Hi all,
1996 Civic DX w/ auto and a/c, 111.4k miles. New air & fuel filters in last 120days.
I recently posted re engine surge noticeable at stoplights. As a result, I removed the throttle body and cleaned it (it was extremely dirty w/ buildup) to wi/ an
inch of its life. Cleaned the IACV as well and replaced both the TB gasket and IACV gasket. Now, for the most part, there is a gentle idle at stops.
The engine, while not surging, does seem to be running a little high at idle when the a/c is engaged. I do not have a tach.

The question is this: what type of tach (digital or analog) for use as a test tach employing the test tach connector port is most appropriate?
I checked the FAQ and found the protocol for setting idle but I have found precious little anywhere on tachometer selection. So, given that,
which type would be the most appropriate (or would it matter):

Analog w/ four connections: https://www.amazon.com/Sunpro-CP7901.../dp/B00029JXNE

Digital w/ three connections: https://www.amazon.com/HOTSYSTEM-Uni...tal+tachometer

How about this old classic: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/anm-cp7605 (dwell/tach/volt) [very clearly analog]

Bear in mind this is solely for engine testing and not intended for permanent connection.
Thanks.

 

Did you consider a non-contact tach?

https://www.amazon.com/LotFancy-Digital-Tachometer-Contact-DT2234A/dp/B00T3TMTMQ/ref=sr_1_17?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1473776571&sr =1-17

 

Hi Ron,

Indeed I did: Would I not need to place a piece of the reflective tape on the crank pulley or other site on the rotating shaft? In order to do that,
wouldn't I need to pull off the timing belt cover?
With the direct connection types, the hot lead is connected to the battery, the ground lead is connected
to the ground and the test lead is plugged into the test connector.
I guess the question is does it matter whether a digital or analog meter is used on these cars?

 

The crank pulley is exposed and not hidden behind the timing belt cover.

I'm not trying to push you toward any particular product. You want an inexpensive product that is accurate and easy to use. Digital is generally more accurate than analog. You can decide the rest.

 

You can pick up an obd2 live data reader from amazon that will show you engine rpm. You could also use a blue tooth connector with an app.

The one I have is a red obd2 scanner from amazon with a color screen that views live data. I believe it is an actron. My complaint is non adjustable dimmer settings

 

This^ is what I do. I didn't mention because it's a more expensive option.

 

Hi,

This was an option I had not entertained. I had looked at multimeters w/ tach function but hated to get another mmeter--have three already!
So, an OBDII code reader will do tach? This raises another question: Recently bought a 2017 Honda Accord. Will the currently available OBD2 readers
work for the 2017s esp in terms of ABS. I was looking at the OTC 3111PRO tool but either a) OTC has not updated its manual to reflect coverage of Honda
models post 2010 or b) it doesn't have the capability for the newer models.

 

Not necessarily. You need an upgraded OBD2 code reader that also reads live data.

 

You mean like this badboy:
https://actron.com/content/obd-ii-autoscanner?pid=16362

 

Yes sir. I have an earlier version (Actron CP9180).

 

Ditto that^^^ you could spend a lot on a scanner but all you need is the last one you linked... https://actron.com/content/obd-ii-autoscanner?pid=16362 and at under $200 clearly better, [price wise ] then the $5000+ for a Snap On Solus Ultra. 94

 

or they could go to harbor freight and get the one I got for a cheaper price (made by autel for harbor freight).. this is what I got, and it does have live data AND mode 6! very nice. Only thing it doesn't do is abs, oh well.. I got mine for $85. Always nice to use those 20 and 25% coupons that are around!

OBD II & CAN Professional Scan Tool

 

My red actron was like $30 on amazon. I also have used it to trace bad oxygen sensors by viewing live data, also used it to verify when I was in lean burn, and to verify coolant temperatures.