Is it worth having a tach?
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Cross-Country
Joined: Apr 2025
Posts: 71
Likes: 54
Is it worth having a tach?
When I bought my van, I found evidence that several gauges had been installed at one time.
The gauges were gone, but the sensors were there with the wires clipped off. Including the tach lead. I I didn't think anything of it, assuming it had been used to drive an accessory tach, and I had read that the idi vans didn't have one stock. So, many things about these trucks are new to me. I really wanted to see what was going on and installed one, using the cut leads.
Turns out I needed that signal for my E4OD! I'm replacing the sensor thinking that will fix my current issue. With that fixed, I lose my tach. The wiring diagram shows a tach signal out lead from the TECU for the F-series and Broncos...
I think I can use that pin to run my aftermarket tach, but is it worth It? It sounds like one can't really over rev these due to internal controls, correct? Is RPM data really worth having if you have an automatic? Not since my 67 Catalina have I had a vehicle without one. Even my previous gas van had one. But with more of a torque plateau than a curve, is a tach worth having. I'm sure I could use the pillar pod space for a different gauge.
John
The gauges were gone, but the sensors were there with the wires clipped off. Including the tach lead. I I didn't think anything of it, assuming it had been used to drive an accessory tach, and I had read that the idi vans didn't have one stock. So, many things about these trucks are new to me. I really wanted to see what was going on and installed one, using the cut leads.
Turns out I needed that signal for my E4OD! I'm replacing the sensor thinking that will fix my current issue. With that fixed, I lose my tach. The wiring diagram shows a tach signal out lead from the TECU for the F-series and Broncos...
I think I can use that pin to run my aftermarket tach, but is it worth It? It sounds like one can't really over rev these due to internal controls, correct? Is RPM data really worth having if you have an automatic? Not since my 67 Catalina have I had a vehicle without one. Even my previous gas van had one. But with more of a torque plateau than a curve, is a tach worth having. I'm sure I could use the pillar pod space for a different gauge.
John
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 20,417
Likes: 882
From: Mi'kma'ki
I don't think so. You're right, the IP is governed so it can't over-rev anyway. So long as your sensor is giving the trans controller the info it needs to shift properly, it's all you need really. Worth having a tach gauge is very subjective and of course only you can decide that, but it's nowhere near as important as oil pressure, engine and trans temp, for examples.
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,625
Likes: 5,636
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
i think i have had a tach in every vehicle i ever drive.
and the only one i ever used was on the 49 International L190, and that was only used to set engine RPM for the proper PTO speed.
i never look at the tach while driving.
and the only one i ever used was on the 49 International L190, and that was only used to set engine RPM for the proper PTO speed.
i never look at the tach while driving.
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Apr 2025
Posts: 71
Likes: 54
I won't worry about it then. Thanks!
John
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 3,992
Likes: 518
From: Edmond, OK
Does the FIPL use vacuum the way a VRV does? If so a vacuum gauge would be more important than a tachometer.
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i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,625
Likes: 5,636
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
no the throttle position sensor i strictly electrical.
s far as vacuum gauge goes, i know when the vacuum pump is going bad, the C-6 trans starts shifting funny, and the power brakes are only good for one or two quick stabs before going hard.
also the heat/ac diverts to defroster.
s far as vacuum gauge goes, i know when the vacuum pump is going bad, the C-6 trans starts shifting funny, and the power brakes are only good for one or two quick stabs before going hard.
also the heat/ac diverts to defroster.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2017
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From: Edmond, OK
I've had a failed vacuum pump on my Bullnose truck more than once. Quality of parts these days. 
Since there's no need for a vacuum gauge a tachometer wouldn't be a bad idea. I think an OE tachometer would be awesome.
Since there's no need for a vacuum gauge a tachometer wouldn't be a bad idea. I think an OE tachometer would be awesome.
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