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Old 07-25-2021, 08:23 PM   #1
Y-Blockhead
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Default Snap-On Dwell Tach

I was given a Snap-On Dwell Tach Model # MT-715 the other day. I was wondering if anyone knows where I can find instructions for it. I Googled it with no love.

Connecting it is pretty straight forward, I am just wondering about the knob on the far right, specifically the "Set" setting? It doesn't have any hard detents, more like a potentiometer. Thanks.

I'm told the dwell angle for a Model A distributor is 42°.


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Old 07-25-2021, 09:09 PM   #2
Kurt in NJ
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Default Re: Snap-On Dwell Tach

When center knob is at "set" adjust right "set" knob so meter needle is in the "set" area on the right side of scale
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Old 07-25-2021, 09:35 PM   #3
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Default Re: Snap-On Dwell Tach

Call Snap-On customer service at 800-424-7226 or email them. Give them the model number of the meter you have, and they will send you a pdf of the manual.
That's what I did (a couple of years ago) for my MT414 and there customer service was top notch.
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Old 07-25-2021, 09:36 PM   #4
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Default Re: Snap-On Dwell Tach

There is a battery inside. Open it up and be sure that there isn't any corrosion
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Old 07-25-2021, 09:36 PM   #5
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Default Re: Snap-On Dwell Tach

A few comments. From the picture, the needle zero is off to the right of zero. To adjust first take a damp cloth or paper towel and wipe the plastic meter movement cover. Leave damp, this reduces static charge on plastic cover, then with a small blade screwdriver turn the plastic slot near the center bottom of plastic case to zero meter pointer. As it has a set pot that Kurt mentions, there may be a battery inside the unit. Turn unit over and see if it mentions an internal battery. Enjoy the dwell tach meter.
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Old 07-25-2021, 11:56 PM   #6
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Default Re: Snap-On Dwell Tach

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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kurt in NJ View Post
When center knob is at "set" adjust right "set" knob so meter needle is in the "set" area on the right side of scale
Kurt, Thanks. That makes Sense. I will do that in the morning. After "setting it" do I turn the pointer to the proper voltage for my car?

Quote:
Originally Posted by GRutter View Post
There is a battery inside. Open it up and be sure that there isn't any corrosion
GRutter. Yes, I opened it up. I replaced the three "C" cell batteries. I cleaned the minimal corrosion.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Herb Concord Ca View Post
A few comments. From the picture, the needle zero is off to the right of zero. To adjust first take a damp cloth or paper towel and wipe the plastic meter movement cover. Leave damp, this reduces static charge on plastic cover, then with a small blade screwdriver turn the plastic slot near the center bottom of plastic case to zero meter pointer. As it has a set pot that Kurt mentions, there may be a battery inside the unit. Turn unit over and see if it mentions an internal battery. Enjoy the dwell tach meter.
Herb, excellent. I wiped off the lens earlier and I think I caused the static electricity! I did try to adjust the meter. I'll try with a damp cloth as you suggest.

Thank you all for your responses. It seems like it is in pretty good shape. The wires have a few cracks in them, I may replace them.
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Old 07-26-2021, 01:45 PM   #7
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Default Re: Snap-On Dwell Tach

But what is the correct dwell for the 'A', guys? I thought I heard Les Andrews say in a YouTube video that 31 degrees was right for a 4 cylinder engine???? A curious mind wants to know the correct number. LOL
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Old 07-26-2021, 03:56 PM   #8
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Default Re: Snap-On Dwell Tach

Quote:
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But what is the correct dwell for the 'A', guys? I thought I heard Les Andrews say in a YouTube video that 31 degrees was right for a 4 cylinder engine???? A curious mind wants to know the correct number. LOL
Rob, in post #1 the dwell angle was said to be 42°. When checked, 42° equals .020" point gap. 30-35° would be for a six.
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Last edited by Ruth; 07-26-2021 at 07:27 PM.
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Old 07-26-2021, 11:00 PM   #9
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Default Re: Snap-On Dwell Tach

No change should be done to the gauge by adjusting the screw slot on front of meter. When new batteries are installed and meter is set to "Adjust" turn the dial till it matches the set line on front of meter. As the batteries age the set line may need to be adjusted since the batteries don't deliver the needed current.
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Old 07-27-2021, 12:02 AM   #10
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Default Re: Snap-On Dwell Tach

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No change should be done to the gauge by adjusting the screw slot on front of meter. When new batteries are installed and meter is set to "Adjust" turn the dial till it matches the set line on front of meter. As the batteries age the set line may need to be adjusted since the batteries don't deliver the needed current.
Thanks, KR500. I didn't have to adjust screw in front of the meter. The needle retured to zero by itself.

I put new batteries in and adjusted to the Set Line. What is confusing is what are the 6v, 12v and 24v positions for?

Since my car is 12v, do I turn the dial to 12v when the middle knob is in the dwell or tach positions? Thanks
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Old 09-23-2021, 12:58 PM   #11
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Default Re: Snap-On Dwell Tach

Quote:
Originally Posted by GRutter View Post
Call Snap-On customer service at 800-424-7226 or email them. Give them the model number of the meter you have, and they will send you a pdf of the manual.
That's what I did (a couple of years ago) for my MT414 and there customer service was top notch.
I just called Snap-On customer service and no luck and couldn't get past the automation.

I am looking for the manual, for a Snap-On folding primary Dwell Meter MT416.

Thank you,

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File Type: jpg Dwell 111.jpg (42.6 KB, 198 views)
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Old 09-24-2021, 04:36 PM   #12
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Default Re: Snap-On Dwell Tach

I think the 31 dwell is for the original A. And the 42 is for the B cam which is what all the venders sell now.
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Old 09-24-2021, 04:45 PM   #13
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Default Re: Snap-On Dwell Tach


Manual wanted, for a Snap-On folding primary Dwell Meter MT416.
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Old 09-25-2021, 12:34 PM   #14
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Default Re: Snap-On Dwell Tach

Looks self explanatory to me. Decide which RPM range desired, then select 4,6 or 8 cylinder engine. Bob's your uncle.
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Old 09-25-2021, 06:26 PM   #15
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Default Re: Snap-On Dwell Tach

Quote:
Originally Posted by katy View Post
Looks self explanatory to me. Decide which RPM range desired, then select 4,6 or 8 cylinder engine. Bob's your uncle.
Found one on e-bay for $35, to include shipping. Got it today, you are correct, is it pretty much self explanatory.

I replaced a few bad wires, then removed the works, and sanded the case and primed it. Will repaint it tomorrow.

The first thing I did was the 9 volt battery test, to confirm it worked. Great idea!
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Dwell 111.jpg (42.6 KB, 13 views)
File Type: jpg Dwell case 1.jpg (38.0 KB, 11 views)
File Type: jpg Dwell case 2.jpg (62.1 KB, 10 views)
File Type: jpg Dwell case 3.jpg (50.6 KB, 11 views)
File Type: jpg Dwell case 4.jpg (54.3 KB, 8 views)
File Type: jpg Dwell case 5.jpg (49.9 KB, 6 views)
File Type: jpg Dwell case 6.jpg (51.1 KB, 7 views)
File Type: jpg Dwell case 7.jpg (54.9 KB, 7 views)

Last edited by Merc Cruzer; 09-26-2021 at 08:55 AM.
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Old 09-27-2021, 01:08 PM   #16
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Default Re: Snap-On Dwell Tach

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob Doe View Post
But what is the correct dwell for the 'A', guys? I thought I heard Les Andrews say in a YouTube video that 31 degrees was right for a 4 cylinder engine???? A curious mind wants to know the correct number. LOL
I use Mallory(bullet proof) dists.
One of my units has an alum ID tag riveted
to unit. This tag,unfortunately …. is not
present on all my units (anyone know why ?).
This tag info:
POINT SET AT… 0.021;
DWELL SET AT…0.034.
Your choice what you do with your equipment.

BTW… your friend gave you a GOOD piece of equip !!
I have one , nearly 60 yrs. bot new !!

Last edited by hardtimes; 09-27-2021 at 09:12 PM. Reason: Xxxx. CORRECTION .017 ; should be.021
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Old 09-27-2021, 03:51 PM   #17
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Default Re: Snap-On Dwell Tach

The 715 is a great tool. I had one for years but an undetected leaky battery pretty much ruined it. Take care of yours.
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Old 09-28-2021, 12:00 PM   #18
katy
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Default Re: Snap-On Dwell Tach

I have one like this: https://www.ebay.ca/itm/203496073248...SABEgL5E_D_BwE

Works good and doesn't use a battery.
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