MF 231S tachometer not working

[def38]

Started the engine today and the tech needle was intermittent. Shortly afterwards, the tach went to zero with the engine at idle. I wiggled the tach cable jacket to no avail. What's wrong?

I'm stumped. :anyone:

 

[DLTTrekkers]

I beliefe you altenator light is also not working ?
Check if altenator is charging. If not ....repaire or replace it.

 

[def38]

The M-F 231S tachometer is not actuated off the alternator. It is a mechanically driven tach using a speedometer style cable off the front of the engine (camshaft?). The tachometer is clockwise rotation. BTW, the alternator light works fine as does the oil pressure light.

 

[Fuddy1952]

Then if it's cable operated, should be easy to troubleshoot. Disconnect other end and chuck cable in a variable speed drill. Go slow, may have to reverse it.
Hopefully it's something simple, not the drive gear.
Is this it? It looks like an hour meter as well.

Massey-Ferguson Tractor Tractormeter MF 231S 24 241 253 26 261 263+ Tachometer | eBay

 

[def38]

Hello Fuddy, Yup, that's the tach/hour meter. I'll have to get all greasy and remove the cabel and see what's goin' on. Wonder where I can get a new cable?

BTW, that seems pretty pricey for a new tach dontcha think?

 

[DLTTrekkers]

Test the cable......then check the angledrive.....remember to check the cable tips for squereness

 

[def38]

So, today, I removed the tach cable completely and inspected it for condition. There was plenty of oil in the jacket so, I looked at the squared ends. They are getting rounded off due to age and wear. I did get it to work but, I have a new cable on order ($10.00, free shipping). Also, my tach shows the Perkins diesel idling at almost 1000 RPM, a bit fast. When I get the new cable and install it, I'll be in the neighborhood of the injector pump so I'll turn the idle down a bit. Does 800 RPM sound about right?

 

[DLTTrekkers]

About tight !

 

[def38]

Hmmmm….looks like you missed the "r".

On another subject, today I had to discard all my Naval oranges due to old and spoilage. They were from So. Africa.

BTW Dirk, what kind of tractor is your favorite?

 

[DLTTrekkers]

Hmmmm….looks like you missed the "r".

On another subject, today I had to discard all my Naval oranges due to old and spoilage. They were from So. Africa.

BTW Dirk, what kind of tractor is your favorite?

I am a tractormechanic and work on all.

 

[DLTTrekkers]

I am a tractormechanic and work on all.

But to answer you Q...That make and model with the agent on your doorstep !
If its a Case and you have to drive 200 km to get a v-belt ????
If its a Same and u can drive it into the workshop !!!!

 

[def38]

So, I received my $10.00 USD (free shipping) new tachometer (actually they call it a tractormeter) cable. I removed the OE cable and the engine side ferrule fell off. It was shot. I installed the new cable noticing it is much more flexible (whaddya expect for $10.00) and the inside drive cable is a bit longer. While I was on the port side of the engine, I reset the engine idle stop screw on the injector pump to an idle speed of 775 RPM. Next, I installed a fuse box so that I can add some electrical circuits for a rear cigarette lighter socket and rear floodlight for nighttime work. Next, I'll drill two 1/2" dia. holes and install bat handle switches to control the lights. Can't wait to do some nighttime plowing.

 

[def38]

I am a tractormechanic and work on all.

Dirk, I understand but, what is your favorite or, what tractor do you believe is best?