Points dwell and tachometer - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

chewed 71'er · 01-01-2003, 05:25 AM

Are dwell/tachometer meters still available? Once was a common tool, but may have gone bye-bye with points and condensers. Would this be considered an 'old fart' tool?

boilrman · 01-01-2003, 07:52 AM

I picked one up at Autozone that has tach, dwell and RPM all in one. About $25-30 if I remember right.

PanelDeland · 01-01-2003, 09:04 AM

My timing light and Tach/dwell meter came from Sears.If you can spring for it the setback style timing lights are really handy.Even though they make internally powered timing lights these days(they use flashlight style batteries)I would get one with clamps to the battery.They seem brighter.
I usually buy the best test equipment I can afford so I usually never have to replace it or at least don't feel so cheated when I do.

72K10 · 01-01-2003, 10:12 AM

I've used my tach / volt meter quite a bit over the last month. I switch it to volts to check my electrical system (alternator putting out enough, HEI getting enough) and use the rpms when I set the timing. Very useful, in my opinion.

Chris

71k5 · 01-01-2003, 11:35 AM

You can almost always find them at swapmeets, too...

dashadow · 01-01-2003, 12:31 PM

I just used mine the other day for the first time in many years. Setting the dwell is the best way to get the points right. Came close to throwing it away a couple of times but it is hard for me to get rid of any tool unless it breaks. If you have points,a dwell meter is nice. Pawn shop maybe a good place to look if you don't want to buy new.

chewed 71'er · 01-01-2003, 04:31 PM

Sounds great, lots of options available. I'm guilty of hanging on to tools also. If it isn't broke, it's a keeper. Thanks so much!

01-01-2003, 05:25 AM	#1
chewed 71'er Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: KC, NW Missouri Posts: 144	Points dwell and tachometer Are dwell/tachometer meters still available? Once was a common tool, but may have gone bye-bye with points and condensers. Would this be considered an 'old fart' tool?

01-01-2003, 07:52 AM	#2
boilrman 70 Chevy 3/4t Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Kokomo,IN USA Posts: 1,230	I picked one up at Autozone that has tach, dwell and RPM all in one. About $25-30 if I remember right. __________________ Find a job you love and you'll never have to work a day in your life. 1998 Yamaha V-Star 650 1970 Chevy 3/4t, I6 (rebuilt), 4 speed Kokomo,IN

01-01-2003, 09:04 AM	#3
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	My timing light and Tach/dwell meter came from Sears.If you can spring for it the setback style timing lights are really handy.Even though they make internally powered timing lights these days(they use flashlight style batteries)I would get one with clamps to the battery.They seem brighter. I usually buy the best test equipment I can afford so I usually never have to replace it or at least don't feel so cheated when I do. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

01-01-2003, 10:12 AM	#4
72K10 Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: New York Posts: 288	I've used my tach / volt meter quite a bit over the last month. I switch it to volts to check my electrical system (alternator putting out enough, HEI getting enough) and use the rpms when I set the timing. Very useful, in my opinion. Chris __________________ RLTW 70C10 72K10 72K10 Cheyenne 72C10 Cheyenne Super

01-01-2003, 12:31 PM	#6
dashadow Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Alabama Posts: 90	Sunpro actron 3 I just used mine the other day for the first time in many years. Setting the dwell is the best way to get the points right. Came close to throwing it away a couple of times but it is hard for me to get rid of any tool unless it breaks. If you have points,a dwell meter is nice. Pawn shop maybe a good place to look if you don't want to buy new. __________________ '71; 250; 3 on a tree GMC

01-01-2003, 11:35 AM	#5
71k5 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Manchester, PA Posts: 138	You can almost always find them at swapmeets, too...

01-01-2003, 04:31 PM	#7
chewed 71'er Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: KC, NW Missouri Posts: 144	Sounds great, lots of options available. I'm guilty of hanging on to tools also. If it isn't broke, it's a keeper. Thanks so much!



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