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Sat Oct 31, 2009 12:35 pm

Sounds dumb but I just want to confirm. I only have access to a Sears 6 & 8 Cylinder Dwell/Tach meter. I have read that to determine the 4 cylinder dwell you just double the reading for the 8 cylinder dwell. That is correct? If I have to buy a new dwell meter I will, but I am hoping not to have to do so. Also, how accurate is that method? Thanks. Sorry for the lame question.

Sat Oct 31, 2009 1:43 pm

Quote: determine the 4 cylinder dwell you just double the reading for the 8 cylinder dwell. That is correct?

Yes, 22 to 25 on the V8 scale.

Mon Nov 16, 2009 8:57 am

Anyone know a good place to get a tach dwell meter? Also, what electronic ignition system is recommended for a 72 Standard Beetle, if I were to switch it over. I found several around.

Mon Nov 16, 2009 9:03 am

I don't think tach/dwell meters are made anymore, are they? (I have one, but I'm not parting ways with it! It was my grandfathers - and still works flawlessly).

Coincidentally, anyone know where one may get their paws on one of the Sun Engine Analyzer machines (oscilloscope-type)?

Ebay, Craigslist, or Hemmings would be my best guess for finding 'em.

Mon Nov 16, 2009 9:11 am

Quote: I don't think tach/dwell meters are made anymore, are they?

'They' make electronic ones. I just got a Sunpro model off of EBay. Harbor Frieight makes one for under $40.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=95670

Mon Nov 16, 2009 9:15 am

mdpry wrote: Also, what electronic ignition system is recommended for a 72 Standard Beetle, if I were to switch it over. I found several around.
There's nothing wrong with points, but if you insist on a "points replacement" the Pertronix seems the most popular. Just make sure you carry a spare distributor or at least points and condenser, because when they fail... you're walking.

Mon Nov 16, 2009 9:21 am

Glenn wrote:
There's nothing wrong with points, but if you insist on a "points replacement" the Pertronix seems the most popular. Just make sure you carry a spare distributor or at least points and condenser, because when they fail... you're walking.

I have never had a car with points, guess I'm just spooked. :) I just keep hearing some complaints about fuel mileage and keeping in time. I found a tach dwell at autozone (I know..).. and it was an analog sweep meter instead of digital, think it will work well?

Mon Nov 16, 2009 10:43 am

Read this: Pertronix vs Points

The short form is personal preference. There is not MPG or performance advantage to a "points replacement".

Either way... just drive the car.

Mon Nov 16, 2009 11:10 am

Glenn wrote: Read this: Pertronix vs Points

The short form is personal preference. There is not MPG or performance advantage to a "points replacement".

Either way... just drive the car.

Thanks for setting me straight.. I hadn't seen those posts. I think I will, at least for now, stay with points and pick up a tach/dwell meter. The car will need all the other maintenance anyway and I think if I have to maintenance the points, it will be a good time to do the other as well rather than putting it off till later. Lazy can be contagious.. :) Will the analog sweep needle meter work as well as the newer type digital ones?

Mon Nov 16, 2009 12:19 pm

I use this tach/dwell meter myself....(the volt ohm fuctions are handy to have)...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002LZU7K/ref=pd...4NHG2RX427

Mon Nov 16, 2009 12:49 pm

Randy in Maine wrote: I use this tach/dwell meter myself....(the volt ohm fuctions are handy to have)...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002LZU7K/ref=pd...4NHG2RX427

Awesome, I'll probably be buying that one. Here's the one I found at Autozone. http://www.amazon.com/gp/upsell-widgets/click.html...75P70Ew9tk

Hope that link works..

Mon Nov 16, 2009 9:35 pm

I use the digital multi-meter - great tool.

However, nothing beats the feel and feedback from my Sears and Heath Kit analog analyzers.

Pat (66foot)

Mon Nov 16, 2009 10:06 pm

imho the analog are easier to use. It is easier to find a 6 & 8 cylinder version and do a little math= good to stay in practice.

Wed Nov 18, 2009 3:58 pm

Sears still sells analog dwell meters. Around 29 bucks, at least here in Cali.

Wed Nov 18, 2009 8:04 pm

Never seen a digital meter with the dwell and tach - that's pretty cool!

A lot of folks out there haven't used a volt-ohm meter before.
One of these would be a way to get them all together.
Once you learn how to use a VOM, you'll wonder how you ever did without it.

Now let's see them make one with an advance timing light built in... :)