Sticking Tach

[Guest]

Hallo out there.

My tach has been sticking at higher rpms than it is actually running at. I think it needs more internal lubrication. However... I just had it apart about a year ago, and lubed it with triflow bike lube. It shouldn't be drying up already.

Any advice?

[Brendan W]

Most reviews of triflow remark on it's ability to collect dust and grit. If you put some on the clockwork bits I wouldn't be surprised if it's now impeding the movement of the needle.
My personal approach to tachos and speedos is the minimum amount of watch or sewing machine oil and only on spindles.

[rustybronco]

My personal approach to tachos and speedos is the minimum amount of watch or sewing machine oil and only on spindles.

Capillary action is what keeps the oil in place. An excessive amount will run down the plate pulling all the oil out of the 'hole' with it leaving the bearing surfaces dry.

[WilliamGLX81]

Most reviews of triflow remark on it's ability to collect dust and grit. If you put some on the clockwork bits I wouldn't be surprised if it's now impeding the movement of the needle.
My personal approach to tachos and speedos is the minimum amount of watch or sewing machine oil and only on spindles.

Ahhh, that's true. Is sewing machine oil actually named such, or is it that "household 3-in-1" oil?

[Brendan W]

You can get sewing machine oil and clock/watch oil. I haven't used 3 in 1 on instruments simply because the Singer box is easily raided and it seems lighter than the 3 in 1.
More than likely like all oil discussions there is a hint of a snake about the place.
I would avoid any oil that left residues after evaporation of the lighter fractions.
If you can see it you are using too much.