hi, i have the gauge cluster in my clubman and the tacho does not work. It is the type with the 2 bullet plugs on the back and 1 other plug. All 3 are plugged in.

Can anyone confirm what reading i should expect from each plug if i test them with a multimeter?

If the tacho is faulty, are they repairable? Or do i start searching for another?

Thanks guys!

Sounds silly, but just unplug it and then back in.
Mine stopped working the other day and thats all I needed to do to fix it.

Often all they need is a drop of light weight oil, i had two repaired and all the tech guy did was oil it. The other thing is the capacitors dry out

If you are not sure take it to a guage tech, howard instruments in melbourne are good

well im in perth, maybe a silly question but where does the oil go?

the oil goes at the base of the spindle, you have to take it out of its case to do it properly , you only need a tiny drop of light weight machine oil.

Check wiring first

I recommended the place in Melbourne as I have had work done there when i lived in OZ. I am sure you can find a shop in Perth.

scrap that last question. pulled it apart, oiled it, the needle is moving freely. but still it doesnt work. All 3 connector's on the rear give 12V.

Guess im going to have to find one that works.

They shouldn't all have 12v.
One needs to be a negative (the one to the coil?).

Check the printed circuit isn't cracked, that'll be the likely trouble.

It's an early one.

Sorry to contradict kiwiinwgtn but don't put oil in there. They are jewell bearings and designed to run clean and dry. I clean them with WD40 and follow that up with Shellite or CRC Brand CO Cleaner. Oil will make it stick, these instruments have very low torque to drive them.

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Ryan
You will get 12 volt at the three pins with the ignition on as two are the impulse loop from the ignition where current flow is read when the engine is running and the third is the 12volt supply.
I agree check the flexible pcb to see that the earth connection is not broken to the tachometer. This is the fourth and final connection and often a problem.
The next question is; Are you using a points or electronic ignition system?
These tachometers do not work correctly or at all on electronic ignition.They can be converted if necessary.
Beyond that its down to the circuit. I am sure there are details on the net about repairing them. Yes capacitors and other components are a problem, connections and solder joints, the meter movement and cleaning etc. it's not brain surgery given that I can do it most of the time. Like anything practice makes perfect and even now we learn something new every day even about this 'simple' smiths circuit.I watched my father struggle with one the other day and he has been repairing them for 42 years this month.
Unfortunately your available repair options are now down to one in Perth, the other closed recently due in part to our 'do it yourself nature'.
I appreciate the referral above, you can post it over if you get stuck or if you visit I have my 850, van and Marcos at work at the moment that I can show you. Sorry I don't have any clubman's.

thanks so much minijcar!

I could run a temporary earth wire to the tacho to test if this is the fault - where should i put the wire on the tach?

Failiing this, i would love to send it to you, that would be great!

Sounds like your Tacho is the Loop type. unplug the wires from the back male and female whites and see if the car will start and run with wires disconnected. This will tell you if the system is wired correctly. wires disconnected engine SHOULD NOT start. If you plug them back or join the two together engine should start. If all above is correct Tacho is faulty.

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DID I MENTION THAT I AM THE BEST SUPPLIER FOR MINI ELECTRICAL PARTS AND REPAIRS?
"Let us remove your "SHORTS"

well, it seems that its stuffed - minijcar may i take you up on your offer and send my guage to you?

Does anyone know what the ic and transistor are in the tacho or what they are op amp, driver

Does anyone know what the ic and transistor are in the tacho or what they are op amp, driver

There is no ic in the clubman tachometer referred to above they were not used then but were invented in 1958.