then the only aftermarkets I found (haven't looked into that VDO one mentioned) cost another $300 +. Gees I didn't realize Diesel tachs were so precious.

So tiny tach is lookin good except I know I'll get annoyed, not only by it's layout but by it's refresh rate.

I just want to know when my engines screaming... when my transmission might be slipping... just for extra help in diagnosing. I'm a gauge junkie.

Thanks for all the help,
Bill