How do I check my Dwell Meter?

[Paulporsche]

Here's one for the oldtimers (either car or driver. LOL):

I still have points on my modded SC engine, which runs a pre SC distributor. I'll probably change to a Pertronix eventually but for the time being I set the dwell with a meter.

My question is, before I start the process, can I test the actual meter to see if it is working correctly? EG if I put a multimeter on the 2 leads, should it produce any reading? It runs off the ignition, not a battery. I currently have it hooked up and it reads max dwell, which suggests to me the point block has worn down. Obviously I can fool with the points gap and see if the reading changes, but if it doesn't then I have to rely on a feeler gauge, which isn't as accurate. And then I'd have to reset the timing, but my timing light has given up the ghost!

I know that when I set the dwell to 36 then I have the timing I like so I want to make sure the meter is working before I throw things out of whack.

I realize that I wouldn't have to bother this with a Pertronix. I just need to know if I can trust my meter now. If I can't find a way to test the meter then I'll just bite the bullet and try a reset. Not the end of the world.

[stevej37]

I still own a Sears Engine Analyzer...haven't used it since the late 60's, but it was in great working condition when I put it on the shelf.
I opened the box just now and the instructions were still there. No word about testing the dwell function.
I hooked the pos & neg to my tractor...and it pegged the needle to max...using the dwell function.
Don't know if that helps.
If your dwell-meter doesn't work..send me a message. I have no use for this one.

[Paulporsche]

Thanks Steve.

I've done some more digging and it looks like there really isn't a way to check an old analog meter like mine. I'm going to assume it's just a worn down rub block producing little or no gap opening and subsequent pegging of the needle. The gauge worked the last time I used it (last Aug) and the needle moves freely when I agitate the meter.

If it turns out this doesn't do it, I can set the points by feeler and just get a new timing light. It's just so convenient to know that the timing is right when I set the points to 35 or 36.

[smadsen]

Take a reading with your dwell meter. Then check it with another meter (borrowed). If they match, you're good to go. If not, find a third meter to break the tie.

Also, make sure you set the meter for the number of cylinders. The eight cylinder scale doesn't work on a six cylinder motor.

[Paulporsche]

Looks like the meter is kaput. New points with varying gaps produce no reading for either the 6 cyl dwell or point condition scales. The needle is maxed out, just as Steve describes his.

The old points actually looked good with plenty of rub block left.

I'll borrow another meter and give it a try.

[cpa]

Paulporsche, just a thought from an “old timer” you don’t say what make meter you have, I’ve had meters that were battery powered. Usually easy to take the back off to check.

[Paulporsche]

LOL. Thanks fellow oldtimer CPA. It's a hand held Sears unit. Opened up the back. No battery required.