Tachometer/hourmeter Combination

[Kent 435]

10-11-99 @ 23:41 Norther Hydraulics has a nifty tachometer/hourmeter combination for $34.99. It show RPM when the engine is running and hours when the engine is off. It works off an internal battery and a sensor wire wrapped around one of the plug wires. It is calibrated for 4-cycle engines that fire the plug(s) once for every two revolutions of the crankshaft. Can anyone tell me how often the Kohler OHC TH18 in a new Sovereign fires the plugs (once per crankshaft rev or once per every two crankshaft revs)?? I will appreciate the information. Thanks, Roy

[LarryC 0]

Hey Roy, Well since it's not a Harley, Diesel, or Lawnboy every rev. ;) (that's one cylinder firing every revolution) Just hook it to one plug wire, not both. Let us know what you think of it.[A href='http://www.sendec.com/meters/'][img src='http://www.sendec.com/meters/images/mini_small.jpg'][/a]

[Guest]

Your Kohler is a 4 cycle (all the Simplicity and AC tractors are). Just connect to a plug and you will get the accurate rpm readings.

[FiremanRon 0]

The question about spark pluks firing on every revolution is a legitimate one, I've heard of some four cycle engines that fire every revolution, due to a simplified ignition system that is crank triggered. Traditionally, the points were driven off the camshaft, at 1/2 engine speed, so this was not an issue. I don't know what brands use which system, although it would not be too hard to remove a sparkplug and test your engine.

[Charles_Wise 0]

"Guest" provided a useful link to sendec.com who is probably the manufacturer of the unit Northern Hydraulics sells. It would be nice if I could contact "Guest". I may have to pull a plug wire and turn the engine over to see how many sparks per two revolutions the ignition system puts out but it would be nice if one of our dealers could provide the information. All for now, Roy

[Al 6]

Roy, All of the new engines with electronic ignitions fire everytime over. They fire every time the magnets pass the coil. I don't know about this unit, but many of these little units have a button on the side to program them. Connect it to one plug wire and open the tractor up if it is reading about 3400 to 3600 it is probably right. If it reads 6800 to 7200 either it is wrong or you should be pulling it in tractor pulls. The old point systems are in the minority any more. Good luck, AL

[Guest]

Did I become Guest because I timed out? Kent? -------------- Roy, I never thougth about EI's firing on every rev. Most car motors do. You may want to contact Jack's Small Engines. I see they sell these too. Apparently the meter can run either way. Take a look at this link: http://www.sendec.com/meters/function_specifications.htm I like the meter with the service reminders: http://www.sendec.com/meters/features2.htm Cheers, Joe [A href='http://www.jackssmallengines.com/hour_meter.htm']http://www.jackssmallengines.com/hour_meter.htm[/a]

[DoubleT 0]

I was told the crank trigger system fires twice per rev - makes sense to me being were're dealing with twins.

[DoubleT 0]

I just ordered one of these from Jack's, so I'll report on it when I get it. I don't have a twin to run it on, but maybe the instructions will talk about it. Greg

[FiremanRon 0]

I was in Sears the other day, and they had the Sendec unit on the wall for only 24.95+tax. The package said it fits all lawn tractors.

[Guest]

10-17-99 @ 00:18 Ron, I'll give Sears a try. I like the price. What city are you in and how big is the Sears store? Thanks, Roy

[FiremanRon 0]

The Sears was in Toledo, Ohio.