Timing light and dwell meter recomendations
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,054
Likes: 715
From: San Antonio Texas
Timing light and dwell meter recomendations
Thanks for the help with my L-46 folks. It has been brought to my attention I need a good dwell meter and Dial Back timing light. Are there any good ones I could pick up at NAPA, AZ, Sears???? Or are the best ones internet/mail order? I don't want to necessarily break the bank here, BUT I don't mind spending a little more $$ to get one that works better, or is more user friendly. Thanks, Lee
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,235
Likes: 4,325
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Lee,
I recently bought an Actron digital timing light and dwell meter; they are both sold at Sears and other places.
I've been pleased with both.
Regards,
Alan
I think you'll find that the majority of the 'help' in the stores won't know what they are.
I recently bought an Actron digital timing light and dwell meter; they are both sold at Sears and other places.
I've been pleased with both.
Regards,
Alan
I think you'll find that the majority of the 'help' in the stores won't know what they are.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,117
From: Crossville TN
Before you drop a lot of ca$h on new stuff, why not check out some of the local pawn shops first. Those items are usually around...as not many folks need them anymore...and can be found pretty cheap. Ask the shop if there is any kind of warranty (or return) on the items, in case they just don't work. Usually, there is a 30 day "money back" guarantee on such items.
You should look for a timing light with a clip-over spark pickup and a dial-back function (if you can find it). An inexpensive 'degree tape' that you can stick on your harmonic damper will suffice if you can't find a dial-back unit easily. And, most of the dwell meters are also tachometers (engine RPM). That is a nice function for easily setting idle speed as you are working under the hood.
You should look for a timing light with a clip-over spark pickup and a dial-back function (if you can find it). An inexpensive 'degree tape' that you can stick on your harmonic damper will suffice if you can't find a dial-back unit easily. And, most of the dwell meters are also tachometers (engine RPM). That is a nice function for easily setting idle speed as you are working under the hood.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 805
Likes: 5
From: Naperville Illinois
I have that exact same Sears analyzer, purchased in the mid-80's, and it still works perfectly. 
I know Acton makes a dwell meter that they sell on Amazon for around $30 bucks with free shipping. As far as the light, I bought a dial-back light with a metal case from Summit Racing for $55, it's not digital but it works great and I was worried about getting a plastic light
I know Acton makes a dwell meter that they sell on Amazon for around $30 bucks with free shipping. As far as the light, I bought a dial-back light with a metal case from Summit Racing for $55, it's not digital but it works great and I was worried about getting a plastic light
