Author Topic: Installing a tach cluster on a diesel A-2 (Read 7793 times)

vanagondiesel · « **on:** October 16, 2005, 08:14:00 pm »

So is there any trick? Is the wiring compatable if I install a GLI cluster on my A-2 90 diesel Jetta?

And, as for my Caddy circa 82, it has the old cluster. Someone told me one time to connect a tach to the "blue wire on the altenator"

anyone have any experience?

:?: :?: :?: :?: :?: :?: :?: :?: :?: :?:

Maarten · « **Reply #1 on:** October 17, 2005, 12:19:28 am »

You'll fry the tach immideately if you connect the tach to the blue wire (that is already connected toi the cluster: alternator led)

if you have a W-terminal on the alternator you can use a Mk2 GTD tach, or if you can't find a dieseltach.. there are some signal convertors on the market that so you can use a gassertacho.

vanagondiesel · « **Reply #2 on:** October 17, 2005, 06:59:41 am »

I have a couple of the 83 US version Rabbit tach clusters. One of those will work ey?

Also what about the diesel Vanagon?

BlackTieTD · « **Reply #3 on:** October 17, 2005, 09:31:34 am »

gas tachs will not work without using something like an optical sensor.

if you have 2 mkI gaugepods from diesels with tachs, sell me one. i believe these do not exist. (please correct me, and sell me one)

hook up to the W-terminal as suggested, i have not personally done this so i won't try to offer bad advice.

another option (the one i am going with) is to use an entire mkII wiring harness, and cluster, and its all just plug and play as long as there is a W-terminal on your alternator. this is more work than its worth just for a tach hook-up, but its a possibility.

Maarten · « **Reply #4 on:** October 17, 2005, 10:30:08 am »

A gastach can work with a signal convertor like sold on keltec:

http://www.keltecsystems.com/hardware/auto.html#Tach

Diesel tach from a Mk1 does not exist, but a Mk2 GTD cluster can be fitted without much trouble in a mk1.

vwmike · « **Reply #5 on:** October 17, 2005, 10:44:48 am »

The MK2 TD's all seem to have tachometers. They run off the W terminal.

entuzijast · « **Reply #6 on:** October 30, 2005, 10:58:11 am »

I have got myself a tacho with tachometer, but it doesen't work..My wiring is missing..I have wires from alternator to fuse box, but not from fuse box to the tacho..And I can't wire it because I don't know the which PIN is for what...
I is 1991 ECO...

mortskeg · « **Reply #7 on:** October 30, 2005, 11:04:47 pm »

vanagondiesel-
Like it says above, you can find a diesel specific tach off a mk2 td w/ tach for your 90 or a mk1 td for your caddy; however, since you already have a gas cluster w/ tach out of a 83 rabbit then I'd suggest going the signal converter route as I've had good luck with this.

If you go with a diesel tach or a gas with signal converter then you'll need an alternator with a W signal either way. You may already have one or they can still be had new. The signal coverter I've used (easy install) is made by dakota digital:
http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=128/category_id=-1/home_id=-1/mode=prod/prd128.htm

I did a little write on the install over on the caddy page:
http://vwcaddyforum.com/showthread.php?t=4749

The unit came quick and was easy to put in and calibrate, and eased the installation of cruise control into my pickup.
http://vwcaddyforum.com/showthread.php?t=4843

You can of course use the DSL-1 on your gli cluster in the 90 as well.

If you've got any questions on this setup let me know.

Northern RD · « **Reply #8 on:** November 10, 2005, 10:21:00 am »

Quote from: "Maarten"

A gastach can work with a signal convertor like sold on keltec:

http://www.keltecsystems.com/hardware/auto.html#Tach

Diesel tach from a Mk1 does not exist, but a Mk2 GTD cluster can be fitted without much trouble in a mk1.

Not true about the A1 tach. The trucks in South Africa that came with the diesel could be had with a tach if you ordered it.I had one while living there for several years. Had I known the tach was that rare I would have gone to bone yard the last time I was visiting Jo`berg and boxed up, oh say, a dozen of them,.... :roll: :roll:

Maarten · « **Reply #9 on:** November 11, 2005, 12:49:30 am »

ok... Small correction, Diesel tach in a Mk1 is never sold in Europa or USA then

Small side note:

Check the www.vw.co.za (South African VW site) and check the city golf... they still drive Mk1s there :shock:

BlackTieTD · « **Reply #10 on:** November 11, 2005, 07:29:34 am »

Quote from: "Northern RD"

Not true about the A1 tach. The trucks in South Africa that came with the diesel could be had with a tach if you ordered it.I had one while living there for several years.

:shock:

<falls over, gets up and calls south africa>

thanks for the tip! a new hunt for a rare part begins.....

mortskeg · « **Reply #11 on:** November 11, 2005, 11:19:54 am »

Quote from: "Maarten"

ok... Small correction, Diesel tach in a Mk1 is never sold in Europa or USA then

What about the A1 Jetta TD. Did those not get the diesel tach?

BlackTieTD · « **Reply #12 on:** November 11, 2005, 12:09:39 pm »

nope. clock. (please prove me wrong and sell me one)

Maarten · « **Reply #13 on:** November 11, 2005, 01:35:46 pm »

Quote from: "mortskeg"

Quote from: "Maarten"
ok... Small correction, Diesel tach in a Mk1 is never sold in Europa or USA then
What about the A1 Jetta TD. Did those not get the diesel tach?

AFAIK the jetta never had more options than the golf and it doesn't sound logical to me that the made the Jetta with the tach and the Golf not.

I've found the South African VWclub with english forum, maybe drop a line there with the question:

http://www.vwclub.co.za