Another Sun Distributor Machine question
#1
Team Owner
Thread Starter
Another Sun Distributor Machine question
Does anyone know what the difference is between a Sun Distributor Machine model SDT, 404 and 504.
From what I have researched so far the SDT stands for Standard Distributor Tester and was produced in the mid to late 50's.
Is there an advantage over a SDT, 404 or 504 when it comes to testing 60-70's distributors?
Thanks, I have nothing else to do on a Sat night.
From what I have researched so far the SDT stands for Standard Distributor Tester and was produced in the mid to late 50's.
Is there an advantage over a SDT, 404 or 504 when it comes to testing 60-70's distributors?
Thanks, I have nothing else to do on a Sat night.
#2
Race Director
Member Since: Nov 2000
Location: Beverly Hills (Pine Ridge) Florida
Posts: 10,152
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Does anyone know what the difference is between a Sun Distributor Machine model SDT, 404 and 504.
From what I have researched so far the SDT stands for Standard Distributor Tester and was produced in the mid to late 50's.
Is there an advantage over a SDT, 404 or 504 when it comes to testing 60-70's distributors?
Thanks, I have nothing else to do on a Sat night.
From what I have researched so far the SDT stands for Standard Distributor Tester and was produced in the mid to late 50's.
Is there an advantage over a SDT, 404 or 504 when it comes to testing 60-70's distributors?
Thanks, I have nothing else to do on a Sat night.
Newer units have integral power transformers that supply those voltages, rather than my older unit that requires the batteries.
As for function, I know of no difference between the older machines and the newer units in testing of points type distributors.
I have also made an adapter so that I can test HEI distributors (early non computer type with mechanical and vacuum advance).
I also (today) tested a ProComp electronic trigger distributor (not a good sample dist., due to .020" lateral runout at the bottom bearing/shaft, but I could check the curve and output just fine).
Plasticman
#3
Tech Contributor
Mine is a model PDT-5D. The operator's manual lists a 1975 publish date, but internally my machine has ink stamps from the mid 80s.
I've got the transformers for power, instead of a separate 12v source.
Plasticman became quite familiar with the insides of mine in August, helping me get it working
I've got the transformers for power, instead of a separate 12v source.
Plasticman became quite familiar with the insides of mine in August, helping me get it working
#4
Team Owner
Thread Starter
Thanks for the info and pictures, I'm guessing it would not be all that difficult to convert a SDT over to a 12V power supply for the ignition current and step down the voltage for the Tach and Dwell meters or like Plasticman says buy a lawn mower batt and 2 D cells.
#5
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Member Since: Nov 2000
Location: Beverly Hills (Pine Ridge) Florida
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I have not converted the 12 volt battery, since I did not have a transformer or power supply adapter sufficient for that amount of current. Yes, I could purchase one, but I always have a spare 12 volt battery somewhere anyway.
Plasticman
#6
Team Owner
Thread Starter
Well I ran across a DT 404 machine that has 3 issues;
1. The machine rubber drive wheel has a flat spot, should not be that big od a deal to fix.
2. The vacuum pump is a little on the weak side only pulling 8" HG, worn pump, leak?? Who knows but I do have a vac pump I could plumb into it.
3. The 3 jaw Buck chuck has no jaws, the chuck works fine. Seller thinks he has located a set.
1. The machine rubber drive wheel has a flat spot, should not be that big od a deal to fix.
2. The vacuum pump is a little on the weak side only pulling 8" HG, worn pump, leak?? Who knows but I do have a vac pump I could plumb into it.
3. The 3 jaw Buck chuck has no jaws, the chuck works fine. Seller thinks he has located a set.
#7
Race Director
Member Since: Nov 2000
Location: Beverly Hills (Pine Ridge) Florida
Posts: 10,152
Received 525 Likes
on
374 Posts
Well I ran across a DT 404 machine that has 3 issues;
1. The machine rubber drive wheel has a flat spot, should not be that big of a deal to fix.
2. The vacuum pump is a little on the weak side only pulling 8" HG, worn pump, leak?? Who knows but I do have a vac pump I could plumb into it.
3. The 3 jaw Buck chuck has no jaws, the chuck works fine. Seller thinks he has located a set.
1. The machine rubber drive wheel has a flat spot, should not be that big of a deal to fix.
2. The vacuum pump is a little on the weak side only pulling 8" HG, worn pump, leak?? Who knows but I do have a vac pump I could plumb into it.
3. The 3 jaw Buck chuck has no jaws, the chuck works fine. Seller thinks he has located a set.
Have not had any issues with my vacuum pump, and all my jaws are good.
Seems to me that 62Jeff had to replace the rubber hoses to fix his vacuum pump output.
Here is a pic of my well used, but in good shape SDT.
You can see the 2 "D" cell (batteries) covers in the lower right, but I added small rectangular labels on them to remind me they were replaced with power supplies (and how to adjust them - if needed).
Plasticman
Last edited by Plasticman; 09-28-2008 at 04:10 PM.
#8
Tech Contributor
I was getting 11" of vacuum the first time I cranked mine up. But I snipped the hard ends off of all the vacuum hoses, and re-attached the hoses, and get over 21" now. For now this was the lazy way to "replace" my hoses - just getting rid of the old ends with the well-worn holes.
#9
A SDT is from the mid-1950's. 404's & 504's were made from 1969 to 1978. A SDT has three meters- tach, dwell & vacuum, all on the right side of the machine. An ok machine, but old. A 404 is like a SDT but newer with upgrades - no batteries and spins faster, 0-4000 RPM. It too has tach, dwell & vacuum on the right side of the machine. A 504 is a four meter machine with tach & dwell on the left and condenser & vacuum on the right. No batteries and 0-4000 RPM. I would go with a 404 or 504 depending on your needs. By the way, I have 35 Sun distributor tester machines for sale.
Mark Saunders
Ph. # 616 878 9734
I'm in Michigan.
Mark Saunders
Ph. # 616 878 9734
I'm in Michigan.
#10
Sun distributor tester machines
A SDT is from the mid-1950's. 404's & 504's were made from 1969 to 1978. A SDT has three meters- tach, dwell & vacuum, all on the right side of the machine. An ok machine, but old. A 404 is like a SDT but newer with upgrades - no batteries and spins faster, 0-4000 RPM. It too has tach, dwell & vacuum on the right side of the machine. A 504 is a four meter machine with tach & dwell on the left and condenser & vacuum on the right. No batteries and 0-4000 RPM. I would go with a 404 or 504 depending on your needs. By the way, I have 35 Sun distributor tester machines for sale.
Mark Saunders
Ph. # 616 878 9734
I'm in Michigan.
Mark Saunders
Ph. # 616 878 9734
I'm in Michigan.