I need to remove the tach in my early 1968 4.2 XKE so that I can send it off to be serviced. Neither of the workshop manuals I have (Haynes and Autopress) are helpful. Can anyone provide any insight (i.e.: step-by-step instructions) as to how to do this?

Many thanks,

Chris Milton-Hall

Submitted by joshbartlett@r… on Sat, 02/09/2013 - 16:17

A couple of suggestions: based on series 2 cars....
1. I have had an incident where the tach was acting strangely; it turned out to be a bad fuse! The tach on the series 2 cars is tied to the same fuse as the brake lights, and the fuse holder goes bad, causing a dodgy tach.
2. Taking the top off the dash is not hard and gives much better access to the tach. Four screws and some fiddling - putting it back on is a little tricky; getting the defroster hoses back on can be a pain.

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Thu, 02/07/2013 - 14:22

Christopher first I suggest you get a proper manual. That said the tach is held on by two thumb screws that can be accessed either from below after removing the lower closing panel or from above after removing the facia top (recomend the first unless you have really big hands). There are some electrical connections for lamps and a 3 wire plug with a while nylon lock to disconnect the tach. You must carefully remove the lock (do not loose it) and then disconnect the 3 wire plug. Your car will now be imobile as the ignition signal goes through the tach. You can add a jumper (white to white) while your tach is gone if you want to run the car. When you put the tach back remember that the grounds use the thumb screws for connection. Good luck!