How to Check Engine RPM

**billyboy** · 04-20-2009, 02:24 PM

How can I accurately measure the engine RPM to set idle? I mean, without installing a tach permanently.

I've seen a device that checks RPM non-invasively through the plug wire, but I don't know what it's called.

cactusjack · 04-20-2009, 02:30 PM

I have an old dwell-tachometer that I used when I was into muscle cars back in my younger days. I connect the +/- leads to the pigtail for my battery charger (permanently connected to my battery) and the coil lead to the right-side coil on my bike. I set it for 4 cyl and fire up the bike. For a 4 cylinder, you have to double the reading, so for a 2 cylinder, I have to multiply the reading times 4.

I think what you are talking about is a tachometer with an inductive pickup.

**billyboy** · 04-20-2009, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cactusjack

I think what you are talking about is a tachometer with an inductive pickup.

That's it! An inductive tach. Now at least I can search for it.

**ringadingh** · 04-20-2009, 04:25 PM

Stihl Chainsaws used to sell a tach that you could just hold close to the #1 cylinder and get a reading, Im not sure if its still available.

dogdoc · 04-20-2009, 06:01 PM

well there you go boys. I like that idea alot. And I love Stihl products.

**billyboy** · 04-20-2009, 10:32 PM

This is what I was lookin' for:

http://www.tooltopia.com/index.asp?P...OD&ProdID=6417

dogdoc · 04-21-2009, 04:49 PM

you order one billy?

caper · 04-21-2009, 08:25 PM

wow what a great product!

04-20-2009, 02:30 PM	#2
cactusjack Mega-Contributor Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Where it doesn't snow...ever! Posts: 21,926	How to Check Engine RPM I have an old dwell-tachometer that I used when I was into muscle cars back in my younger days. I connect the +/- leads to the pigtail for my battery charger (permanently connected to my battery) and the coil lead to the right-side coil on my bike. I set it for 4 cyl and fire up the bike. For a 4 cylinder, you have to double the reading, so for a 2 cylinder, I have to multiply the reading times 4. I think what you are talking about is a tachometer with an inductive pickup. __________________ Scott "Cactusjack" Hanks VBA #00105 H.O.G. #4250060 2011 H-D Ultra Limited 103ci :: 2011 HD Electra Glide Ultra Limited w/Stage 1 :: Rallies: Mesquite '08\|Custer '09\|Cortez '10\|Crescent City '11\|Kanab '12\|Antlers '12\|Estes Park '13\|Antlers '13\|Orofino '14\|The Dalles '17
	0

04-20-2009, 04:25 PM	#4
ringadingh Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Newmarket Ontario Canada Posts: 35,387	How to Check Engine RPM Stihl Chainsaws used to sell a tach that you could just hold close to the #1 cylinder and get a reading, Im not sure if its still available. __________________ 2002 Nomad aka Bountyhunter VBA #27 VROC #18951
	0

04-20-2009, 06:01 PM	#5
dogdoc Top Contributor Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 5,263	How to Check Engine RPM well there you go boys. I like that idea alot. And I love Stihl products. Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

04-20-2009, 10:32 PM	#6
billyboy Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Fairview Park, OH Posts: 147	How to Check Engine RPM This is what I was lookin' for: http://www.tooltopia.com/index.asp?P...OD&ProdID=6417
	0

04-21-2009, 04:49 PM	#7
dogdoc Top Contributor Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 5,263	How to Check Engine RPM you order one billy?
	0

04-20-2009, 02:24 PM	#1
billyboy Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Fairview Park, OH Posts: 147	How to Check Engine RPM How can I accurately measure the engine RPM to set idle? I mean, without installing a tach permanently. I've seen a device that checks RPM non-invasively through the plug wire, but I don't know what it's called. Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

04-21-2009, 08:25 PM	#8
caper Sr. Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Nova Scotia, Canada Posts: 1,137	How to Check Engine RPM wow what a great product! __________________ Live in the NOW !
	0

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Engine RPM	moloprintz	1500 & 1600 Nomad	12	05-11-2011 09:18 AM
Engine RPM in each gear	jestephens	Vulcan Nomad/Vaquero/Voyager	15	10-07-2010 10:59 AM
Speed to RPM conversion	indianapilot	Vulcan Nomad/Vaquero/Voyager	7	09-07-2009 07:05 PM
engine rpm's	borto1990	1500 & 1600 Nomad	18	03-17-2009 09:09 AM
RPM	papat	Vulcan Nomad/Vaquero/Voyager	18	04-25-2008 11:11 AM