tachometer 4-53 diesel

[johnnypixon]

members of this forum have been a great help. thanks!

I've got a 4-53 gm diesel with blower running a 1967 hein-werner c12-hd hydraulic excavator. The engine was manufactured in 1966. The guys who know the series 53 engine are getting fewer and farther between. I need a tachometer and the thing that mounts to the engine block to send info to the tachometer-- everything's mechanical on this engine. I'm having trouble finding the right part. I'm pretty sure the part's available but have not found a cross reference with this engine. So any info on finding parts would be appreciated.

Before I remove the part from the engine, is there anything I should know about the replacement procedure? I need advise on how to replace-- i'm not a pro. this is the only diesel i've ever worked on-- and I've learned it's better to ask before I start taking things apart.

Also, to anyone searching for an s45 injector for a 453 diesel the part number is: r5228580. I just replaced injectors-- the engine ran great but i had diesel fuel leaking into the oil pan from drippy injectors after shutdown. Also note that on series 53 engines you do not have to remove the fuel rack to replace injectors. So you won't have to time the injectors, just replace injectors and do the exhaust valve clearance adjustment and you are good to go.

 

[IceStationZebra]

I can't help you with the mechanical tach, but some diesel alternators have a pulse output that is used for that purpose. You have to determine the pulley ratio and pulses-per-rev, and use a diesel specific tach that has an adjustable setting.

Also, I have no experience with this product, but there is a "tiny-tach" for ~$95 that includes a pick-up that you clamp over a fuel injector line. It has a digital display. Probably the easiest way to go.

ISZ

 

[JackAction]

ebay is your friend:

detroit diesel 3-53 4-53 6v53 tachometer drive cover and adaptor

DETROIT DIESEL 05658115, TACHOMETER, 177150 HOURS, 0 TO 25 RPM

Tachometer/ Detroit Diesel / 6 - 71 / Series 71 / 12V - 71

 

[johnnypixon]

Thanks for the info everyone. I did some more searching myself and found the service manual for the series 53 engines:

Link

Changing the tach, like many things on this engine requires precission adjustments and special tools. I also want to correct something I posted earlier: The injectors do need to be timed after replacement.