In order to hook up a tach to a HEI distributor, you will need to purchase a tach adapter. This part will fit in between the coil and the distributor. The other end of the adapter will plug into the tachometer.
Make sure that you have the right size adapter for your particular model of car- some adapters are made specifically for certain models. Once you have the right adapter, installation is fairly simple.
- Remove the distributor cap and rotor
- Unscrew the two screws holding the tachometer to the dash and remove it from the vehicle
- Place the tachometer in a convenient location where you can reach it easily while working on the engine
- Connect one end of the tachometer’s ground wire to a clean, metal surface on the engine block or chassis
- Locate the HEI distributor’s tach terminal
- It is typically located on top of or near the distributor cap next to where the spark plug wires are attached
- Solder a length of insulated wire to this terminal and route it over to where the tachometer is mounted
- Strip 1/2 inch of insulation from each end of this wire and connect it to one of the terminals on back of the tachometer marked “GND” or “Ground
- ” Connectthe other end of this wire tothe remaining terminal on back ofthetachometer marked “Signal
How to Hook Up a Tach to a Points Distributor
If you’re a fan of old-school engines, then you know the joys of a points distributor. But what if your engine doesn’t have one? Or what if you want to upgrade to a electronic ignition system?
You can actually hook up a tachometer to a points distributor! It’s not as complicated as it sounds, and it can really add some personality to your ride. Here’s how to do it:
1. Disconnect the negative terminal on your battery. This is just for safety purposes, so that you don’t accidentally fry anything while working on the electrical system.
2. Locate the tach signal wire on your distributor. It’s usually a white wire with a red stripe, but it could be different depending on your specific vehicle. Once you find it, cut the wire and strip back about ½ inch of insulation.
3. Attach one end of a jumper wire to the exposed end of the tach signal wire using electrical tape or solder. Then route the other end of the jumper wire over to an empty spot on your fuse box (or any other 12V power source). Use electrical tape or solder here as well.
4. Reconnect the negative terminal on your battery and start up your engine!
Your tach should now be functional!
Credit: www.corvetteforum.com
Which Side of Coil Does Tach Wire Go?
There is a lot of debate on which side of the coil the tach wire should go. Some say that it doesn’t matter, as long as the positive and negative sides are correct. Others say that it does matter and that the tach wire should go to the side of the coil with the most turns.
The truth is, it depends on the type of coil you have. If you have a standard inductive coil, then it doesn’t matter which side the tach wire goes to. However, if you have a capacitive discharge (CD) ignition system, then it matters a great deal.
With a CD ignition system, the tach wire needs to go to the side of the coil with fewer turns. This ensures that there is enough voltage available for spark at high RPMs.
So, which side should you use?
If you’re not sure, consult your vehicle’s repair manual or ask a qualified mechanic.
How Do You Hook Up a Tach on a Chevy 350?
There are a few different ways to hook up a tach on a Chevy 350. The most common way is to connect the tach’s negative lead to the engine’s ground and the positive lead to the ignition coil’s “+” terminal. Another way is to connect the tach’s leads directly to the battery.
Where is Tachometer Connected?
The tachometer is connected to the crankshaft of the engine, and it measures how fast the engine is turning. This information is important for the driver because it helps them to know when to shift gears, and it also helps to prevent damage to the engine by running it too fast.
What are the 4 Wires on a Tach?
If you’re a car enthusiast, chances are you know what a tachometer is. But did you know that there are actually four wires on a tach? Here’s a quick rundown of what each wire does:
1. Power Wire: This wire provides power to the tachometer. It’s typically red in color and is connected to the positive terminal of the battery. 2. Ignition Wire: This wire sends an ignition signal to the tachometer.
It’s typically green in color and is connected to the ignition coil or electronic control unit (ECU). 3. Ground Wire: This wire completes the circuit and grounds the tachometer. It’s typically black in color and is connected to a metal body panel or engine block.
4. Sender Wire: This wire sends a signal from the engine to the tachometer so it knows how fast the engine is revving. It’s typically white in color and is connected to either an ignition pulse generator or alternator output terminal.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to hook up a tachometer to your HEI distributor, there are a few things you’ll need to know. First, the HEI distributor doesn’t have an ignition coil – it’s built into the distributor itself. Second, you’ll need to find the tach signal wire on the distributor.
This can be found by tracing the wires from the tach back to the distributor. Once you’ve found the right wire, simply connect it to the positive terminal on your tachometer.