I'm looking for support, for my 1953 Cessna 180.

I found a broken tach cable the day before I left for a few weeks (training event).

The part number from the manual doesn't seem to line up with what I'm able to find.

Do you fine folks know if a typical/ standard cable is left or right lay? Also, typical length? Mine looped, which indicates being too long.

Cheers

Been known to have them fixed or new inner line by any reasonable tach shop
IF- only need inner cable then the part still---

But- Just in case


Used
https://www.texasairsalvage.com/Airfram ... les&goto=1


Chief
http://www.chiefaircraft.com/tach-cable.html


Wag
https://www.wagaero.com/restoration/cab ... ables.html


A/C Spruce INNER?
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/inpages/tachcables.php


AVIAL Unable specifics by me
https://www.aviall.com/aviallstorefront ... seaw000513


Lots of photos
https://www.google.com/search?q=cessna+ ... 51&bih=731


Copy and paste may work- not my specialty


Best for now

Chris C

Instead of replacing the cable and still ending up with a relatively inaccurate analog tach, let me suggest that you consider a Horizon digital tach. When my 63 P172D's tach started glitching (it wasn't the cable, but the innards of the tach that failed), that's what my IA recommended, and I've been quite satisfied--been using it now for about 1 1/2 years. When I first got it, it was hard to see, but Horizon replaced the bezel with an angled version at no cost, and now it's easier to see. It offers features that standard tachs can't begin to offer, including the ability to check the status of the mags. Horizon makes them to order, so that the LEDs on them match the requirements of the particular airplane. If you go that route, I suggest dealing with Horizon directly--they're very responsive to customer needs, and that way you avoid the middle man of a vendor such as Spruce or Chief--no price saving, but you'll be dealing with the manufacturer.

Cary

I like my Horizon that I've had since 1995.

Thanks Cary, I'm going to look in to it today.

-Chris

Horizon tachs are great. Highly recommend them.

Hi Gary, Does the Horizon Tach run off a single mag? I'm still learning about the mechanical aspects of my plane. The more I learn the more I realize how ignorant I am! Just wondering if I can see the tach as I test each mag individually. Not that I need to see the tach. If my engine sounds or feels rough, I'll know there is a problem. I need to replace my tach as it is about 200rpm off. I think an electronic tach would be the way to go. Maybe one that displays analog vs digital.

I'm happy to hear from anyone with thoughts/advice!

Thanks!
Terri
541-639-9045

TT wrote:Hi Gary, Does the Horizon Tach run off a single mag? I'm still learning about the mechanical aspects of my plane. The more I learn the more I realize how ignorant I am! Just wondering if I can see the tach as I test each mag individually. Not that I need to see the tach. If my engine sounds or feels rough, I'll know there is a problem. I need to replace my tach as it is about 200rpm off. I think an electronic tach would be the way to go. Maybe one that displays analog vs digital.

I'm happy to hear from anyone with thoughts/advice!

Thanks!
Terri
541-639-9045

Terri, the horizon tach hooks up to both mags. Then as you do your mag check it automatically shows you the drop. Very nice units, I highly recommend them.

David

Like they said, Horizon. They are super easy to install, too. Hardest part is getting the old cable out and capped.

Wayne

I think those cables are pretty standard size. When I tried to get my “new” 1958 182 running a few days back down in Burbank after 15 years of sitting the tach was dead. First we thought bad tach. Then we thought bad angle drive on the back. None of the 3 mechanics working with me guessed the the cable had twisted in the wire wrapping and was unable to transfer the “turn’ from the accessory housing on the back of the engine to the tach. A guy 2 hangars down had an old cable and housing from a Cessna 150. It was the same length...36”. We went and got it, installed it and it worked perfectly.

TT wrote:Hi Gary, Does the Horizon Tach run off a single mag? I'm still learning about the mechanical aspects of my plane. The more I learn the more I realize how ignorant I am! Just wondering if I can see the tach as I test each mag individually. Not that I need to see the tach. If my engine sounds or feels rough, I'll know there is a problem. I need to replace my tach as it is about 200rpm off. I think an electronic tach would be the way to go. Maybe one that displays analog vs digital.

I'm happy to hear from anyone with thoughts/advice!

Thanks!
Terri
541-639-9045

The Horizon is really 2 tachs in one, so it will measure the rpm on either mag. The feature that makes use of that is when you do a mag check, it tells you exactly how much of a drop from both mags firing--no need to do any subtracting. For instance, last time up, when I did the mag check the first click off both showed -92 on the display. Back to both, then to the other mag, which showed a -98. The only thing it doesn't do is tell you the difference between left and right--for that, you have to remember and subtract (big deal, right?).

The Horizon also tells you if there are mag problems other than not firing, such as bouncing points, etc. It will tell you if one mag has failed altogether, too, and whether there is a P lead failing to ground. All that is in the Horizon manual, which can be downloaded--definitely worth reading, if you have other questions.

Other than some owners I know who complain about the price of anything, including why they justify not buying the Horizon, I don't know anyone who has a Horizon who doesn't like it. Functionally, it's simply a great tach, and the customer service is excellent.

Cary

Thank you everyone for the replies. Based on all of the comments, I think I will order the Horizon Tach. My prop is 80/40 so I don't want to over rev it. Having an accurate tach is important to me. It looks like it will fit in the existing opening for the original tach. I like that.

Thank you!
TT

TT wrote:Thank you everyone for the replies. Based on all of the comments, I think I will order the Horizon Tach. My prop is 80/40 so I don't want to over rev it. Having an accurate tach is important to me. It looks like it will fit in the existing opening for the original tach. I like that.

Thank you!
TT

They do fit the original hole, and you can also get an angled face for it if you need that for a better view.