not ford related but flathead tachometer ???

[jeff47wl]

I know there are alot of fordbarners out there with a lot of knowkedge and experience with mechanicle devices for old engines. I have a 1947 harley davidson 45" flathead motor ( side valve ) and would like to hook up a tachometer to it. Does any one have any knowledge how to do this. I have asked quit a few people and they say it can't be done but where there's a will there's a way.

jeff

 

[Bruce Lancaster]

Don't know if this is the sort of thing you want...but if you click around some on this site:
https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/group.asp?GroupID=JONESTACHDRIVE

You will find several sorts of drive stubs for mechanical tachs that would allow building the sort of drive once commonly used on flathead Fords. Tey seem to have ways to drive from either cam or crank speeds.

 

[JonC]

The best way to hook a tach would be to find a XLCH magneto that has the tach drive in place, it will bolt directly to your 45.

 

[Henry/Kokomo]

Many electronic tachs can be adjusted or programmed for different numbers of cylinders as long as its a 4 cycle engine. This might be an option. That said, JonC's suggestion sounds good to me. Best of luck.