Tach removal with dashcap...or checking the tach

[mally002]

How in the world can you remove the tach if your car has a full dashcap?

I have tried everything I can think of and still cant get it out. Any tips would be appreaciated.

PS......Just in case I missed something, is there a way to check the tach to see if it needs to come out in the first place. Could the pertronix system have caused it stopped working? Is there a wire to check? I know nothing about tach's.

Thanks,

Randy

[Zedyone_kenobi]

Pertronix should not hurt it. I am running one with absolutely no issues.

[lonetreesteve]

Hi Randy,

I had to replace a tach with a dash cap in one of my previous 240Zs. The only way to get it out without pulling the dash cap off is break apart the tach (literally into pieces without damaging the cap) from the front side, making it smaller so you can then pull it out from the backside. You will then need to completely replace it with another tach by installing the new tach from the front side. Wish I knew a better way, but that's what I had to do it.

[mally002]

Thanks Steve,

I was afraid that might be the answer. I tried using several small screw drivers as wedges but that didn't even come close, looks like I might get to do some demolition later.

Edited November 23, 2010 by mally002

[olzed]

I'm not familar with dash caps. Do they have a lip which makes the hole too small to pull the tach through? If so you might try making up a split sleeve from an old tin can, place it in the opening, apply a bit of lube to the inside and try to wiggle the tach out through it. I used this method to ease hydraulic seals past the threads on hydraulic ram tubes. Might be worth a crack before you wreck something:ermm:

[mally002]

I'm not familar with dash caps. Do they have a lip which makes the hole too small to pull the tach through? If so you might try making up a split sleeve from an old tin can, place it in the opening, apply a bit of lube to the inside and try to wiggle the tach out through it. I used this method to ease hydraulic seals past the threads on hydraulic ram tubes. Might be worth a crack before you wreck something:ermm:

Hmmm, never thought of that. I'll give it a try and see if it works before I break the tach.

[mally002]

Just a quick FYI on the tach removal......I never could get it out from the front (due to the full dash cap), however if you bend the mounting tabs in the rear it slids right out the back. I had the advantage of not having my center heater control in yet so it made it very easy to remove.