C1 Generator Tach Drive Unit problem

[Donald H.]

Does anyone have a suggestion on how to make the tach drive unit work reliably?

Got my generator from John Pirkle and as I recall the drive unit gear for the end of the generator shaft came with it. I cleaned and greased the tach unit that came with my car, but the gear on the end of the generator and the gear in the tach drive unit will not stay engaged and the tack stops working. I fiddled with it last week and got it to work. We were running in my engine for the first startup after rebuild today and the tach stopped working in the first couple of minutes.

I have check the cable and tach, ran the cable with my drill and the tach/cable are working. I haven't taken the drive unit back apart again, but was wondering if anyone has similar experience and found a solution.

I may just order both the gears and start over!!!

Thanks,

Don

[Joe M.]

Re: C1 Generator Tach Drive Unit problem

Donald, I believe I had the same problem years ago. Inside the gear housing, there is a raised circular area that keeps one of the gears pushed out away from the housing so that it stays in contact with the other gear. The soft aluminum wore down on mine and the gears would not stay engaged. Rather than try to find a replacement or have it welded, I built up the area with JB Weld and it has continued to work for at least 15 years. Call me if you wish to discuss more.

[Donald H.]

Re: C1 Generator Tach Drive Unit problem

Donald, I believe I had the same problem years ago. Inside the gear housing, there is a raised circular area that keeps one of the gears pushed out away from the housing so that it stays in contact with the other gear. The soft aluminum wore down on mine and the gears would not stay engaged. Rather than try to find a replacement or have it welded, I built up the area with JB Weld and it has continued to work for at least 15 years. Call me if you wish to discuss more.

I'll take it apart and take a look before I give you a call. May be later this week.

Thanks,

Don