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JD in KC

Dwell / Tachometer Question

Home away from home

I'm hoping to pick up a dwell/tach meter off of eBay or Craigslist. My question is, do I need to get one that is specifically for 6volt positive ground, or is voltage/ground even relevant to the pre-70's meters? Most of what I've seen were 'found in Granpa's garage' and don't have the manual with them. In one case the manual was there, but supposedly made no mention of required voltage/grounding. Any help/information is appreciated as always.

Posted on: 2008/12/20 13:25

JD
1941 180 Limousine
1949 Custom Touring Sedan (22nd Series)
1950 Custom Touring Sedan

Owen_Dyneto

Re: Dwell / Tachometer Question

Forum Ambassador

For a 6 volt car you need a 6 volt dwell meter. But they are not specific to positive or negative ground, you just reverse the leads to change polarity.

Posted on: 2008/12/20 15:42

Phil Randolph

Re: Dwell / Tachometer Question

Home away from home

I have a "vintage" Penske tach/dwell meter and it doesn't care what the voltage is as long as I hook up pos to pos and neg to neg

Posted on: 2008/12/20 17:08

Scott726

Re: Dwell / Tachometer Question

Just can't stay away

Same with my old Craftsman Tach/Dwell meter.

Posted on: 2008/12/20 17:10

1930 Packard 726

JWL

Re: Dwell / Tachometer Question

Home away from home

I recently bought a Sears Tach-Dwell-Volt Meter. For the Tach/Dwell it works with either 6- or 12-volt and + or - ground. I miss using the great old Sun equipment. I wish I had all that stuff now. Oh well . . .

Posted on: 2008/12/20 17:50

We move toward
And make happen
What occupies our mind... (W. Scherer)

Owen_Dyneto

Re: Dwell / Tachometer Question

Forum Ambassador

Maybe it's got a "smart circuit"? Really, the Sun test equipment was terrific stuff for sure. I've got a friend with a complete Sun distributor test machine; if I was a bit younger and doing as much car work as I used to, I'd buy it.

Posted on: 2008/12/20 18:12

Dave Kenney

Re: Dwell / Tachometer Question

Forum Ambassador

I have a vintage mechanical dwell meter possibly made before the electronic ones came on the market. I can post a photo if anyone is interested. It is a beautifully made device and comes in a lovely little velvet lined box.I think it is Stewart Warner.

Posted on: 2008/12/20 20:36