Good Dwell Meters

[sdg3205]

We all need them.

What's a good, relatively affordable, but accurate dwell meter? Where's the best place to get it?

Hows this one (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Didital-Tachomete-meter-TACH-DWELL-Tester-Multimeter-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem1c1d73b669QQitemZ12075 3206889QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomotiveQ5fTools#ht_1878wt_ 941)? Anyone tried it?

[Bitsyncmaster]

That looks like a nice unit but I've never used it.

I like the temp sensor and 20 amp current range.

[DMCMW Dave]

We use this one. Not cheap but is a great meter.


http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/MD590/PROFESSIONAL-AUTOMOTIVE-METER/

[mluder]

How about this one?
http://www.amazon.com/Extech-EX330-Autoranging-Multimeter-Thermometer/dp/B000EX0AE4/ref=sr_1_19?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1312921545&sr=1-19

Steve
#4456

[DMCMW Dave]

How about this one?
http://www.amazon.com/Extech-EX330-Autoranging-Multimeter-Thermometer/dp/B000EX0AE4/ref=sr_1_19?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1312921545&sr=1-19

Steve
#4456

It does not appear to have a dwell function. Looks like typical no-brand stuff. PRobably OK as a basic voltmeter.

What we like about the matco is the dwell function works very well, and the ammmeter goes to 20A which is pretty unusual in a small meter. But handy for testing fans.

[jmettee]

I've got the Actron Digital Troubleshooter CP7677 http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16155

Good little unit. While I've heard the analog meters are best since the needle swings back & forth, this one updates fast enough for me to set the DMC pretty good. It refreshes approx every 1/2 second, so I watch the display cycle between 35 & 45 when setting my mixture (target being 40). Also has the tach function you can use if you don't believe your dash gauge is working right.

[Bitsyncmaster]

It does not appear to have a dwell function. Looks like typical no-brand stuff. PRobably OK as a basic voltmeter.

What we like about the matco is the dwell function works very well, and the ammmeter goes to 20A which is pretty unusual in a small meter. But handy for testing fans.

I see it has duty cycle which works just like dwell but the results are in %.

I have a higher priced Extech meter and like it. Can't say this lower priced one is as good since I've never used it.

[DMCMW Dave]

I see it has duty cycle which works just like dwell but the results are in %.

I have a higher priced Extech meter and like it. Can't say this lower priced one is as good since I've never used it.

Heh - missed that. Should be fine then. I have had an issue with HF meter not being sensitive enough on dwell, but if yours works this should too.

[mluder]

I just realized my multi-meter has a duty cycle function. So, where do I connect the leads to monitor it?

And... Once I do what number am I looking for? I seem to recal it was in the neighborhood of 35-40.

Steve
#4456

[Bitsyncmaster]

I read the dwell signal on a two pin connector in the engine harness about in the center near the firewall. That connector did go to the diagnostic connector but that was so corroded I removed it. That connector has an orange wire (dwell signal) and a purple wire (always 12 volts). So connect your red meter lead to the orange wire and the black lead to the engine block (ground).

Test your reading by pushing the WOT switch. You should read 60 % with that switch pressed.

[jmettee]

I read the dwell signal on a two pin connector in the engine harness about in the center near the firewall. That connector did go to the diagnostic connector but that was so corroded I removed it. That connector has an orange wire (dwell signal) and a purple wire (always 12 volts). So connect your red meter lead to the orange wire and the black lead to the engine block (ground).

Test your reading by pushing the WOT switch. You should read 60 % with that switch pressed.

Also note (not sure about duty cycle settings) but for the DWELL function, you need to set it to 4-cylinder instead of 6-cylinder. The DWELL function is not being used as it is supposed to be used which is the reason it doesn't match the engine cylinders. Duty cycle may not have cylinder settings....

[sdg3205]

Also note (not sure about duty cycle settings) but for the DWELL function, you need to set it to 4-cylinder instead of 6-cylinder. The DWELL function is not being used as it is supposed to be used which is the reason it doesn't match the engine cylinders. Duty cycle may not have cylinder settings....

So even if your meter can read 6 cyl you need to use 4?

Good to know!

[jmettee]

So even if your meter can read 6 cyl you need to use 4?

Good to know!

Yep, at least on mine. It's got 3 separate settings for dwell: 4, 6, or 8 cyl:
http://www.ntxtools.com/Merchant/graphics/00000001/act-cp7677.gif

[Bitsyncmaster]

That's one nice thing about Duty Cycle. There are no settings for the number of cylinders required.