Dwell setting 2 Options

[r_towle]

I’m stuck .
I have misplaced or loaned out my two dwell meters.
This is no longer sold at normal stores.

I keep reading that I can set dwell with a multi meter.
I have quite a few of them, digital and analog.

If anyone knows how to do this, can you please explain it in simple terms for me?
Many of the threads go off the rails….and honestly confuse me.

What setting do I use?
Which place do I connect the meter to?

Rich

[Superhawk996]

Dwell meters readily available.

Unless you really enjoy math and like compensating for fluctuating system voltage - buy a dwell meter.



Available in stock in Autozone in my neck of the woods but much more expensive


Trying to measure with a digital multimeter is going to be hit or miss depending on what type of averaging it does to the DC voltage input.

But here you go:
Let’s say your battery voltage is 14v with the vehicle running. (Humor me - makes the math easier)

Dwell for a 4 cylinder is approximately 360/4*(measured voltage/system voltage)

So let’s say the meter reads 7 volts engine running. Black lead to chassis ground, red lead to coil (-) negative.

360/4*(7/14) = 45 degrees of dwell

This is much easier done with an old analog multimeter with a good old fashioned low pass RC filter on the DC input. You’re likely to have issues with the digital meter not reading properly and not averaging correctly as the input voltage is jumping between 14v and 0v and also being subjected to high voltage transient spikes from the coil fly back.

[mskala]

Rich, you can borrow my old Craftsman any time (unless I accidentally loaned it
to somebody else, would need to check the garage).

[rfinegan]

If the volt meter does not work for you, I can send you a hand held one
Just let me know...
PM me your address and I will get it in the mail...

[NARP74]

What's a tarchometer? From the 1st pic, new one on me... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[bobboinski]

This is handy having all in one.
https://www.innova.com/products/pro-digital...ing-light-5568a

[Olympic 914]

This is handy having all in one.
https://www.innova.com/products/pro-digital...ing-light-5568a

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

Have this one,
Multiple readouts, tach and timing or dwell visible at the same time. Plus you can dial the timing back or forward. Great if you want your timing set at other than the 27deg mark on the fan.

[emerygt350]

If you were nearby I would lend it to you. Otherwise from my cold dead hands, even though I don't have points at the moment....

[emerygt350]

Ebay? I mean how real are you if you don't have a huge dwell meter?

[emerygt350]

27 dollars and even has the manual!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/304841495921?mkcid...&media=COPY

[emerygt350]

And let me tell you... When I was in my early 20s I set the dwell on my opel gt and forgot all about halving the v8 line. Drove it like that for a year, fouling plugs, yelling and screaming.... Ahhh youth...

[mskala]

[r_towle]

I had that same one, and while searching for it I found the manual for it in the toolbox.

I need to go next door to dig through my FIL tool areas….my stuff has legs.

I guessed…16, checked twice, set timing. Seems to be ok.
This is a Volvo p1800 ES which also has Djet.

I have my BIL running through the fuel which is 50/50 new/old fuel with seafoam and FI cleaner in it now.
Once we get all new fuel and some more FI cleaner, I will fine tune it.

Meanwhile, I am going to search everywhere and find that damn meter.

Rich

[GregAmy]

I have that exact Sears one hanging around in my garage. I'd be delighted to permanently-loan it to a good home. As noted with others, I'll need to put my hands on it to ensure it's still around.

PM me if interested.

(Love Rich's sig quote. I remembering thinking "back then" it couldn't get any worse than Usenet...and in pops today's social media...)