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Old 01-17-2016, 01:20 AM   #1
1932 V8
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Default SUN Engine Analizer Questions

Hello All, I have been looking for a Nice Sun Engine Analyzer for a little while but lately I have had some thoughts on how useful they are ??
I work on Flatheads, With Generator's and Point ignitions. As some people say " Old School "
Just wondering if anyone has one and uses it ? Also I was wondering if anyone knows if these Machine's will work with solid core ignition wires ? That's would be a deal breaker if they don't . I have found a pretty nice one but the price is a little high. Just wanted to get some input so I can decide if it is worth pursuing. My assumption has always been they would be a great tool to have and the only drawback is they take up a fair amount of room. I don't mind it taking up space as long as it's useful .

Thanks for any help , Mike

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Old 01-17-2016, 02:00 AM   #2
Alaska Jim
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Default Re: SUN Engine Analizer Questions

They are great in my opinion. used to use one every day about 30 years ago. I wish I had one in my garage. It is a great diagnostic tool for properly trained person. the machine pictured should have no problems with solid core wires. make sure you get all the accessories ( different connectors and adapters) , and most of all the operating manual if possible
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Old 01-17-2016, 10:10 AM   #3
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Default Re: SUN Engine Analizer Questions

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Originally Posted by Alaska Jim View Post
They are great in my opinion. used to use one every day about 30 years ago. I wish I had one in my garage. It is a great diagnostic tool for properly trained person. the machine pictured should have no problems with solid core wires. make sure you get all the accessories ( different connectors and adapters) , and most of all the operating manual if possible

2nd that and make sure everything works on the tester. Also understand that the secondary ignition is inaccessable on the flatheads .... might have to rig up something for a test lead......be glad to help if needed ...
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Old 01-17-2016, 10:27 AM   #4
Kurt in NJ
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Default Re: SUN Engine Analizer Questions

I used to use the "HEI" adapter on the flathead coil, don't know if it was totally accurate as to voltage but it looked reasonable and gave a good picture

The version I used (SS400) didn't loke the "solid" wires of the model A, had to use a piece of insulated wire

I have been looking also for one (SS400) close enough---and in my price range

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Old 01-17-2016, 12:21 PM   #5
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Default Re: SUN Engine Analizer Questions

I've used and owned them and often wish I still had one. Mine had a 2 gas but I never used it because I had a stand alone 4 gas. The one pictured does not look like it has cylinder kill which is a feature I used a lot. The book is imperative.
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Old 01-17-2016, 01:00 PM   #6
scrapiron
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Default Re: SUN Engine Analizer Questions

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It's been over 40 years since I used one, but I remember the "kill " feature as a great help in diagnostics. I wouldn't let that pass if the $$ is OK . IMO
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Old 01-17-2016, 03:48 PM   #7
Scott H in Wheaton
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Default Re: SUN Engine Analizer Questions

Mine is a little older than that one. Still needing a bit of restoration.

image.jpg
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Old 01-17-2016, 03:50 PM   #8
Scott H in Wheaton
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Default Re: SUN Engine Analizer Questions

Better pic..
image.jpg
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Old 01-17-2016, 04:02 PM   #9
Angledrive
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Default Re: SUN Engine Analizer Questions

Invaluable tool if you know how to use them. Reading the trace is the most important part. You can tell a lot about what is going on inside the cylinder by reading the trace. I have two and a distributor machine. Mark Saunders @ Paramountd.com has helped me quite a bit keeping my machines working.
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Old 01-17-2016, 05:50 PM   #10
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Default Re: SUN Engine Analizer Questions

Hey Angledrive, do you see a big difference between your newer and older machine ? Meaning, if I am buying one or the other , should I look for a newer one ?? Thanks for all the help everyone !
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Old 01-17-2016, 06:50 PM   #11
jake197000
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Default Re: SUN Engine Analizer Questions

newer is better as they dont use any tubes.great tool.just dont get a digital one as they dont work in real time and dont work good on point type and six volts.the one in pic is good.dont pay too much as u cant hardly give them away.i have a big collection of sun stuff and have used it for 40 years.people think the scopes and master motor teseters r worth way more than they are.now dist.teasters are differant.thay bring good money.but usually require calibration.remember sec. mirrors primary.sun has a nice book on how to interpit ossiloscope patterns.find em on ebay all yhe time.pattern is a window into cumbustion chamber.have fun with it.an u can impress your freinds lol.
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Old 01-17-2016, 07:09 PM   #12
Angledrive
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Default Re: SUN Engine Analizer Questions

The older it is, the more you have to fix. All the paper capacitors need to be replaced. Tubes are fairly easy to come by. Mark sold me a kit to do my distributor tester. The Sleuth One doesn't have as many features as my older scope so I don't use it as much.
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Old 01-17-2016, 08:07 PM   #13
Bob C
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Default Re: SUN Engine Analizer Questions

As was mentioned before don't pay to much for one. Most of the sellers
seem to think they are worth a lot of money. I got one like the picture
for $100.00 on Epay delivered to my driveway and everything works.

Bob
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Old 10-24-2023, 09:26 AM   #14
jake197000
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Default Re: SUN Engine Analizer Questions

you can diagnose many things with a scope even weak cylinders lean mixtures.have used them for 50 years still have one.that style wont work one the new cars
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Old 10-24-2023, 12:54 PM   #15
solidaxle
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Default Re: SUN Engine Analizer Questions

Allen machines show up once in a while. Usually cheaper then the Sun machines.
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Old 10-24-2023, 10:39 PM   #16
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Default Re: SUN Engine Analizer Questions

Quote:
Originally Posted by BUBBAS IGNITION View Post
2nd that and make sure everything works on the tester. Also understand that the secondary ignition is inaccessable on the flatheads .... might have to rig up something for a test lead......be glad to help if needed ...
This offer is intriguing. I have an Allen machine (with the book!) that I have never used because I can't get to the secondary. What kind of test lead are you thinking?
-Scott
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Old 10-25-2023, 12:22 PM   #17
solidaxle
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Default Re: SUN Engine Analizer Questions

Here's a form on Vintage testers.


https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/...uipment.21930/
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