Will this analyzer work to read RPM?

Started by L J VFR, January 14, 2010, 10:34:28 AM

Previous topic - Next topic

L J VFR

On my VFR this weekend, I plan on syncing the starter valves. So I am looking at purchasing a true RPM analyzer. I found this one that I can buy at my local Oreilly or Autozone store but I have a question.  It says "excluding coil on plug". This has me baffled because our bikes have coils.  Will this meter work?  Does anyone have a meter like this and use it to get a true RPM reading?  Thanks for everyone's help.

Here is the info on the analyzer

http://www.levineautoparts.com/acdwancp.html
LANCE JOHNSON

2003 Honda VTX 1800 C (FORMALLY 2001 HONDA MAGNA)
LOWELL ARKANSAS        MOOT# 659


Me, my uncle, and my brother somewhere on the Talimena ride during Mootmag 6.

lragan

Lance, you should ask them -- call Levine and explain the problem.

My guess, and it is only that, is that it will work for RPM.  All you need is the number of pulses per second (minute) and the number of cylinders, and the fact that it is a 4-cycle engine, not a 2-cycle, to get RPM.  I suspect that the disclaimer is for dwell.

I all you need is engine speed, you might consider one of these, at lower cost:

http://search.harborfreight.com/cpisearch/web/search.do?keyword=tachometer&Submit=Go

Good luck.  Let us know how it turns out.
Lawrence
'96 Blue Austin TX
Ride to Live, Live to Ride longer Wear a Helmet

L J VFR

Thanks for the help and the Harbor freight info, didn't know they carried this stuff. Being electrical, I knew I could count on you!  :D
LANCE JOHNSON

2003 Honda VTX 1800 C (FORMALLY 2001 HONDA MAGNA)
LOWELL ARKANSAS        MOOT# 659


Me, my uncle, and my brother somewhere on the Talimena ride during Mootmag 6.

Lurkin


Lurkin

Also might want to check out an Electronic Specialties ESI325.  I have one, but ensure that you have a place to clip it to that can be read from since it's one piece.  If you are trying to watch the idle to set the jets, this may not work well.  It does not smooth the readings much, so they jump around quite a bit.

I have heard of the Tiny Tach being used, but I haven't seen it myself to know if it's acturate and smooth enough to set idle jets with.

Might also want to Google up "Inductive Tachometer" to see if anything else fits.

Rod...