Volvo RWD 140-160 Forum

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140 gt Tach problem 140-160

The gt Tach on my 140 is acting funny(not the gt instrument pannel, the tach mounted on the dash in a pod). In warm weather, or after some time in the sun, it sometimes goes all the way up to 7k and stays there; or it will think idle is 4k and except for the readings being about 3k rpms to high, will function normally. I have also noticed that when this happens, when I go over a bump the guage will shake in the pod, like the pod has expanded from the heat.
Has anyone else had this problem?








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140 gt Tach problem 140-160

Most likely the solder on the circuit inside is dried out and cracked. Almost like the problem with Bosch fuel pump relays from the 80's and early 90's, except that with Bosch it was a manufacturing problem that they did not care to resolve because it was making them money. Open the tach and use a not-too-hot soldering iron and >electronics< solder (not metal solder) to resolder every connection. It's best to remove the solder if you've got the tool, but be careful not to damage the board. But just heating up the solder and adding a small amount will also fix it (just not for the next 30 years...).

Or also sounds like transistor saturation (for those who care). As transistors get old, they start to leak (current leaks through the "switch" when it is not supposed to). If the leakage is too high, it can cause the next transistor in the circuit to turn on when it's not supposed to, and cause a chain reaction. Diodes can do the same, as well as capacitors. Components also change value with age. If one of the perameters are out of spec, then it will usually first show strange behaviour at extreme temperatures. It will get worse over time. But this takes lots of skill to fix, and is actually not worth anyone's time.

Have fun...








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140 gt Tach problem 140-160

The tach in my 1800E will do that on occasion too - when it is really toasty inside the car it will read way high until you've driven it around a little and the dash has cooled off some.
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I'm JohnMc, and I approved this message.








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140 gt Tach problem 140-160

Does anyone know what size the guage is? I've been thinking of replacing it, but I want to keep the original pod.








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140 gt Tach problem 140-160

I had similar problems with a 123GT tach that used to be in my 122 - registered high in hot weather. I've heard of this with others as well (not that this helps).

Sorry, but I never figured out the problem. I just replaced the tach with a different one.

Good luck!

Best,

Cameron
Rose City








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140 gt Tach problem 140-160

I had similar problems with a 123GT tach that used to be in my 122 - registered high in hot weather. I've heard of this with others as well (not that this helps).

Sorry, but I never figured out the problem. I just replaced the tach with a different one.

Good luck!

Best,

Cameron
Rose City







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