|
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
10-02-2020, 01:20 PM | #1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Savannah, Ga
Posts: 225
|
engine analyzer questions
I have an old Craftsman engine analyzer that is for 12 volt systems. I am wondering whether this can be used on a positive ground 6 volt system if a separate 12 volt battery is used to power it? I am particularly concerned whether the pictured connection to the coil can be made. Any help would be appreciated. This was a very common testing instrument, so I am hoping that someone might have already have had this issue.
|
10-02-2020, 01:40 PM | #2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Savannah, Ga
Posts: 225
|
Re: engine analyzer questions
Two more pictures regarding the recommended connections. The pictures were cropped to be small enough to upload here.
|
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) |
|
10-03-2020, 09:38 PM | #3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys
Posts: 10,345
|
Re: engine analyzer questions
I had one, very similar to yours. I believe it was made by Aacron. I tried to do what you are suggesting and it didn't work. I will admit that I quit then because I didn't want to damage it. I bought a universal (unpowered) dwell meter on eBay and went with that instead.
|
10-04-2020, 06:25 AM | #4 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Savannah, Ga
Posts: 225
|
Re: engine analyzer questions
Thanks for your reply. That is my concern. I was hoping that others might have tried to use of the analyzer and had some information regarding their success or lack thereof.
|
10-04-2020, 10:42 AM | #5 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Conifer, Colorado
Posts: 2,430
|
Re: engine analyzer questions
I have what appears to be, the same one, but I usually power it with a 12 volt battery, next to the car. For dwell I use a handheld unit, it is just easier.
|
10-04-2020, 10:49 AM | #6 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 426
|
Re: engine analyzer questions
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
|
10-05-2020, 06:40 AM | #7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Savannah, Ga
Posts: 225
|
Re: engine analyzer questions
I think that I understand and will give it a try. Thank you for your information.
|
10-05-2020, 01:31 PM | #8 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Savannah, Ga
Posts: 225
|
Re: engine analyzer questions
I connected the black lead to the distributor side of the coil and the green lead to a ground. Attached that way with the engine idling, and the selector in the 8 cylinder position, the needle did not move from the "zero" position. When I moved the selector to the dwell position the needle moved to the "open" position on the points scale. There was no needle variation when the RPM was increased off of idle. Incidentally, I also reversed the black and green wire hookup which resulted in a neg deflection of the needle. Would you have any other suggestions? Thank you.
|
10-05-2020, 01:40 PM | #9 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Conifer, Colorado
Posts: 2,430
|
Re: engine analyzer questions
Try using a 12 volt source to power it, then do the normal hook up. I will watch for your reply, if that doesn't work I will do a video on mine (since they appear to be the same unit), and post it.
|
10-05-2020, 02:36 PM | #10 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Jacksonville FL
Posts: 1,137
|
Re: engine analyzer questions
__________________
"Remember that when it comes to intelligence, half of all of us are below average." |
10-05-2020, 04:31 PM | #11 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 426
|
Re: engine analyzer questions
As I stated initially, I had to reverse the leads on my Snap On unit because of the positive ground system. You tried!!! I have no more ideas. I was not aware that a dwell-tach had to have battery power. I thought that the only reason that your unit used a battery was to determine system voltage. My Snap On does not need a battery. I am interested in your progress in getting your unit functional. Keep us posted!!!
|
10-05-2020, 08:31 PM | #12 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Star, MS
Posts: 4,025
|
Re: engine analyzer questions
The point resistance scale is only one scale on the analyzer and is disregarded when using other functions. Look toward the top of the meter and see the "8 cyl, 6cyl, and 4 cyl" scales with "dwell" off the the side.
|
10-06-2020, 12:58 PM | #13 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Savannah, Ga
Posts: 225
|
Re: engine analyzer questions
When I connected the black lead to the distributor terminal lead on the coil, with the selector set to the 8 cyl to the tach setting, or the dwell position, and the green lead attached to ground, the needle did not move at all. When the selector was moved to the points position with the same connections, the needle moved approximately 3/4 of the way to the opposite end of the scale which fell in the "open" part of the point scale. As I mentioned, there was no change in the needle position with actual changes in engine RPN. I'm not sure what this " reading " represented. I will try this with a spare 12 volt battery soon and report back. Thank you all for your advice and help
|
10-06-2020, 01:01 PM | #14 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Savannah, Ga
Posts: 225
|
Re: engine analyzer questions
Sorry for the double post. Necessary due to picture size.
|
10-06-2020, 01:39 PM | #15 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys
Posts: 10,345
|
Re: engine analyzer questions
Same thing that happened with mine. As I said, then I quit so I wouldn't damage anything. (I do have some 12 volt vehicles I work on.)
|
10-06-2020, 07:39 PM | #16 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 426
|
Re: engine analyzer questions
What result when you connect the black lead to ground and the green lead to the distributor post on the coil? To check point resistance you need a battery connected to the unit. Same for voltage checks. Checking point resistance is the same as an ohm meter - need battery.
|
10-06-2020, 08:23 PM | #17 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Savannah, Ga
Posts: 225
|
Re: engine analyzer questions
Nothing that I tried was successful. I later found this very informative discussion. I am including it for those who have contributed to this thread. Thanks to everyone.
https://forums.aaca.org/topic/328679...do=findComment |
10-06-2020, 08:26 PM | #18 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Savannah, Ga
Posts: 225
|
Re: engine analyzer questions
|
|
|
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) |
|