Allen Syncrograph Model E-316 Looking Info & Parts

[Ziggster]

Picked up a vintage Allen Model E-316 Syncrograph today. l just got home after driving all day to get it. It's missing all the adapters and I'm sure some other stuff. I'll post more details as I start to dig into it. It is a beautiful Art Deco design. Please let me know if you have additional info or parts for it.

[Ziggster]

Here is the manual.

[Kurt in NJ]

I don't know model #, but probably similar internally, haven't found anything in parts, would like to find a meter lens, top one I sanded and polished, the bottom one has a big divot in the center, still thinking about repairs,have to rewire the power, test and change capacitors etc

The valves in the vacuum pump are Schrader valves that look like for tires, but they have a very light spring tension, use ones for compression testers

For chuck key I will copy the one that came with my other machine,piece of key stock with a knob

The sunnen flathead distributor adapter fits the Allen machine too

[Ziggster]

That looks almost identical to either the E1416HD or the E1415HD model according to the manual. Can't tell which is which as one of the models as an additional feature to display specs for different vehicle distributors. The manual is currently for sale on eBay for only $18.95.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Allen-Model...wAAOSwVJhZRnL4

There is also one of the machines for sale as well on eBay for $599.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-All...YAAOSwxupcszYX

[Ziggster]

Came across this incredible resto-mod restoration of one. I also came across a very nice vintage artsy pic, but of course I can't find that link.

[Ziggster]

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Found the pic. Lol. For some reason, it wouldn't let me save it.

[Ziggster]

Also found this resto-mod restoration on Barrett-Jackson. It must have been an incredible amount of work to restore it. Asking $1725.

[Ziggster]

Geez. Another one Barrett-Jackson. Sold for $3,800!.

[Ziggster]

This one sold at Bonams for $561 in 2007!

[Ziggster]

Had a quick look inside. Everything seems to appear in good order. I understand that it needs a six volt battery, and it has two non original black leads coming down from the inside upper right rear corner. The manual is a copy, and of course they managed to cut off part of the schematic. Any help on which of the two leads go where would be much appreciated.

[Ziggster]

Was about to purchase a 6V UPS battery, but had second thoughts when I saw how small it was. I did a quick search on the net and found this thread, where Don mentions in post #24 that it requires an automotive size battery. So, I found that the same store actually had an automotive size battery contrary to what they had originally told me. Their site said they should have one in stock, but of course they couldn't find it. Luckily, another one of their stores had one not too far away. I'm not sure yet what the battery is supposed to power, but I'm sure it should be more than enough with 640 CCA and 130 minute reserve capacity.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...9786&showall=1

[Ziggster]

Found this on Internet Archieve.

[Ziggster]

Second page...

[Ziggster]

Some more pics of the unit. Tag on rear actually shows it being a model E121.6HD. Strange as I can't find anything on the net with that model number.

[Ziggster]

The main drive motor with vacuum pump on top.

[Ziggster]

The distributor drive mechanism.

[Ziggster]

The trickle charger.

[Ziggster]

Dug into it a little tonight. The manual mentions there are three flashlight type D cells contained in the compartment at the rear of the of the Dwell-Tach instrument chassis. I don't see any batteries or even evidence there were once some there. I guess I'll need to dig some more.

[Ziggster]

Other side with spec sheet scroll wooden drums.

[Ziggster]

I took a couple pics of the damaged distributor spec sheets pertaining to Ford/ Lincoln/Mercury.

[Ziggster]

Second one.

I want to give a big thanks to a fellow member who was kind enough to email a page from his manual. That's what makes this community so great. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to contact me.

[Ziggster]

Did some more digging and I think I figured out the positive and negative wires. It seems whoever worked on it even left a piece of black tape on the negative lead. The wire is still the original even though they added a cheap terminal connector, but the condition is such that it needs to be replaced.

[Ziggster]

A few pics of the inside bottom rear corners. There is quite a bit of white powder, which is likely the result of severe battery corrosion. The rear opening seems to be the access for the battery, but I'm missing that cover. In pics of the same/ similar unit the cover has a few louvres it in. The bottom of the unit also has many small round holes which I'm guessing were to help vent the battery compartment.

[Ziggster]

Other side. Damn I wish I could post multiple pics, but it never seems to work. Other corner.

[Ziggster]

Another sort of anomaly is the blank hole near the tower for the distributor clamping mechanism. I've seen pics of some units with the same hole, others with something sticking out of the hole, but the pics are not that clear. Going through the drawer full of items, it seems like this knurled part is supposed to go into that hole. I have no idea what its purpose is, but it appears it was supposed to be connected to a chain.
Also, the manual mentions a worklight. There is an item on the schematic "Inspection Light", but I'm not sure if this is supposed to be the work light.

[Ziggster]

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D'oh. I think I figured out the "Inspection Light". It was under my nose the entire time, but the schematic mentions a two-prong connector, but it actually uses a three-prong connector. However, a quick check behind the connector mounted on the panel shows that only two prongs are actually used.

[Ziggster]

Here is a pic from the manual. It is hard to see as the quality isn't that great, but it appears it is connected to the alligator clip used on the distributor lead. It definitely is not connected as mine is from near the Dwell/ Cam Angle Meter. It is located just above the distributor body.

[Ziggster]

Additionally, I figured out what that knurled piece is for. It is the chuck key for the distributor rotating jaws, and is supposed to connected by a chain per the sales Brouchure.

[Ziggster]

Exploded view of a pic from same sales brochure showing the chuck key.

[Edit] I just noticed there is no hole for the knurled chuck key in the pic from the manual in post #27. I'm guessing the unit went through several iterations during its life.

[Zeke3]

Ziggster, I have not seen one of these and probably never will, but have enjoyed the information. Thanks for taking us along as you become more familiar with this machine.

[Ziggster]

This might be a candidate for repainting this puppy.

[Ziggster]

Originally Posted by Zeke3

Ziggster, I have not seen one of these and probably never will, but have enjoyed the information. Thanks for taking us along as you become more familiar with this machine.

Thanks. Hoping others can use the info. I enjoy this, maybe too much, as I should be working on my speedster. Lol...

[Ziggster]

After taking a closer look at the VHT wrinkle paint, I realized that wasn't the correct finish. The correct paint finish typical for a lot of residential and industrial machines of that era was called hammer-tone, or hammered. It seems that there are not many options other than perhaps Rust-Oleum Verde Green (spray can) and Hammerite Mid Green (brush on). Krylon also sells a hammered paint line (spray can), but unfortunately nothing is available in green.