strange noise from TACHOMETER

[StevenF]

When I start my 280sl up and start to drive, I hear a strange noise that coming from the TACH.  It sounds like a whining/grinding then goes away after a few seconds...and does not come back the same day.  I only happens sparingly and usually happens he next time I start the car a few days later. 

Does anyone have any ideas?

Steven

[dpreston Virginia]

Steven,
I had a intermittent noise from my Tach and it ended up just being loose. It was rattling and squeaking from not being tight to the dash.
Probably not your issue but, I thought it was worth passing on to you. It was funny as the tach seemed tight but while driving and it was making a noise I kept tapping the tach and it moved. Problem solved.
David

[Garry]

You may want to start off by reading the Tech Manual on Tacho cable removal  http://www.sl113.org/wiki/Electrical/RevCounter as it may only require removal clean and re-oil and replacement first up before you start getting into the Tacho itself which may also just need cleaning and re-oiling.

Garry

[batman]

The professional who cleaned and reconditioned my speedo & tacho said that one must be very very careful not to add too much lubricant to the cable - better to add too little than too much because it may work its way up the cable and into the instrument.

[UJJ]

You may want to invest in a new cable. When the cable is worn, the noise starts first when the weather gets cooler.
It goes away as it warms up. However, if you do not replace it, use ATF as a lubricant. Worked good for me (at least for a few years)
Urban

[Benz Dr.]

It's the gauge that makes noise if it's a cold weather situation and not usually the cable. The drive shaft with magnetic flywheel becomes dry over time and it will really make a lot of noise until the lubricant warms up and starts to work.

[StevenF]

this is EXACTLY what it sounds like
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94Z69M2qQTY

[Garry]

Sounds like the Tacho its self but i would still be cleaning and oiling both cable and the unit.  Work through its removal  and replacement IAW the Tech Manual.

[UJJ]

Well, in my case it was the cable. I replaced it and all the noise is gone.

[phl]

Hello all,

I do have the same problem (exactly the same noise), I will be happy to know how to fix it.

Best regards,

Philippe.

[Yem]

Hi all,

I have been through that exercise some years ago....my solution....a gentle amount of high quality / grade 2 lithium grease spray as it resists heat, corrosion, moisture, puts a nice high strength film coating and is excellent on metal to metal applications if required.  I used it on my cable which used to squeal.  I have not heard that noise since.

Yem

[68_white]

StevenF, thank you for putting that u tube video here. Mine is the exact noise under same circumstances. Anyone can provide the link to the right solution?

[Paul & Dolly]

Two years ago on the Goodwood trip, I had the exact same noise when cruising at 55-60 mph, although I thought it came from the speedo. Increasing or decreasing the speed stopped the noise.

I take my car to a local 50/60s Mercedes & Alfa specialist and when the car had its annual service, they removed  the speedo and tacho , & lubricated the cables & instruments overnight and silence has since prevailed.

Good luck

Paul

[mmizesko]

Steve,

You're going through all this renovation.  I had a squeaky tach when I bought my car, and after struggling trying to lube the cable, and replace it, I finally figured out that it was internal to the tach.  pulled the dash apart, removed the tach and speedo, sent them off to speedometer.com in Texas, they opened them up and replaced a gear in the tach, and lubed the inside, and now I have no problems.  If I were you, I'd suck it up and do a complete job. While you have the dash apart, change the lights to LED's so you can see the dash at night, fix the rheostat (or disable) for the dimmer, and then never have to worry about them again.

My two cents.

Mike Mizesko

[StevenF]

I sent my speedometer and Tach out for service....it seems to be a very common issue with the tach

I sent them to :
http://www.speedometer.com/

I will be changing all the lights---debating the led's/ original