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Tue Dec 16, 2008 3:55 pm

My Step-mom is pestering me for X-mas gift ideas. This is something I'm sure I'll need in the future. Is there a good package in the $100 range I can add to my list? Would Sears have a good one:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00921023000P

Sears has an actron dwell meter:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00902165000P?vName=Tools&cName=Mechanics+Tools

Thanks for your feedback.
Terry

Tue Dec 16, 2008 4:26 pm

I don't know about that dwell meter... it looks pretty cheap. I'm sure it would work though. I saw one at Harbor Freight yesterday for 5 bucks, its probably the same one. The timing light will work great but you might as well only get this one

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00921027000P?mv=rr

Craftsman has a lifetime warranty so even if you do have problems you'll get a new one anyways.

Tue Dec 16, 2008 4:40 pm

I have that same timing light and it has served me well for a number of years.

For a dwell tach, I prefer this one as it is also a volt ohm meter.....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Actron-Digital-Engi...QQtcZphoto

Tue Dec 16, 2008 4:59 pm

I have that dwell/tach and it works great Easy to read, if you don't mind an analog reading.

I also use this Actron timing light, which they have at autozone, I paid $35 for it and seriously it works great. Its very bright, so you can use it in broad light. I figured why spend $100 on a timing light, when I'll only be checking the timing every now and then.

http://www.amazon.com/Actron-CP7527-Inductive-Timi...amp;sr=8-3

Tue Dec 16, 2008 5:27 pm

i have that dwell tach volt meter the same exact one, it works very well but you have to multiply everything by 2 since it gives a V8 readout, so at 900rpm it reads 450. same for dwell but its easy enough. dont touch those wires off it it zapped me a few times

Wed Dec 17, 2008 12:37 pm

I would get the next model up on the dwell/tach. That's what I have. It has 4,6,8 cylinder configurations, high, low readings, volt and dwell. You can find them on e-bay too much cheaper than at sears. That model will work with GM /Ford vehicles too

As for the timing light, I have a cheap one. But if I had to do it again I would spend the extra money and get a digital adjustable light. The reason being, you can use it on other more modern cars too. Also the adjust ability feature will make it easy to set timing.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00920927000P?mv=rr

or

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00920894000P?mv=rr

Wed Dec 17, 2008 1:39 pm

Go digital on the tach/dwell meter. Even a cheap one will suffice. That way they don't go out of calibration if bumped, like an analog gauge will. I think I bought mine on sale at Kragen, Pep Boys, Chief auto, etc. for abot $20 on sale.

I always just used a light bulb for static timing. On other cars I used a simple strobe, but now I use the Sears model with the dial-able advance ($100), since it's harder to measure advance with the T3 pulley. On my old Bug I just made a mark using a protractor, and then coudl check full rpm advance as well as idle timing with a simple strobe.

Wed Dec 17, 2008 6:51 pm

train99 wrote: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00921023000P

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00902165000P?vName=Tools&cName=Mechanics+Tools
I have that exact pair of timing light and dwell meter. I've had zero problems with either one, I especially like the timing light but if I had to do it again I might get a nicer dwell meter/tach.

Thu Dec 18, 2008 7:38 am

I have several digital tach/dwell meters, but I find they can all be erratic in reading RPM, and sometimes dwell as well. Never have that issue with analog though.

The timing light, I have the cheaper version of that one, without the advance dial on it. Very strong and well built.

Thu Dec 18, 2008 11:50 am

mnussbau wrote: I have that exact pair of timing light and dwell meter. I've had zero problems with either one, I especially like the timing light but if I had to do it again I might get a nicer dwell meter/tach.

Similarly, I have an Actron dwell meter and a Sears timing light. Both are at least 25 years old, so that's a vote of confidence.