Rpm gage

[Retired Wrencher 5,599]

What do you guys use to check Rpm`s. They have a laser type that makes it easy to use. Also I have my old automotive  type but made for 6 and 8 cylinder engines. Any ideas are welcome.

[Achto 28,317]

35 minutes ago, Retired Wrencher said:

What do you guys use to check Rpm`s.

 

this is what I use. 

https://www.harborfreight.com/digital-photo-sensor-tachometer-66632.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=21901739405&campaignid=21901739405&utm_content=173216750591&adsetid=173216750591&product=66632&store=820&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImP_k9vLyiwMVtTatBh2mAARXEAQYASABEgKOvvD_BwE

[WHX?? 49,996]

Avoid the cheapest in the jungle if possible. Not than they are all junk like the one I have. It works... when it feels like it and even then erratic.

Read the reviews and advice from others here if they have one. 

Most are laser type with a piece of reflective tape stuck on the fly wheel (non contact) 

 Some are convertible with a rubber tip to read right off the crank. 

[Racinbob 11,550]

[OoPEZoO 539]

I use a free downloaded video tachometer app on my phone.  It uses the built in camera flash and adjusts the shutter speed to match the RPM.  It works great and its always in my pocket.  

[oliver2-44 10,125]

2 hours ago, OoPEZoO said:

I use a free downloaded video tachometer app on my phone.  It uses the built in camera flash and adjusts the shutter speed to match the RPM.  It works great and its always in my pocket.  

[ri702bill 8,803]

5 hours ago, Achto said:

 

this is what I use. 

https://www.harborfreight.com/digital-photo-sensor-tachometer-66632.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=21901739405&campaignid=21901739405&utm_content=173216750591&adsetid=173216750591&product=66632&store=820&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImP_k9vLyiwMVtTatBh2mAARXEAQYASABEgKOvvD_BwE

I also - reflective tape on the engine pulley shaft on the 854, on the PTO Bell on the C81 (with PTO engaged). Works best in the shade, will NOT work in direct sunlight.

[wallfish 17,241]

Most of the time it's one of these old school tools.

[Racinbob 11,550]

That's me too John. At least on the idle. I don't recall actually ever checking that. I go low until it feels too low than up just a touch. The same is kinda true for the top too. If it seems a bit high I back down a fuzz and then actually check it.

[squonk 42,018]

3 hours ago, wallfish said:

Most of the time it's one of these old school tools.

Had a guy named Tony in the shop with ears like that. We called him "Cave Ears" 

[stevasaurus 22,984]

The ear does not lie...and it works for adjusting the carb also.  In fact, I can do tire presure too.  I'm just a walking "Sun" machine.  I can tell you which lifter is bad in a car engine, which bearing is good or bad in a transmission, where in the ground the point from a boring machine is, and when a woodpecker is pecking at my T-111 garage siding.  

[oliver2-44 10,125]

3 hours ago, stevasaurus said:

The ear does not lie...and it works for adjusting the carb also.  In fact, I can do tire presure too.  I'm just a walking "Sun" machine.  I can tell you which lifter is bad in a car engine, which bearing is good or bad in a transmission, where in the ground the point from a boring machine is, and when a woodpecker is pecking at my T-111 garage siding.