Slow responding tachometer

[Guest]

I hope this is in the right section, but my tach is slow to respond. As the engine accelerates the tach comes up slowly, when it decelerates, it falls slowly. Is there something I can do to fix this, or is it kaput? I'm told it's a mechanical tach, could it just need lubrication?

[RGM]

The grease/oil inside has become sticky and needs to be cleaned and reoiled. Might also have bugs/ spider webs inside.You can slowly pry the bezel off to get into the insides. using some small screwdrivers you can bend the bezel, go around 3-4 times bending a little bit each time.

[shameless]

Just degrees er and an old tooth brush, or can I use carb or brake cleaner? Also, what oil would be the best to use?

[rustybronco]

The best would be clock oil. Sewing machine oil might make an acceptable substitute.

[shameless]

Where could I find clock oil?

[rustybronco]

An online jeweler supply house. Ebay etc. (My top dresser drawer)

All you will need is a few drops. What you don't want to do is flood the bearing surfaces with oil. Too much oil will draw all the oil from the 'hole' (bushing).

http://ticktocktony.com/Clock-Repair-How-To-Articles/how-to-oil-a-clock.html

[shameless]

Good news, I picked it up tonight from the mechanic, it runs great, and the tach came out of its issue and started responding like it should, I guess it just needed ran a little bit?

[Buffalo Bill]

Well that's good. I was wondering if maybe you just had a problem with the slowness of 35 year old analog technology.
A digital tack would respond much more quickly.