What the Magnetic Pickup Sensor (Engine Speed) does
The magnetic pickup reads engine speed from the teeth of the flywheel ring gear. The controller uses it for speed display, crank disconnect and over/under-speed protection; on electronically governed sets the speed controller relies on it to hold 50 Hz.
A loose, damaged or wrongly gapped pickup gives a weak or missing signal — the set may refuse to start, crank on after firing, hunt, or shut down on false speed faults.
Signs it needs replacing
- Loss-of-speed-signal or overspeed alarms.
- Starter staying engaged after the engine fires.
- Engine hunting on electronic governing.
- Damaged tip or cable on the existing pickup.
Get the right part first time
Send us these on WhatsApp and our engineers will confirm the exact part before you pay:
- Thread and length of your current pickup.
- A photo of the pickup and where it fits on the flywheel housing.
Fitting notes
With the engine stopped and isolated, screw the pickup in until it just touches a gear tooth (not the gap between teeth), then back it off about half to three-quarters of a turn and lock it. Check the signal voltage while cranking and running.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my generator show an overspeed fault at normal speed?+
Often a bad pickup signal or wrong flywheel tooth count in the controller settings, rather than real overspeed.
How do I set the gap?+
Touch a gear tooth, back off about ½–¾ turn, and lock the nut. Then confirm the signal while cranking.
Are threads standard?+
Common types are 5/8"-18 UNF and M16 × 1.5. Match your existing pickup.