Broken Tach Needle =(

Anyone give any advice as to how hard/easy these guages are to take apart?

Tach works fine, but needle is broke and screw has come out.



E-mailed Bob at Zresto, who does frigging amazing work on restores, but was totally BUMMED to find out that he doesn't do restores on 80's or newer!!?

There's gotta be a reason he only restores like 74-79's anyone know???

Thanks!

Rae

I have a Z650 1984. When I bought it, the tacho did not work. I bought a replacement on ebay for £6.50 (uk) so decided to take the old one apart just for fun / knowledge. Once you get the chrome covers off there is a sealed unit. The two halves are crimped together with a metal ring. I think the specialists have a tool for this part. I just used a screw driver and gently prised this off. Once this is done the rest is easy / self evident.

On mine the spring had detached from the post. I carefully soldered this back on.

Putting it back together is a pain without a tool. I just took my time with a pair of pliers and gently crimped it back in place. Watch out not to damage the rubber ring thats between the sections.

When the chrome covers are replaced the crimped ring is held togeter with the chrome clamping ring.

To be honest I only did it because I had nothing to loose as I had a replacement. I probably would not chance it if you dont have a replacement.

My "repair" has lasted over a year now. The one I bought of ebay is still sitting on my desk!!

Good luck.

Stewart

Rae, As Stewart says, It can be done, BUT, It is labor intensive, and you'll still need a replacemant needle. I've played the game, but only because CB750 pre-k guages are crazy expensive... I'd shop ebay first.. luck G

In an earlier thread

kzrider.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&...d=4&id=117000#117010

duncan wrote:
i've taken the tach apart but not the speedo. it's real easy if you use a dremel to cut the chrome ring, and then some jweld and hose clamp to cement it back together.

apeman wrote:
The old article suggests removing the band around the gauges by levering it up from the underside. I have found that results in too much damage to the band to make it look good after it is put back on, and crimped down. Therefore, I instead took a dremel with a cut-off wheel to the band, and sliced through it, being carefull not to damage the gauge cover. Then I slipped off the band, and did my gauge clean-up. To reinstall, I assembled the cover onto the gauge, slipped the band on, and held it tightly in place with a rubber band. Then I placed a drop of JBweld epoxy onto the gap in the band, and let it dry. (Make sure you mount the gap in the band at an location that will not be readily visible when the gauge is remounted onto the bike.) That has been working well for over a year.

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Good Fortune!

Do like Patton says, its way fast.

I used a tile cutter/cutoff blade, and just nipped the ring off at the bottom.
Tore it all apart and cleaned everything nice.
Then with some automotive epoxy and a clamp, just buttoned it all back together and it hasnt moved for years.

Dont for get to throw new bulbs in there while your at it!

GL.

Thanks y'all! This will prob be an upcoming project. As we just tore the headers off tonight!!! Ha! I've looked on eBay quite regular, but I haven't seen any chrome ones, they're all black ones.

Anyone know if an older model set-up would work on an 82? Say like a 78-79 kz650?

Rae

Have you had the chrome covers off? These are just cosmetic. The bolt on the underside loosens off and the band comes off. The cover then splits into two halves and reveals the body of the tacho. Usually black top half and mill finish bottom.

It is on mine anyway!!

Hope that helps.

Stewart