Can anyone recommend a good engine analyzer or Digital multi tester for checking Dwell/Tach/RPM/etc. A previous owner replaced the EFI with a Holley and I am SLOWLY increasing my knowledge on timing. I do have it running, and pretty good too, but it pings on a steep hill. Thanks

 

Are you saying you removed the electronic ignition and installed a points distributor? You really only need a dwell meter if you are checking points ignition. Check your ignition timing with a good timing light and lower the timing about two degrees. That should take care of your spark rattle. Have a great day.Broncomule

 

No, it still has electronic ignition. I was just looing for a decent tester for under $100. However, you have me thinking, without points, what do I relly need one for? I already have a digital multimeter. My real problem is that with the EFI being replaced with a Carb, Haynes doesn't help much. I have read thru quite a few of the post and questions abound. Is the plug gap the same now that I have the carb, etc, etc. I have a feeling that the best thing to due may be to take it to a shop and have them tune it for me. Thanks

 

Spark plug gap stays the same as long as you are running the high energy ignition. Buy a good timing light and use it. It will read initial timing and will also read mechanical advance and vacuum advance. One more thing to check is where your vacuum advance is connected. Is it connected below the throttle plate or above? Have a great day! Broncomule

 

Below. I have tried every number on the carb to find out what it is and no luck. I have YET to fine "LIST" around the horn like many of the web pages said. I am still looking.
Thanks

 

Here is an inexpensive unit I found on the web:

http://www.multimeterwarehouse.com/SM4380.htm

 

Thanks

 

86 would have TFI for the ignition, right? tfi relies on the computer for advance/retard signals. elimination of the efi has also eliminated essential components and signals from them that the computer needs to control the spark advance.

or has the tfi been replaced with duraspark? in that case you'll be fine as long as you get everything figured out and adjusted right.

some ideas
-karl

 

It has been replaced with duraspark (I think). I think that the computer is totally out of the picture now. I am working my way thru, very slowly, and am getting a lot of help and advice by reading through all the forums. I have found that if I look hard enough, I can usually find an answer to my question. Unfortunately, being a novice, I have a lot of them. That is one reason I bought the truck. I have always been interested but never had the time or money to experiment. After learning a small amount, I now know that I STILL don't have the money but am having fun. Thanks for all the help.

 

hey that's what project vehicles are for! as long as it isn't your daily driver you should be fine. mistakes can and will happen, so long as you learn from them and dont give up on autos just because you messed up, you will grow.

just make sure everything is hooked up right and works correctly. the adjustments should eventually come into place. premium gas might be a requirement in your situation. without the computer, the egr won't be functional (if it's even still there) so at accelleration and some cruising situations, there will not be exhuast gas introduced to the intake stream to lower the detonation. with premium gas and the proper tuning settings you should be able to get around this. there might be a way to get a better advance curve suited for your particular situation.

eliminating electronic engine controls and emissions equipment isn't as easy as it would seem. there's consequences that are both good and bad. my rule: when making any changes to a vehicle, one should always find out the pros and cons of the mod compared to leaving it alone, and the potential risks or problems that change could result in. for example removing the egr system on a stock setup without any other changes will result in higher detonation under load.

some other rules i have heard on the way/developed on my own as i've been subscribed to various forums:

1)dont fall to the temptation to modify/hotrod your daily driver. (there are a few exceptions, but..) any changes you make will affect reliability, safety, etc. and generally those are qualities that are sought and required in a daily driver, your breadwinning vehicle that funds your projects. mods that improve safety, reliability, and efficiency are ok (and recommended) to do if they turn out right or you have an alternate car in case you do mess up--sometimes hiring a pro to do your daily driver's repair is wise, since the price outweighs the end cost of your potential mistake or the time lost by making mistake. bottom line=economy, reliability, and safety over performance.
2) if you get frustrated, and things go awry and nothing goes your way, WALK AWAY take a break, go out and have fun. LET IT GO. come back the next day. if still stumped, seek help (pro not necessary, a friend will do)
3) develop a network of contacts, friends, etc. locally. they can be a great asset, especially in situations like #2. online communities are great, but the amount of help and quality of descriptions is limited by the media type. nothing like the personal experience.
4) this is supposed to be fun, recreational. if you are not having fun, and/or the hobby has taken over your whole life, you better hope you get an epiphany or a friend sacks up enough to tell you you're takin it too far and they're worried because they care... besides, if you want to devote your whole life to something that will put you in the red, may as well farm ...
5)do not be afraid to ask questions, ever.
6) do not feel discouraged/inferior by others' progress/skills/etc if it exceeds yours...this hot rodding/off roading/supe it up/etc thing is not competitive..races and competitions are, but they are supposed to be friendly atmospheres....
7) again, have fun!


-karl
ps 8) dont let me ramble on and on!!!