Analog engine analyzer info needed
 

Since most older engine analyzers (analog) state for use on 12v
ignition systems only, can I use one on a 6 volt system? I think if
I use a 12v battery, it might work. Digital analyzers are to flaky
with readouts that I just don't like. So, what's the deal? I'm looking
at buying a Sears type analog, for example.

Re: Analog engine analyzer info needed
 

I've never looked closely at those things, but i suspect you'll have problems with positive vs negative ground as well a 6 vs 12 volts. Probably better to find an analog multimeter.

Re: Analog engine analyzer info needed
 

I still use my old Sears engine analyzer hooked up to the 6 volt battery in the car, even though it says 12 volt. If you want, you can always use a 12 volt battery to power it. About the only thing I have to use 12 volts on, is the timing light, just because it makes it brighter.

Re: Analog engine analyzer info needed
 

I have an old Allen Tune cabinet scope with a bunch of different things to hook up on it.A few years ago A man was looking at it who used them when they were new.He hooked my 54 Studebaker up to it,and was showing a couple of guys in my garage how it worked.I was busy,but when I walked by it I could see all eight cylinders firing on the screen.He stuck the sniffer in the tailpipe and you could watch one of the needles move as he turned the screws on the carb.I have an old Heathkit analyzer too,that one is small,simple,and will work on an A.I never use it but was shown that it would work.

Re: Analog engine analyzer info needed
 

I have used my old timing light and engine analyzer on my 6 volt positive ground Tudor by hooking the light and analyzer to a 12 volt battery. However, I only used the analyzer for its tachometer function. Has anyone checked their dwell on one of these?

Re: Analog engine analyzer info needed
 

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Re: Analog engine analyzer info needed
 

I tried one of the clip on timing lights with tach.

Re: Analog engine analyzer info needed
 

I use a King Motor analyzer on the A occasionally. You might still be able to find something from the 40/50’s that will work on both systems.

Mike

Re: Analog engine analyzer info needed
 

Yes, I have checked the dwell and tachometer using the Sears engine analyzer and it works. I also use my hand held dwell/tach an the Snap-On dwell/tach gauge, to compare the readings. All are very close.

Re: Analog engine analyzer info needed
 

What kind of readings do you get for dwell? I was thing of using my dwell tach to check.

Re: Analog engine analyzer info needed
 

From left to right: 26, 27, 26

Re: Analog engine analyzer info needed
 

Re: Analog engine analyzer info needed
 

All my old ones are marked like that.For 4 cyl.double 8 cyl.readings.

Re: Analog engine analyzer info needed
 

Thanks everyone for the good advice & info. Now to look for a unit that is
in good condition to buy.

Thanks Again,
Dino Falabrino

Re: Analog engine analyzer info needed
 

What all do these engine analyzers analyze? I see on Merc Cruiser's picture of his Sears engine analyzer there is: RPM, dwell, points (good, bad, open), volts. Anything else?

Re: Analog engine analyzer info needed
 

The box says it tests: point dwell, point resistance, RPM, idle speed, alternator output, charging amps, starter cable and voltage drops

My hand held's only do dwell and RPM.

Re: Analog engine analyzer info needed
 

Thanks

Re: Analog engine analyzer info needed
 

Yeah, the "Engine Analyzer" moniker had the odor of at least a little bit of marketing wankery to it.

Re: Analog engine analyzer info needed
 

My goal is own a SUN machine, and watch each cylinder fire, for a comparison. Which I would probably do a couple of times and then complain, where am I going to store it. I know a shop that still has one, so I will probably just take my 53' Merc there and do a video, of it on the machine, as they go through the test. Much easier to store a thumb drive!

Re: Analog engine analyzer info needed
 

I have an Allen Tune scope that shows the individual cylinders firing.It actually shows the path of juice from the distributer to the plugs.I remember the tool trucks and the parts stores trying to peddle these machines to garages in the 70's.It looked like if you showed the customer you were checking his car with that fancy machine you could charge more money.I've gotten a lot of scopes over the years from garage cleanouts.I used to sell them to muscle car guys,who mostly used them as displays in their garages with their cars.I think that fad passed on,I used to sell them right off,but I have had two hanging around right now for about 10 years.Ive had them for sale for $125.for the pair,no interest at all.I have pictures but can't post them here anymore.