Diagnostics

[Mitch//pa]

I use this style spark tester and the Renners corner carb bowl level tools.

With these two tools you can determine if you have a spark or a fuel issue.

The spark tester should have a very fast bright rythmetic flash when inline of the coil wire. If the flash is dull or erratic (not ryhthmetic.) that should throw a flag..
Bad condensers, plate wires or wireless plate issues, dirty / misadjusted points are common.

The float level tester can be used with the engine running... if the level goes down in the sight tube then you know the fuel bowl is emptying out.. (fuel issue)

I have driven the car with both of these items in place for intermittent issues.

Another easy thing to try when you feel there is a fuel issue is remove the wiper vacuum line off the intake... then use a little carb cleaner with a straw to go into the fitting on the intake. Give it a tiny shot of juice, if the engine picks up and seems better then your correcting for a lean fuel condition

[2manycars]

Did you mean you could install the float level tester while the engine is running, or did you mean you could install the float level tester and then start and run the engine?

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by 2manycars

Did you mean you could install the float level tester while the engine is running, or did you mean you could install the float level tester and then start and run the engine?

The float level tester can be used with the engine running. ..

[Synchro909]

Originally Posted by 2manycars

Did you mean you could install the float level tester while the engine is running, or did you mean you could install the float level tester and then start and run the engine?

I'm sure it would be installed before running the engine. A quick look at it should be enough to work out what it is. I figure it attaches at the plug under the carby with the clear tube standing vertically beside the carb so you can see the level of the fuel in the float chamber.
If you were to try installing it while the motor was running, or even when the fuel was turned on, you'd have fuel leaking everywhere.
How'd I go, Mitch???

[Mitch//pa]

Feel free to post your own diagnostic driveability tips & tricks to this thread... i have a lot more

[Tom Wesenberg]

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Use a screwdriver to short out the plugs one at a time to find a weak or dead cylinder.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

The float level tester can be used with the engine running. ..

Keep in mind that the fuel level tester Mich shows is NOT the same as some other vendors sell. This one will stay up right without holding it.

[mshmodela]

Nice post, I'll have to grab one of those level testers.

http://www.rennerscorner.com/tools.html

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by Mike V. Florida

Keep in mind that the fuel level tester Mich shows is NOT the same as some other vendors sell. This one will stay up right without holding it.

Yes
the level indicator sold by the main suppliers is a cheap piece of clear tubing with a wire inside. Dont waste ur money buying those.. renners corner's tool is superior

[Rex_A_Lott]

Many times, unfortunately, I have to ask myself, "What was the last thing you fucked with?"

[Mitch//pa]

Sometimes i put 4 on inline to the spark plugs... this can check for a distributor body internal crack or a plug issue

[Flathead]

In addition to the spark tester you mention, I also like the Nu-Rex tester that allows you to vary the spark gap and really see how strong a spark you are getting. Post #10 is often true as well.

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by Flathead

In addition to the spark tester you mention, I also like the Nu-Rex tester that allows you to vary the spark gap and really see how strong a spark you are getting. Post #10 is often true as well.

Can u post a link to that tool? I only know of the Nurex spark polarity tester.