Looking for some advise from one of you electrical experts on a 1965 442. When I purchased the car the console tach was not working. I've done some trouble shooting but not with much luck. The car has a new HEI distributor and I read an old (2007) post here about the change requiring a new Electronic tach. So, is it correct that my new distributor is not compatable with my old analog console tach?

My second question is my fuel gauge also does not work and if I cannot get it working I will consider adding an after market gauge. After much looking I have found fuel gauges vary from 0-90 , 0-30, 33-240, and 73-10 ohm ranges. Can I assume my gauge resistance has to match the tank sender unit and if so, are the tank senders marked so I will know what was installed when they replaced the tank? I believe the stock gauge was 0-90 ohms?

This is probably obvious to many of you but will appreciate any help. Thanks.

 

I believe that 0-90 is what is in your car, the 64 had 0-30. There are many threads on here on how to troubleshoot this, but the simplest is to test the wire that runs forward to the gauge from the trunk by grounding it with the key on and the gauge should read E, leaving it open it will read past F.

 

Correct. 64-older are 0-30, 65-newer are 0-90.

Assuming you are talking about a GM coil-in-cap HEI, the TACH terminal on the cap provides exactly the same signal as the tach would have seen connected to the "-" side of the coil with the old points ignition system. If you are saying "HEI" but really mean some aftermarket distributor, then all bets are off.

 

Thanks guys. Yes Joe I have the GM coil-in-cap HEI distributor. So if my old analog console tach is good it should work fine with the new?

Also, I thought my factory gauge was 0-90 but didn't know if the fuel sender unit was matched to the gauge or if the sender unit is universal. Thanks

 

Then the tach should work fine if connected to the TACH terminal on the cap. I've never had an issue with GM HEIs. Fuel senders are not universal.

 

Thanks Joe.
One quick after thought; If my factory console tach is shot has anyone retro-fitted a new tach to fit the original console case? Not sure if it is a major project to modify a tach to fit or if it is fairly simple. I can purchase a lot of tachs for around $100 rather than go on ebay and spend hundreds for an original which may or may not work. Just asking!