Tachometer reading not accurate - too high MG MIDGET

Your MG Midget's tachometer showing 2000 rpm at idle while the actual engine speed is about 700 rpm usually points to an issue with either the tachometer cable or the internal gear drive of the meter itself. Both parts work together to convert engine RPM to the gauge reading, so damage or wear in either can cause inaccurate or wildly high readings.

Common things to check:
- Tachometer cable: It can become kinked, twisted, or the inner cable may fray or slip inside its housing, causing incorrect RPM transmission to the gauge.
- Gear inside the tachometer: The gear that meshes with the cable at the back of the tachometer may wear out or have broken teeth, causing false readings.
- Connections and wiring (if it’s an electrical tachometer): Bad wiring, worn terminals, or poor grounds can cause erratic or high readings. Check for clean, tight connections and possibly replace any corroded terminals.

In MG Midget forums and discussions, advice is often to inspect both the cable and the internal gear carefully because faults can occur in either or both. Some enthusiasts also find that cleaning or replacing related wiring or voltage stabilizers helps, especially if you have an electrical tachometer conversion.

So, start by examining the tachometer cable condition—replace it if it looks worn or damaged. Then inspect the tachometer gear and internal components for damage or wear. If both seem fine, check for wiring faults if your tachometer is electrical, or consider calibration issues if it’s a mechanical tachometer.