Notices
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L) Diesel Topics Only

Tachometer????

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 12, 2011 | 11:04 AM
  #1  
mrbison's Avatar
mrbison
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
Tachometer????

Hey guys,
So I have an '84 F250 6.9l and in the center of my factory dash is a "+" crosshare or plus sign where there should be a tachometer. I've seen other pics of people's interiors and THEY have tachometers right where mine ought to be. It looks like I should have one there but there are no numbers or even a needle. The weird thing is I've got a 4spd manual transmission. My owner's manual says nothing about the presence of a tachometer. Is it electronic and simply broken? Was it not installed by the factory as an option? Is there a way to install a factory one like other trucks I've seen? What gives?
 
Reply
Old Sep 12, 2011 | 05:09 PM
  #2  
eatont9999's Avatar
eatont9999
Cargo Master
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,123
Likes: 5
From: Fort Worth, TX
I think it was only '86 and up that had a tach. You are right, for the '84, it was not an option. You can swap in an '86 cluster or I have heard of people wiring one into the current cluster but that is a PITA. I think Anue is keeping his cluster but he is parting out his old 86. Ask him. Anue163rd.
 
Reply
Old Sep 12, 2011 | 11:34 PM
  #3  
mrbison's Avatar
mrbison
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by eatont9999
I think it was only '86 and up that had a tach. You are right, for the '84, it was not an option. You can swap in an '86 cluster or I have heard of people wiring one into the current cluster but that is a PITA. I think Anue is keeping his cluster but he is parting out his old 86. Ask him. Anue163rd.
So if I understand you correctly, it is much easier to install a whole new gauge cluster than it is to install the seperate tach gauge? And does the newer gauge cluster (like in the '86 for example) fit right in to my '84? Do you know what I would have to do to hook up the tach if I installed the newer gauge cluster?

Thanks for your help!
 
Reply
Old Sep 12, 2011 | 11:45 PM
  #4  
eatont9999's Avatar
eatont9999
Cargo Master
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,123
Likes: 5
From: Fort Worth, TX
Originally Posted by mrbison
So if I understand you correctly, it is much easier to install a whole new gauge cluster than it is to install the seperate tach gauge? And does the newer gauge cluster (like in the '86 for example) fit right in to my '84? Do you know what I would have to do to hook up the tach if I installed the newer gauge cluster?

Thanks for your help!
Yes, sir. It would fit right in. If you just want a tach, then sure you can install an add-on unit and it would be easier than modifying or replacing what you already have. I have a '91 and my tach runs off a sensor located near the oil filler tube. Check and see if you have that sensor, first. If so, you might be able to find a tach that ties right into that.
 
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2011 | 12:03 AM
  #5  
mrbison's Avatar
mrbison
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by eatont9999
Check and see if you have that sensor, first. If so, you might be able to find a tach that ties right into that.
Hmmm. Good idea. I'll look first thing in the morning. Any tips on what the sensor itself might look like, or is it pretty obvious?
 
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2011 | 01:57 AM
  #6  
Sycostang67's Avatar
Sycostang67
Lead Driver
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,491
Likes: 16
From: Kuna ID
If you go to a salvage yard and find a truck with a diesel tach, you can take the whole cluster or sometimes you can save some money by just taking the tach itself and the circuit paper from the back. You will also need a tach sensor which you should be able to get from the same vehicle or you can get from a dealership(about $80 new). From what I have heard, the internal wiring for a tach is already in your truck. After you add the tach and the sensor and plug them in, it should work.
 
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2011 | 08:47 PM
  #7  
damac's Avatar
damac
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 283
Likes: 0
I found one of these a few weeks ago in a supposed 1985 model. It also had bullet style glowplugs and looked to have a burndown in the original glowplug harness so they bypassed.

I was after that sucker for a barebones wiring harness to the fuse block. Mine has had gremlins since the beginning even after the headlight mods.

It is kind of cool to come across an old truck that was mint like this one, I didn't know it was possible. Headliner still up, no custom holes in the dash, radio mounts, etc.

All the original wires were still in the loom and not a hint of burning up at the headlight switch either.

Anyways it was my first time seeing a tach. On this one there is a connector that screws into the ip gear housing. So unscrew that and pop the connector off and you are good there, because I believe the stock setup has that as apart of the alternator wiring harness?

Behind the dash you will see this unit that goes into where the speedo would go and the speedo connects into that. Beyond that not sure since I took the whole thing for my transplant
 
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2011 | 09:02 PM
  #8  
IDIDieselJohn's Avatar
IDIDieselJohn
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8,005
Likes: 7
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Aune163rd has a tach cluster, contact him, i'm sure he'll work something out with ya.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Sep 14, 2011 | 12:29 AM
  #9  
mrbison's Avatar
mrbison
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
Thanks a lot guys. I'm gonna see if I can track down anue163rd and ask him about the tach. I sure would like to have one in my truck. I can't believe they would leave it out of their manual trucks!
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Aune163rd
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
4
Apr 29, 2011 11:17 AM
Holmesuser01
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
7
Dec 2, 2004 07:55 AM
springer70
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
3
Feb 3, 2004 07:14 PM
bos3kd
Ford Inline Six, 200, 250, 4.9L / 300
3
Jul 14, 2003 11:27 PM
DeGideo
1978 - 1996 Big Bronco
9
Apr 21, 2002 04:41 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:07 AM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE