[Bungee]

I've always taken my car to a shop in for things even remotely electrical. Never owned a timing light. Never owned an electrical tester.

But I'd like to start troubleshooting electrical systems myself now. With that in mind, could someone please recommend:
1. The types of tools needed to diagnose electrical problems in the car (ideally, I could use these for around the house too)?
2. Anything I need to do a good tune-up, other than a timing light?
3. Features I need to look for in a good timing light and electical diagnostic tools?

Cheers

[Bungee]

I've always taken my car to a shop in for things even remotely electrical. Never owned a timing light. Never owned an electrical tester.

But I'd like to start troubleshooting electrical systems myself now. With that in mind, could someone please recommend:
1. The types of tools needed to diagnose electrical problems in the car (ideally, I could use these for around the house too)?
2. Anything I need to do a good tune-up, other than a timing light?
3. Features I need to look for in a good timing light and electical diagnostic tools?

Cheers

[68CONV400]

I would recommend:

1)Either a Fluke or Greenlee Multimeter (Volt/Ohm meter) I feel is THE MOST IMPORTANT electrical tool to get.And yes,you can use it on your house too.

2)Dwell/RPM Gauge (If you have a points-type dist.)

3)Timing light that's adjustable.(It's good for setting timing advance that doesn't show up on the stock timing marks.

4)Wiring diamgrams of the vehicle your working on.

Hope this helps,

Charlie

[Bungee]

Charlie:

I have a HEI distributor. I'm assuming I won't need the dwell meter, and I'm assuming I don't need anything other than the adjustable timing light?

Thanks

[fiedlerh]

You'll want an adapter of some type to tap into the tach terminal. A spade lug and a length of wire will work, or look at Thexton tools.
HEI adapter NAPA Part #700-1429

or HEI & Ford adapter NAPA Part #700-1130


http://fiedlerh.home.att.net/

[fiedlerh]

The Equus timing light seems pretty good for $100. They are digital and display rpm and timing.


A Fluke multimeter will last you a liftime, but you will pay a bit more. Check out the Radio Shack meters too. I've heard they're not too bad for home use. Avoid the cheap Chinese meters. Plug the meter into a wall outlet, if the reading bounces all around before it settles down, you have a cheapo meter.

http://fiedlerh.home.att.net/

[68CONV400]

I'd still recommend getting a multimeter.Automotive-wise it's good for tracing out bad/good circuts,checking motors (IE:washer,antenna,starter...)and alternators.

Like Fiedlerch said,your better off paying more for a quality one to begin with,than getting mad at a cheap one and throwing it across the shop floor.

Thanks,

Charlie

[meanolegoat]

I go along with Charlie.. Get a reasonably priced timing light and dwell tach meter. Spend the money on the dvom. I used a fluke 72 for years, daily in a dealership. Dropped, bounced, tossed, etc....did great until the guy in the next stall borrowed and proceeded to run over it!!! The new one he replaced it with is just as good!!!lol!! Seriously though the uses for a dvom are endless..."mean"