Ford F100 1953 Installation Manual page 9

Ignition System
Standard Points & Condenser
System
GM – HEI (High Energy
Ignition) System
MSD (Multiple Spark
Discharge) System
Vertex Magneto System
Mallory Ignition System
ECM (computer) Tachometer
Signal
All Other Ignition Systems
Table 2: Tachometer Signal Sources
Revised September 13, 2013
Tachometer Signal Source
Negative side of coil (usually marked "-")
Terminal marked "TACH" on coil side of
distributor cap.
TACH post on MSD box. If there isn't a
box, signal comes from negative side of
coil. If tachometer doesn't respond
correctly, your MSD system may require a
MSD TACH adapter part #8910 or #8920.
Contact MSD for the correct adapter for
your application.
"KILL" terminal on side of Vertex magneto
body. An external adapter such as a MSD
Pro Mag Tach Converter #8132 may be
required.
Negative side of coil (usually marked "-")
Important! Some Mallory ignition systems
require the tachometer to be set at the 4-
cylinder setting.
Signal comes from the computer. You may
need to set the tachometer to the
4-cylinder setting. The tachometer should
also be set for 5V signals.
Please look at the owner's manual for the
location of the tachometer signal.