161~-216500 Tach/DwelllVoltmeter

Caution:
Read Rutes For OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Safe Operefien
and Complete S-AFETY RULES
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE

SOURCES FOR SERVICE INFORMATION..................... ....•. .. 1

WARRANTY STATEMENT ..•..•..•...•...•.........•............•.

RULES FOR.'SAFE AUTOMOTIVE TESTING ..........•..... ; . . . . • . . . . . . 2

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . •. . . . . . 3

TACHOMETER CONNECTIONS .•....•.•...••.•...•.•.••••.•.•...• '. 3

G.M. H.E.!. Ignition Systems •••••••.•.••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 3

G.M. Diagnostic Ccnnectors •.•••..••••••••••••••••••• _. • • •• • • • • 3

Ford Ignition Systems .••......•••.••••..•..••.•••••••.•.•••••• -4

Chrysler ond American Motors Ignition Systems ...•..•...•..•....... -4
Tachometer - Engine RPM Measurement Procedure. . . . . •. . . . . . . . . . • 5

BREAKER POINTS RESISTANCE TEST, ...•...•.....•.•........... .- .. , • 5

BREAKER POINTS DWELL TEST AND ADJUSTMENT ...•. '....•. , ..• , .. , . , 5

Dwell Measurements , , , •.......•...... , . , , . , 6

Dwell Adjustments - Bt-eolce.- Poim Syste;";1S ••.•••••• _ • _ • _ ••• _• • • • • • 6

Dwell Reo.dings- Electronic Ignilion Sxstems. • . . • . •. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

ENGINE TIMING ~ •.... , , . . . •. . . • . . . •• • . . •. . . . . . . . •. . . • . . •. . . . . . 7

Procedure .. " ......•.........•...............•............ , . 7

DWELL VARIATION TEST ........•... , ........•.......• , . •. . . . . . . . 8

IDLE SPEED AND CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT .......•..... , ..••... , . • 9

VOLTS - PRELIMINARY CHECKS .. , -. . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . • . . . . • 9

CRANKING VOLTS TEST .•.. : • . . . . . . • . . . • . . • . • . . . . . .. . . . . . • • . . • . . 10

CHARGING SYSTEM VOLTS TEST. •. . • . . •. . . . . . • . . . . . • • . •. . . . . . • • . • 10

POINTS - LOW VOLT AGE TEST ,.................. 10

OTHER APPLICATIONS , .•.• , .•. , . , .. , , , • 11

REPLACEMENT PARTS... .............•..•••.•••.•.....••..••...• 12

ORDERlNG REPAIR PARTS... .• .• • •• •• ••••• •.•. .••• . •••• • 'BACK COVER

 IMPORTANT
The information in this manual will serve as a general guide for engine tune·
up and charging system tests and adjustments.

CONSULT THE VEHICLE SERVICE MANUAL FOR SPECIFIC TUNE·UP INFORMA·

TION AND TEST PROCEDURES. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER'S
SPECIFICAnONS AND TEST PROCEDURES FOR ADJUSTING DWELL ANGLE,
IDLf SPEED sa :::> CHARGING SYSTEM OUTPUT. ESPEOAllY VEHIClES WITH
J.\Oi)ERt-. 2....=ciRO iIe IGNITION AND EJ.\1SS1O CONTROLS. DO NOT
ATTEMPT TO SERVICE VEHICLE WITHOUT MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS.

SOURCES FOR SERVICE INFORMATION

The following is a lis! of publishers who have service manuals 10< your specific vehicle at nominal cost. Write to them
for availability and prices, specifying the make, style. and IJlOdd year of your vehicle.

A. E. A. Tune-Up Cha..... fl:::i:;::Jr's -_""""=- ie=:c::K ~

k~ 3.eonc:.sm. :!!: s._:_ s-"",.
I JO' ". 22Do SL s....w.e 1C: Sew-y~ .._ ::n. l'Xl~
Execu-ive Pfazo &ilo ins
Oak Brook.1lGnois 60521
Notional Service Ooio Book
Notional Automotive""Servlce, Inc ......
Chilton's Auto Repair Manuel
Dill. Glenn Mitchell Manuals, Inc.
Chlron Compony
.5X- == ~ S::ress
Soxl~
5=:li=g:- Ccih:r..io 921 10

GMDio;;~= ~=&=I:;.::i
~~"
GM Manucl-eoc_=
DR 5=roi:= ::~Oep1.
P.O. Sox 1185 ~~A.Ye.
Scuthheld, MichisClD ~ ~......." ~ 48015

- - b::=l: :xa _ e:J

r =c, x.xU""5:

90-DA Y WARRANTY
IF, WITHIN 90 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE, THIS AUTOMOTIVE TEST INSTRUMENT FAILS
DUE TO A DEFEO IN MATERIAL OR WORKMANSHIP, RETURN IT TO THE NEAREST SEARS STORE
THROUGHOUTTHE UNITED STATES, AND SEARS WILL REPAIR OR REPLACE IT, FREE OF CHARGE.

THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS

[ WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.

SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO.
DEPARTMENT 698/731A
SEARS TOWER

L
CHICAGO, IL 60684
 RULES FOR SAFE AUTOMOTIVE TESTING
READ CAREFULLY

1. Read this Owner's Manual and these Rules for comportment containing charging batteries
Safe Automotive Testing carefully. Failure to should be well ventilated to prevent accumulo-
follow instructions and safety rules could result in -tion of explosive gases. To ovoid sparks, do not
serious bodily injury c nd Zor damage to the disturb the battery charger connections while
instrument. battery is charging, and always turn charger off
before disconnecting the battery clips. When
2. Before starting the engine, set the parking broke
removing Of reconnecting battery cables, make
and place gear selector in NEUTRALon standard
sure ignition swiIdt and all accessories are
transmissions or PARKon automatic transmission.
fumed off_
3. The carbon monoxide in exhaust gas is highly
8_ Never odd acid to a battery once the battery
toxic. To ovoid asphyxiation, always operate
has been placed in service. Doing so may result
vehicle in a well-ventilated area. If vehicle is in
in dangerous spattering of electrolyte.
on enclosed area, exhaust should be routed
directly to the outside via leakproof exhaust 9. Keep hands, hair, necktie, loose clothing and test
hose.. leads well away from fan blade, fan belt, power
4. When operating any test instrument from on steering belt, air conditioner belt and other mov-
auxiliary batlery, connect a jumper wire between ing engine ports, as serious injury could result
the negative terminal of the auxiliary battery from entanglement.
and chassis ground on the vehicle under test for 10_ Do no1 cuch boo exb£:us ~, ... dieter or
negative ground systems. for posirve grounO high-vottage sparle plug and coil terminals. "" '''~ --~-
systems, connect the jumper wire to the positive Spark voltages are not normally lethal but on
terminal of the auxiliary battery and chassis involuntary jerk of the hands or arms caused by
groun-d on the vehicle. When working in a gar- electrical shock may result in injury.
age or other enclosed area, auxiliary battery
should be located at least 18 inches a bove the 11. Never look- directly into carburetor
throat while
floor to minimize the possibility of sparks igniting engine is cranking or running. A sudden backfire
gasoline vapors and causing on explosion. can couse serious burns.

5. An automobile battery is capable of producing 12. To ovoid the possibility of a flash fire, do not
very high currents. Therefore, exercise reason- smoke or permit flame or spark to occur near
able core when working near the battery to carburetor, fuel line, fuel filter, fuel pump or
ovoid electrical connections through tools, other potential sources of spilled gasoline or
wristwatch, etc. gasoline vapors. ,
6. Avoid contact with battery electrolyte. It can eat 13. Never remove radiator cop while the engine is
holes in clothing, burn skin and couse permanent hot. Hot coolant escaping under pressure can
damage to eyes. Always wear splash proof cause serious bums..
safety goggles when working around the bot- I~
tery. If battery electrolyte is splashed in the eyes 14_ The jock supplied with the vehicle should be used
or on skin, immediately flush the affected area on1y for changing wheels. Never crowl under cor
for 15 minutes with large quantities of dean or run engine while vehicle is on [ock.
water. In ccse of eye contact, seek medical aid.
15. When making electrical test connections to the
7. The gases generated by a charging battery are vehicle, do not use the carburetor or other fuel
highly explosive. Do not smoke or permit flame system components as a ground connection, as a
or spark to occur near a battery at any time, spark could ignite the gasoline vapors and couse
'- particularly when it is charging. Any room or a fire or on explosion.

tL-
l
i ~
l 2
 GENE~AL INSTRUCTIONS TACHOMETER CONNECTIONS TO;
Connections For RPM, Dw.ell, Volts and Points Tests GENJRAl MOTORS DelCO HiGH ENERGY
IGNITION SYSTEMS'
Connect the GREEN Clip to the distributor terminal
On 4 cylinder and in-fine 6 cylinder engines. with '0.
on the. ign'i,tion coil or TACH (tachometer) terminal
separate coil; connect the GREEN clip to the open
on electronic ignition systems to measure RPM,
TACH terminal as indicated in Fig. 2. On the inte-
DWElL or POINTS condition.
grllli coil V-B or Y:6 HEI Systems, slide the adapter'
Connect the GREEN clip to the battery Positive (+) onto the TACH terminal as shown in Fig. 3. Then
terminaL to measure STARTING AND CHARGING connect the GREEN clip to the adopter.
VOLTAGES.
The BLACK clip must be connected to a secure
Connect the BLACK clip to a secure ground connec-
r tion on the engine, frame, OT alternator brocket os
shown in Figure 1_ The Bl.AOC dip should !be the,
ground connection as shown in Figure 1.

last cennecflen nta.de, and ihe-fil'rlio be

I disconnected.

CAU.TION!
Avoid connecting directly to the Battery
Negative Terminal in t~e event that hydrogen
gases are present which could explode from
sparking connections.
onco HEl WITH SE?ARA TE COIL
4 Cyfin& and LHine 6 Cylinder Cars

-
- ~2

HEI ADAPTER
INCLUDED
CONNECTIONS FOR RPM, 0 VB!,.. VOlTS
AND POINTS TESTS .

-
FIGURE'l

DELCO HEI WITH INTEGRAL COIL

TACHOMETER CONNECTIONS Y-6 and V-8 HEI SYSTEMS

NOTE: This analyzer is not designed to be used on FIGURE 3

capacitive-discharge electronic ignition
.systems to measure RPM and DWELL. If 50
used, it may indicate incorrect engine speed TACHOMETER CONNECTIONS TO
ond dwell readings or may cause the
GENERAl MOTORS CARS WITH DIAGNOSTIC
enqine to-run roughly or stall: However, CONNECTOR AND DELCO HIGH ENERGY
IGNITION SYSTEMS '. .
typically; o'hJ,ya very few import vehicles'
use th.is.type system. If you ere in doubt as To make RPM testS;.locate.the Engine Electrical
to the' type system .you have, refer to your Diagnostic ConnectorIusuolly neor theleft front
vehicle inanual. Iender). Open the cover and insert the cdcpter in

3
socket N~. 6 as shown in Figure 4. Connect the FORD BREAKER-POINTS IGNITION SYSTEMS
GREEN clip to the spade terminal adapter. Lift the distributor terminal and slide the FORD
The BLACK clip must be connected to secure ground adapter clip in place as shown in Figure 6, then
connection as shown in Figure 1. push the terminal down on it. Remove when the
tests are finished.
Connect the BLACK clip to a secure ground connec-
tion as shown in Figure 1.

SPADE TERMINAL
ADAPTER

ADAPTER
INCLUDED~

TACHOMETER CONNECTIONS TO GENERAL

MOTORS CARS WITH DIAGNOSTIC CONNECTOR 1974 FORD EtECTRONIC AND ALL
AND DELCO HIGH ENERGY IGNITION SYSTEMS BREAKER-POINT IGNITION SYSTEMS

FIGURE 4 FIGURE 6

TACHOMETER CONNECTIONS TO FORD TACHOMETCR CONNECTIONS TO CHRYSLER

ELECTRONIC IGNITION SYSTEMS AND AND
TACHOMETER/DWELL CONNECTIONS TO AMERICAN MOTORS IGNITION SYSTEMS
FORD BREAKER POINTS IGNITION SYSTEMS (TACH/DWELL TO BREAKER-POINTS SYSTEMS
AND TACH TO ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS)
FORD ELECTRONIC IGNITION SYSTEMS
Connect the GREEN lead to the negative terminal
On 1974 Ford Electronic ignition systems, connect as of the ignition coil as shown in FIGURE 7.
shown in Figure 6, using the Ford adapter as
shown. Connect the BLACK clip to a secure ground connec-
tion as shown in FIGURE 1.
On 1975 Ford transistor ignition systems, connect
the GREEN clip to the wire terminal on the "DEC"
or "TACH" side of the coil as shown in Figure 5.
Connect the BLACK clip to a secure ground connec-
tion as shown in Figure 1.

CHRYSLER AND AMERICAN MOTORS

1975 AND LATER FORD ELECTRONIC CONVENTIONAL AND TRANSISTOR
IGNITION' SYSTEMS IGNITION SYSTEMS
FIGURE 5 FIGURE 7

4
 TACHOMETER - ENGINE RPM MEASUREMENT with a piece of insulating 'material while
PROCEDURE - the other set is being tested:
Connect the BLACK mid GREEN leads of the 4. TURN THE IGNlflON KEY ON. If the mete-r reads
~ TACH/ DWELL/VOLTMETER as described on pages near full scale (right), the points are open as
3-and 4. for tlie pcrticulcr engine you are shown in Figure 8-. Cronk the engine a fraction
trouble-shooting. .- of a revolution-ot a time until the meter reads in
Place the FUNCTION SELECTOR Switch to the RPM the left hand area of the scale, as shown in
position. Figure 8. The points are now closed.

Start the engine and operate it ot idle RPM. As 5. TEST RESULTS

illustrated in Figure 1, observe the upper RPM scale
(0-20) for 8 cylinder engines, and the lower RPM
scale (0-25) foe 6 cyfinder e.ml..)r.es. Multiply the
indicated nember by 100 to obtain me cdua'
en§ine speed in RPM.
POINTS
NOTE: For 4 Gylinder engine_s, multiply the 8 OPEN
cylinder scole by 200 to obtain the cctuc]
engine speed in RPM.
POINTS OK
Engine DWELL and Timing may now be performed
at the engine 'speed s-pecified in your vehicle FIGURE 8
owner's manual.

BREAKER POINTS RESISTANCE TEST

(This procedure is not for eleetrenic ignition
systems).
During engine tune-ups OF repoir, this test shoufd
be done before adjusting the engine timing (thot
__ iSi,changlngjbe aavanEe or retcrd-of the distribu-
tor) or breaker-points DWELL time. -
NOTE: Remove the distributor cap and inspect
the breaker points.. Property adjusred fiGURE '9
breaker points ~ ~ gray dcrm
during normal use. Irir.ey are
blackened 01" piHed,
~=.
• ey mrre-exceeGoo -:::~ ~ indicates in the DEFECTIVE AREA when
their normal life, or excessive ClJTTem has ~~c:!'edmed, as shown In Figure 9, the
been present in the primary circuit, Check ~ -q ce defective or the following faults may
.. Iorexcessively low coil resistance (shorted s:xm:
t~ms)-Iow ballast resistor value and high • i'bor Cis:iihufor ground.
battery voltage while the engine is cun- .' i'oor a::o'"'-edion on Ihe primary lead from the
ning. Correct any of the above problems, disfri'hu.ror ~o ~ue ignition coil.
replace the breaker points and proceed 10 • Defective distributor pigtoilleod.
the next step. If the breoker points poss the
• Misaligned poinis
vis-ual inspection fest, also proceed to the • Poor points/plate ground inside distributor.
next ste-p~ -. . _. __=
Correct-the defeEt and r_~BeaUhee fest.-
1. The engine must be OFF. The test leads must be
connected as shown in Figure 1.; GREEN clip to
"DIST./1 BREAKER-POINTS-DWELL TEST
·2. Set the FUNCTION SELECTOR knob to the VOLTS AND ADJUSTMENT
position.
NOTE: This test and adjustment procedure is
3. Replace the distributor cap and REMOVE THE performed on cars with conventional
. HiGH TENSION LEAD FROM THE CENTER OF breaker-points. ignition systems end
THE DISTRIBUTOR CAP AND GROUt'lD" IT BY transistorized ignition systems with breoker
CONNEGTfNG THE LOOSE END TO THE ENGINE points such as some ofter-rncrket units. This
- OR FRAME ..
procedure is not to be used on vehicles
NOTE: When testing a vehicle with dual points, equipped with vorious all-electronic ignitio.h
alternately block one set of points open systems or copccitive-dischorqe systems.

5
 Before performing the DWELL TEST and ADJUST- DWEU ADJUSTMENT-
MENT procedure, read the vehicle owner's manual CONVENTIONAL BREAKER POINT SYSTEMS
or-the engine compartment decal to determine On GM distributors with a small metal slide cover,
what should be done with the vacuum hose con- Ijft the- cover and lnsert a !Jail Allen wrench in the
nected to the distributor and the advance/retord adjusting screw socket and adjust the dwell by turn-
solenoids. Most often, the vacuum hose must be ing the wrench, es snown in Figure J 2.
disconnected from the distributor as shown in
On Ford, Chrysler, American Motors and other
Figure 11 and the end plugged with a golf "lee"
distributors not equipped with a small metal access
or plug.
slide cover, perform the following steps while
referring to Fjgure 13.
8
1. Remove coil wire from center tower of distributor
cap and ground' the wire by connecting the
loose end to the engine or frame.
2. Remove the distributor cap and rotor.
3_ Conned a remote starter switch to the vehicle or
have on assistant crank the engine for you.
4. With ignition switch ON and engine cranking
RPM AND DWELL SCALES observe re-oding on the Dwell scale.
FIGURE 10

DWELL MEASUREMENTS
Refer to Figure 10 for identification of the RPM and
DWELL Scales. Set the FUNCTION SELECTOR 1/8" ALLEN
SWITCH to RPM. Start the engine and operate it at WRENCH
the specified idle RPM. Set the FUNCTION SELEC-
TOR SWITCH to DWElL Compare the meter dwell
,.- angle reading with the mcrrufocturer's specific'l"ion
for the engine. If the dwell reading is higher or
lower than the manufacturer's specification, adjust
the distributor points as illustrated below and des-
cribed in the following sections.
For 4 cylinder engines, multiply the ,8 cylinder RPM
scale by 200 and the 8 cylinder Dwell scale by 2.
TYPICAL GENERAL MOTORS
BREAKER-POINTS DISTRIBUTOR

FIGURE 12

5. To adjust Dwell, loosen the locking screw slightly

and adjust the point gap with a feeler gauge
according to the procedure outlined in the vehi·
cle's service manual. After adjustment, tighten
Jacking screw, and recheck dwell while cranking
engine. Repeat procedure if necessary.
(FIG. 13).
6. Reassemble distributor and recheck dwell read-
ing with engine operating at idle speed.
Repeat steps 5 and 6 if necessary.

DWELL READINGS-
DISTRIBUTOR VACUUM HOSE CONNECTION ELECTRONIC AND TRANSISTOR IGNITIONS
FIGURE 11 Due to the vast array of. electronic ignition and
engine control systems being used on late model

6
 cars, it is essential that specific service information engine to specifications.
for the vehicle under teste-be obtained. Although
Connect the Timing-Light to the battery end engine
dwell angle is not adjustable-on electronic systems,
in accordance with the instructions .supplied with
the reading obtained is.irnportcnt and should be
the instrument or as shown in F-igure'15. '
within themanufacturer's specified limits. If it is not,
consult the monujocturer/s ~hop manuals for diag- Timing 'lights recommended for best service-ere the
nostic procedures and possHJ'le component Sears Craftsman bright chrome Models 2194
replacement instructions. (advance timing light)' and 2134 - both accurate
to 8000 RPM.
To measure the DWELL angle on electronic ignition
systems, set the FUNCTION SELECTOR SWITCH to The popular and reliable Sears models 21174 and
RPM, Start the engine and operate it ot the speci- 21684 timing lights are accurate to 6000 and 4000
fied idle RPM. Set the fUNCTION SElECTOR RPM respectively. For safe operation, all Sears tim-
SWITCH to DWELL Con:.pore me Jt>et-d dwell angle ing Iigbts inductively damp around tbe spark plug
re.adio_g- with the manufacturer's specificotions for wire without need for disconnecting high volfage
the engine. If the reading'is higher or lower than wires or exposing spark plug caps. Visit your loccl
the recommended value; consultthe owner's Sears retail or catalog store for these products.
manual, diagnostic procedures" for your particular
vehicle to correct the problem,
PRELIMINARY
1. Check the distributor dwell angle and adjust to
the manufacturer's specifications, if necessary,
before timing the engine.
Z. Clean the dirt f..-om_lhe timing marks.
3_ Disconnect the vacuum advance hose from the
distributor and seal the end of the hose with
tape or a plug os shown in figure 16_

PROCEDURE
I", [email protected]~d ~!Iow i_t..,!~wqr~ _"'_P' '10.",..,,,,,,,,~>..-
2, After the engine is warm, operate it at idling
speed or the RPM specified in the vehicle
mruwaJ.
3. Aim ihe Ji3ng light at the timing marks, press
'lie S'i!ri:dt 0 operate the timing light and
~!;re liming mark. The position of the time
Cg =dt ::;:11,8 ogree with the manufacturer's
~ If ii' does not, reset the timing as
~
4_ lcosenti1eGisiriDutor hold-down clomp JUST
enougn to pernm rotating the distributor body
by hand os shown in figure 16.
5. Slowly tum me distributor in the correct direction
as shown in Figure 17:
a. Against the roto;'r-ofation to advance the
TYPICAL FORD, CHRYSLER, AND fiming.
AMERICAN MOTORS BREAKER·POINT b. With the rotor rotation to retard the timing.
DISTRIBUTORS
6, Repeat Step 3.
FIGURE 13
7. When the specified mark is in line with the tim-
ing line, securely tighten the distributor hold-
ENGINE TIMING down clamp and recheck timing,
The engine should be timed at each tune-up after 8. Check the idle RPM after the engine is timed
the dwell adjustment, but before idle speed and and re-adjust to the manufacturer's s-pecification
_ mixture adjustments are made. if necessary.
Check your owners manual for the location of the 9. Remove the plug from ·the vacuum, hose .cnd
timing marks and the timing specifications. Refer to attach it to the distributordiophrqqm
Figu_re 14. Then use a timing jight to time the connection.

7
 ROTOR
........
ROTATION

,_.
ROTOR ROT A TION

VARIOUS TIMING MARK CONFIGURATIONS

FIGURE 14

ENGINE TIMING ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE

FIGURE 17

DWELL VARIATION TEST

Recc e ~s ~_'C """ engIDe comportment
decal and follow the instructio_ns regarding vacuum
line or advance-retard solenoid connections when
checking DWELL angle. Usually, the vacuum hose
~ must be disconnected from the distributor and
il plugged as shown in Figure 20.
Increase the engine speed from idle to about 1500
RPM an'd note the dwell angle. Re.turn the engine
speed to idle and again note the dwell angle.

TYPICAL TIMING LIGHT USAGE If the difference between the two dwell angle
readings is more than 3 degrees, check for exces-
FIGURE 15 sive wear in the breaker point plate and couplings
or excessive wear in the distributor shaft gear and
bushings.

DWEll VARIATION
FIGURE 18

8
 IDLE SPEED AND 4. Start the engine and turn the idle speed screw
CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT until specified idle speed is indicated.

1. The engine should be at normal operating 5. On engines without exhaust emission control sys-
temperature for this test. Many cars built in tems, turn the idle mixture screw in (lean) until
1970 and later have idle mixture screw limiter the idle speed starts to decrease, then turn it
caps that restrict adjustment. On these cars the bock out (rich) just until the idle speed reaches a
carburetor should be adjusted according to the maximum. Further richening past this point will
procedure in the manufacturer's service manual. only waste fuel. This should be' done slowly to
allow engine speed to stabilize.
2. Shut the engine off and conned the test leads
as shown in FIGURE 1 or for Bectronic Ignition 6. On multi-barrel carburetors, repeat this proce-
Systems and late model COI"5, see FIGURES 1,2, dure on each idle mixture screw until the highest
3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. Set the fUNCTION SElfCTOR idle speed and smoothesf operation is obtained.
Knob to the RPM position. If the engine idle speed is now higher than the
manufacturer's specification, turn the idle speed
3. Consult the manufacturer's service manuaHor
adjustment screw until the specified idle speed is
the location of the idle speed adjusting screw
indicated and readjust the mixture screws with
and the idle mixture adjusting screw (or screws).
the above procedure. .
Make idle speed and mixture adjustments.
according to the procedure outlined in the ser- 7. NOTE: On engines equipped with exhaust emis-
vice manual or as specified on the decal in the sion control systems, air injection pumps and pos-
engine compartment. itive crankcase ventilation, refer to the decal in
the engine comportment or the owners manual
Figure 19 illustrates typical locations of the idle
for idle adjustment sp_ecifications.
speed and idle mixture screws on single and
multi-barrel carburetors.

SINGLE BARREL CARBURETOR

o \'_PLUG
VACUUM
END OF
LINE
DOUBLE BARREL CARBURETOR DISTRIBUTOR VACUUM HOSE CONNECTION
FIGURE 20

VOL TS-PRELIMINARY CHECKS

The VOLTS switch position is used to test the crank-
ing and charging volts in the vehicle.

CONSULT THE OPERATING MANUAL OF THE JI' •.

VEHICLE BEING TESTED FOR SPECIFIC VOLT-
AGES AND TEST PROCEDURES:

The following information will serve as a general

guide for making charging system tests.
TYPICAL IDLE SPEED AND
MIXTURE SCREW LOCATIONS Before making VOLTS tests:
FIGURE 19 Check the fan belt - it should be tensioned
according to the manufacturer's-specifications.
9
Check the generator or alternator pulley and 4. A reading below 9.6 volts could be caused by a
mounting bolts. They should be tight. - battery that is defective or not fully charged.
Make sure that the charging system wiring and the Fully charge the battery and repeat the test. If
battery cables are in good condition and that con- th.e reading is still below 9.6 volts, either the
nections are tight. Make sure the battery is dean battery or starter is defective.
and that the liquid level in each cell is above the 5. A fluctuating voltage reading is indicative of a
plates. defect in the starter or battery or in the battery-
The engine and all parts of the charging system starter wiring circuit. Refer to AGURE 23, LOW
should be at normal operating temperoturs before VOLTAGE TEST, for troubleshooting voltage
making any electrical tests. If the engine is cold, drops in the battery-starter wiring circuit.
operate the engine at idle speed for at least 15 Replace or repair any defective parts as
minutes before making any tests. required to restore cranking system to proper
operation.
6. To restart the engine, replace the high tension
CRANKING VOLTS TEST
lead to the center of the distributor cop, replace
1. To prevent the engine from starting while crank- the wire to the "BAr' terminal of the integral
ing, remove the high tension lead from the cen- coil distributor, or remove the jumper wire from
ter of the distributor cap and ground it by con- terminal 6 of the diagnostic connector.
necting the loose end to the engine or frame on
systems with a sepa rate coil.
For systems with integral coil as shown in Figure
CHARGING SYSTEM VOLTS TEST
3, disconnect the primary wire from the "BAT" 1. Connect the test leads as shown in Figure 1;
terminal on the distributor cop. CAUTION: The GREEN clip to the Battery POS. (+) terminal. Set
TACHOMETER terminal must NEVER be con- the FUNCTION SELECTOR switch to the VOLTS
nected to ground at the distributor cap as position.
damage to the distributor-ignition module can 2. Start the engine. Allow it to run for at least 5
result. minutes at 1500 to 2000 RPM. Observe the
For systems with on electrical diagnostic connec- rec.ciog on -he 0-16 ...oe sec e cs sbown in
tor as shown in Figure 4, insert the GM diagnos- FIGURE 21. The reo ding should gradually rise
tic spade terminal adapter in terminal No.6 from about 12.5 volts before starting to 13.2
and connect a jumper wire between this termi- volts to 15.2 volts at the end of the 5 minutes,
nal and a secure ground on the engine or with or without the headlights and blower motor
frame. Do not connect the TACH terminal at the on.
distributor to ground as damage to the Readings lower than 13.2 indicate either a worn
distributor-ignition module can result. out battery, defective generator or alternator or
'2. Connect the test leads 'as shown in FIG. 1: defective or improperly adjusted voltage regulator.
GREEN clip to the Battery POS. (+). Set the Readings above 15.2 are indicative of a defective
FUNCTION SELECTOR SWITCH to VOLTS. or improperly adjusted voltage regulator.
3. Operate the starier for 10 seconds and observe Replace, repair or adjust the defective port as
the cra nking voltage on the 0- 16 volts scale as required.
shown in Figure 21. A steady reading of more
than 9.6 volts indicates that the battery, cables
and starter system are in good condition.
POINTS - LOW VOLT AGE TEST
The POINTS scale is also a 0-2 volt range as shown
in Figure 22_ This scale is useful for checking volt-
age drops in the vehicle's electrical system.
Set the FUNCTION SElECTOR S~ITCH to the VOLTS
position.
Corroded or loose connections and frayed or
broken cables can couse hard starting. To test for
these conditions, refer to Figure 23 and alternately
connect the clips between 1 and 2, 2 and 3,4 and
5,5 and 6, 6 and 7, 7 and B with the starter turn-
CRANKING AND CHARGING VOLTS TESTS ing. During this test, no reading should be higher
FIGURE 21 than .2 volt. If a reading higher than .2 volt is
observed during any of these tests, check the coble
10
or connections involved, clean and tighten the con-
nections and replace the cables or solenoid when OTHER APPLICATIONS
necessary. .Foreign Cars
If the meter reads to the left of zero during any of Due to the vast array of different ignition systems
the. above tests, reverse the position of the GREEN found on import cars, it is not possible to cover all
and BLACK clips. applications in a manual of this type. You are
recommended to purchase a service manual for
your particular vehicle and follow the procedures
8 outlined by the vehicle manufacturers.
6 10
.Mazda Rotary Engine
o The Mazda has two separate sets of breaker points
and two ignition coils. Each set of points must be
adjusted individually for dwell angle, normally 55°
to 57°. (Consult your vehicle service manual for
exact specifications.)

for.: cyl engine

Readings for both Tach and Dwell are the same as
Double 8 cyl sccle for a 4 cylinder engine. When using the model
2165 TACH/DWELL/VOLTMETER, multiply the 8
cylinder Tachometer scale reading by 200 to obtain
POINTS AND VOLTAGE SCALES the actual engine speed in RPM. To measure dwell
angle, multiply the 8 cylinder Dwell Angle scale
FIGURE 22
reading by 2.

LOW VOLTAGE TEST

FIGURE 23

11
REPLACEMENT PARTS

FIGURE 24

KEY NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION

1 400·857 Case, bottom
2 270·117 Screw, Case Self-top. #6·20 x 1"
3 38·726 Cable Assembly, Green and Black Clip
4 450·133 Cop, Glamour
5 10()()..425 Ignition Adopter Kit
* 2·1682 Insiruction Manual (not illustrated)

12
 FREQUENTLY USED TUNE-UP.INFQRMATIQN

~ SEARS SPARK
VEHICLE- IDLE -DWELL
TlMING- - TUNE-UP PLl::1G
RPM - ANG,lE KIT r, , '- T-YI'E
- 0

,
-

"":>0, = - - ~
[F-
-- ~- "" -: c
-

~.

r notes
r~/
'/

i--
~-"
_-
'~--""~~
I.~
I -
 I Sears I I S::rtr;SOlid State Electronic
owners
manual Tach / Dwell / Voltmeter

If"

Now that you have purchased your Toch/Dwell/Voltmeter,

should a need ever exist for repair ports or service, simply
,;
contact any Sears, Roebuck and Co. store. Be sure to pro-
vide all pertinent facts when you call or visit.

The model number of your Tach/Dwell/Voltmeter can be

found on the front of the instrument.
MODEL NO.
161.216500 WHEN ORDERING REPAIR PARTS, ALWAYS GIVE THE FOl·
lOWING INFORMATION;

PART NUMBER

PART DESCRIPTION

MODEL NUMBER

NAME OF ITEM

All parts listed may be ordered from any Seors Service

Center and most Sears stores.

If the parts you need are not stocked locally, your order
will be electronically transmitted to a Sears Repair Parts
HOW TO ORDER Distribution Center for handling.

SPARE PARTS

SEARS,ROEBUCK AND CO. U.S.A.

CHICAGO,ILLINOIS 60684