Repeat problems with noisey tach ... or tach cable?

[dennco2]

On both of my twin cylinder Suzuki bikes I have occasional issues with noisy tach while riding. Last time I shot some WD40 towards the cable AND a quick shot up into the back of the tach gauge .... which seemed to solve the problem. I can't tell if the noise is coming from tach or cable. It gets quiet when just idling. Anyone know which part is likely to be making that howling noise while riding .... and what lubricant is best to solve the issue LONG term?

[Brendan W]

Have you checked the cable inner along it's full length?
Lubricant won't fix a kink or break.

[dennco2]

Have you checked the cable inner along it's full length?
Lubricant won't fix a kink or break.

I installed a brand new cable and rode it 5 miles ... and it started to howl after 2 miles till I got back home. I removed it and shot some WD40 and it got quiet again. Until 2 short rides ago and is getting worse for noise. The tach gauge reading is steady ... not erratic.


Anyone know of a better cable lube than WD40?

[Brendan W]

Could it be the speedo cable?

[tatu]

I installed a brand new cable and rode it 5 miles ... and it started to howl after 2 miles till I got back home. I removed it and shot some WD40 and it got quiet again. Until 2 short rides ago and is getting worse for noise. The tach gauge reading is steady ... not erratic.


Anyone know of a better cable lube than WD40?

For cable I use ordinary oil, whatever is in the oil can. WD40 is not a lubrication it dries off and cleans the surface. It's unlikely to be the cable that causes noise, but dry instrument bearings where the cable goes in is common.
This is the stuff for your lubing issues like this

acf-50.jpg
ACF-50
Magic stuff, when you squirt it make sure it isn't into the square drive itself but on the bearing itself that spins.
You will only have to do it once.

[dennco2]

Could it be the speedo cable?

Both times in the past the howl gets louder as I rev up the rpms .... so tach issue. I will have to inspect further to determine this new issue.

[dennco2]

This sounds like solid advice .... thanx!

[Brendan W]

Both times in the past the howl gets louder as I rev up the rpms .... so tach issue. I will have to inspect further to determine this new issue.

If you remove the tacho cable does the howl go away?

[dennco2]

If you remove the tacho cable does the howl go away?

Lately, I have only started the engine .. not ride it. I finally pulled the tach/speedo gauges off the bike and apart. After vacuuming out the cobwebs and scrubbing the 2 plastic lenses, I shot a small amount of oil spray into the 2 gauges to hopefully solve the howling noise as I ride. I will also shoot a small amount down into the spinning drive cables. Meanwhile, I notice that a couple of small display lights in the top half of the gauges don't light up and I wanted to replace them with the same type bulb. (or brighter) How to get the old ones out without damage? My 83 GR gauges look very similar to my 85 GS450 gauges. What part number should I be looking for? 194 .... or something brighter?