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MODEL NO.
161 .21056
/ERRFTSMf,JIU
DIAGNOSTIC
OSCILLOSCOPE
Caution:
ReodRulesFor
Sof e Op"rotion
ond Complete
OperotingiTest
Proced
ures
Corefully
' QPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS
' PIEPAIR
PARTS
SEARS,ROEBUCKAND"CO. U.S.A.
CHICAGO,ILLINOIS 606 84
P R ! N T E DI N U . S . A .
2-176202
TABLEOF CONTENTS
Page
RULESFORSAFEAUTOMOTIVE
TESTING
WARRANTY
CHAPTER2. OSCILLOSCOPE
CONTROLS,
CONNECTIONS,
AND ACCESSORIES
2.1.
DESCRIPTION
CHAPTER3. TESTDESCRIPTIONS
3-1.
SPARKPOLARITYTEST
MAXTMUM
3-2.
CO|LOUTPUT(AVATLABLE
VOLTAGE)
TEST
3-3.
INSULATION
SECONDARY
TEST
3-4.
SPARKVOLTAGEUNDERLOADTEST
3-5.
DWELL& VARIATION
IN DWELLTEST
3.6.
TEST
COIL/CONDENSER
3.7.
POINTACTIONTEST
3.8.
RESISTANCE
SECONDARY
TEST
3.9.
COILOUTPUTAT CRANKING
SPEEDTEST
3-10.
ROTORGAPTEST
ALTERNATOR
3.1 1.
TEST
3-12, MAGNETIC
P I C K - U PC O I LT E S T
CHAPTER4. BASICSCOPEPATTERNS
4-1.
INTRODUGTION
4-2.
FUNCTIONDISPLAYS
A. 50 KV COIL
B. 25 KV SPARK
PATTERN
C. DISTRIBUTOR
-.-t
4-3.
I
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
11
11
11
11
11
D. 25KVSUPERIMPOSED
11
E. ALTERNATOR...
PATTERN
S P A R KP L U GI G N I T I O N
A. FiringSection
B. Coil/CondenserSection
12
12
12
12
12
C. D w e l l Se c ti o n
CHAPTER5. TYPESOF IGNITIONSYSTEMS
INTRODUCTION
5-1.
A P P L I C A B LTEE S T SF O RE A C HI G N I T I O S
NY S T E M
5.2.
DENTIFICATION
W A V E S H A PIE
5-3.
ABBREVIATIONS
IGNITIOS
NY S T E M
5-4.
TEST- ALL SYSTEMS
POLARITY
CHAPTER6. SPARK
DESCRIPTION
6-1.
H O O K - U PP R O C E D U R E
6-2.
TEST
PROCEDURE
6.3.
TEST
RESULTS
6-4.
A. NormalPattern
B. Unsatisfactory
Pattern
-2-
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13
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17
17
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18
18
GHAPTER7. MA)flMUMCO|LOUTPUT(AVATLABLE
VOLTAGE)TEST
Section l.BPl, ElS, EIS MMC, EIS HALL AND BID Systems
7.1.
DESCRIPTION
7-2.
H O O K - U PP R O C E D U R E
7 -3.
TESTPROCEDURE
.
7- 4 .
TESTRESULTS
A. NormalPattern
B. UnsatisfactoryPattern
Sectionll. GM HEl,FORDThick Film lgnition Systems
7 -5.
DESCRIPTION
7.6.
H O O K - U PP R O C E D U R E
7- 7 .
T E S TP R O C E D U R. E
..
7 -8.
TESTRESULTS
A. NormalPattern
B Unsatisfactory
Pattern
Sectionlll. FordSolidStaleand DuraSparklgnitionSystems
7-9
DESCRIPTION
7-10. HOOK-UPPROCEDURE
7 - 1 1 . T E S TP R O C E D U R.E
7-12.
TESTRESULTS
A. NormalPattern
B. UnsatisfactoryPattern
INSULATION
TEST
CHAPTER8. SECONDARY
Sectionl. BreakerPointlgnitionSystem
8-1.
DESCRIPTION
H O O K - U PP R O C E D U R E
8-2.
T E S TP R O C E D U R E
8-3.
TESTRESULTS
8-4.
A. NormalPattern
B. Unsatisfactory
Pattern
Sectionll. GM HEl,and FORDTFI Systems
DESCRIPTION
8-5.
HOOK-UP ROCEDURE
8-6.
T E S TP R O C E D U R E
8-7.
T E S TR E S U L T S
8-8.
A. NormalPattern
B. Unsatisfactory
Pattern
Section lll. ChryslerElectroniclgnitionSystems
DESCRIPTION
8-9,
HOOK-UP ROCEDURE
8-10
o-'
T E S TP R O C E D U R.E
T E S TR E S U L T S
8-'2
A NormalPattern
B. ursat sfactoryPattern
lV.
Section FordSolidStateand DuraSparklgnitionSystems
8 - 1 3 . DESCRIPTION
8 - 14 .
HOOK-UP ROCEDURE
T E S TP R O C E D U R E
8 - 15 ,
8-16
tr) l -tr>,- 15
t - ^ ?
^ F A
A . N o r m a tP a t l e r n
B Un s a trs fa c to ry
Pa tte rn
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SectionV. AmericanMotorsBIDlgnitionSystem
8-17
DESCRIPTION
33
8 - 18 .
8.19.
8.20.
HOOK-UP ROCEDURE
T E S TP R O C E D U R.E
TESTRESULTS
A. NormalPattern
B. UnsatisfactoryPattern
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-3-
35
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36
CHAPTER10. DWELLAND VARIATIONIN DWELLTEST
BPI and GM HEI lgnitionSystems
10.1. DESCRIPTION
1 O - 2 . H O O K - U PP R O C E D U R E
1 0 . 3 . T E S TP R O C E D U R E
10.4.
TESTRESULTS
A. NormalPattern
B. UnsatisfactoryPattern
10-5. GMHEI
39
39
39
40
40
40
40
TEST
CHAPTER11. COIL/CONDENSER
Section l. Breaker PointlgnitionSystem
11-1. DESCRIPTION
11.2. HOOK.UPPROCEDURE
11 - 3 . T E S TP R O C E D U R E
1 1 - 4 . T E S TR E S U L T S
A. NormalPattern
B. UnsatisfactoryPattern
41
41
41
42
42
42
CHAPTER12. POINTACTIONTEST. BPI
12.1.
DESCRIPTION
1 2 - 2 . H O O K - U PP R O C E D U R E
12.3, TESTPROCEDURE
12.4,
TESTRESULTS
A. NormalPattern
B. UnsatisfactoryPattern
43
43
44
44
44
RESISTANCE
TEST. ALL IGNITIONSYSTEMS
CHAPTER13. SECONDARY
13-1. DESCRIPTION
1 3 - 2 . H O O K - U PP R O C E D U R E
1 3 - 3 . T E S TP R O C E D U R.E
1 3 - 4 . T E S TR E S U L T S
A. NormalPattern
Pattern
B. Unsatisfactory
45
45
46
46
46
46
SPEEDTEST
CHAPTER14. COILOUTPUTAT CRANKING
Section1. BreakerPoint(BPl)lgnitionSystems
14.1. DESCRIPTION
1 4 . 2 , H O O K . U PP R O C E D U R E
1 4 . 3 . T E S TP R O C E D U R.E
TESTRESULTS
14.4.
A. NormalPattern
B. UnsatisfactoryPattern
47
47
47
48
4B
48
-4-
CHAPTER15. ROTORGAP TEST
Sectionl. BreakerPoint,All ChrylserElectronic,Ford SolidStateand DuraSpark,
and PrestoliteBID lgnitionSystems
15-1. DESCRIPTION
1 5 - 2 . H O O K - U PP R O C E D U R E
1 5 . 3 . T E S TP R O C E D U R.E
15-4. TESTRESULTS
A. NormalPattern
B. UnsatisfactoryPattern
Sectionll. GM HEIand FORDTFI Systems
15-5. DESCRIPTION
15-6. HOOK-UPPROCEDURE
1 5 . 7 . T E S TP R O C E D U R.E
1 5 - 8 . T E S TR E S U L T S
A. NormalPattern
B U " s a t r s f a c t oP
r ya t t e r n
16 . A L T E R N A T OTRE S T
CHAPTER
16-1
DESCRIPTION
16-2. HOOK-UPPROCEDURE
1 6 . 3 . T E S TP R O C E D U R.E
16.4.
TESTRESULTS
A. NormalPattern
B. UnsatisfactoryPattern
CHAPTER17. MAGNETICPICK.UPCOILTEST
Sectionl. GM HEISystem
1 7- 1.
DESCRIPTION
1 7- 2 .
H O O K . U PP R O C E D U R E
17.3. TESTPROCEDURE
.
17.4. TESTRESULTS
A. NormalPattern
B. UnsatisfactoryPattern
Section ll. ChryslerElectroniclgnition Systems(6 and 8 CylinderOnly)
1 7- 5 .
DESCRIPTION
17-6. HOOK-UPPROCEDURE
1 7 . 7.
T E S TP R O C E D U R .E
1 7 - 8 . T E S TR E S U L T S
A. NormalPattern
B . U n s a t r s f a c t o rPy a t t e r n
S ec t ionlll. F or d $ S l , D Sl , D Sl l , l g n i ti o nSy s tems
-Y
DESCRIPTION
- r O O K - U PP R O C E D U R E
-=ST
PROCEDURE
-=S- AESULTS
17-t2
A
'ri'-
18.4
'8.5
'B-6
1B - 7 .
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a Pa:1err^
B . U n s a :s ' a : t o r yP a t t e r n
CHAPTER
1 8 . A D D I T I O N ASLC O P EP A T T E R N S
18-1.
1B-2
'E-3
49
49
50
50
50
50
GENERA--a3_*:'.1!
'.D-C- C'. -EAKS
D E F E C T I VC
EO I L .
D E t r E C T I ' /C
EONOENSER
t r A u - 1 - YS P A R KP L U G S
A U X I U A R YG A P S P A R KP L U G S
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59
60
1B-8. MAGNETO
SYSTEM
18-9. ROTARY
E N G I N E. .
APPENDIX
A T U N E . U PT I P S
A P P E N D I XB R E P A I RP A R T S
OU
60
ol
63
-5-
RULESFORSAFEAUTOMOTIVE
TESTING
WARNING- READCAREFULLY
Read this OperationInstructionManual and these
Rulesfor SafeAutomotive
Testingcarefully.Failureto
followinstructions
and safetyrulescouldresultin seriousbodilyinjuryand/ or damageto the instrument.
'1.Beforestartingthe
engine,set the parkingbrake and
placethe gear selectorin NEUTRALon standardtransm is s ionsand
, PA R Ko n a u to m a titra
c n s m i s s i ons.
carefullyblowacrossthetopof thebatteryto removeany
hydrogengas accumul ati on
beforeconnect ingor disconnecti ng
batterycl i ps
2 . T he c ar bonm o n o x i d ei n e x h a u sgt a s i s h i g h l ytoxi c.To
avoid asphyxiation,
always operatevehiclein a wellventilated
area.lf vehicleis in an enclosedarea,exhaust
shouldbe routeddirectlyto theoutsidevialeak-proofexhausthose.
7 . N e v e ra d d a c r o: c a 3 a : e - .
placedin ser, c€ tc ^t s: - a . - ; i
S p a t t e r. g c , e e c : r o y t e
3. To avoidexplosiondue to sparkwhenoperatingany test
instrumentfrom an auxiliarybattery,connecta jumper
wire betweenthe negativeterminalof the auxiliarybattery and chassisgroundon the vehicleunder test for
negativegroundsystems.For positivegroundsystems,
connectthe jumperwire to the positiveterminalof the
auxiliarybatteryand chassis ground on the vehicle.
Whenworkingin a garageor otherenclosedarea,auxiliarybatteryshouldbe locatedat least18 inchesabove
t hef loort o m in i mi z th
gase ep o s s i b i l i ty
o f s p a rk si g n i ti ng
olinevaporsand causingan explosion.
4. An automobile
batteryis capableof producingvery high
currents.Therefore,exercise reasonablecare when
workingnearthe batteryto avoidelectricalconnections
throughtools,wristwatch,etc.
5. Avoid contact with battery electrolyte.Electrolytecan
burn holesin clothing,burn skin and cause permanent
damageto eyes.Alwayswear splash-proof
safetygoggleswhenworkingaroundthe battery.lf batteryelectroly t eis s plas h e d
i n th e e y e so r o n s k i n ,i mme d i atelflyush
t he af f ec t eda re afo r 1 5 m i n u te sw i thl a rg eq u a nti ti es
of
c leanwat er I. n c a s eo f e y ec o n ta c t,s e e kme d i calai drmm ediat ely .
6. The gases generatedby a chargingbatteryare highly
ex plos iv e.
Do n o t s mo k eo r p e rm i tfl a meo r s p arkto occur near a batteryat any time, particularlywhen it is
charging.
Any roomor compartment
containing
charging
batteriesshouldbe well ventilatedto preventaccumulationof explosivegases.To avoidsparks,do not disturb
the batterychargerconnectionswhilebatteryis charging,andalwaysturnchargeroff beforedisconnecting
the
batteryclips.When removingor reconnectingbattery
cables,makesureignitionswitchandallaccessories
are
turnedoff. A techniqueused by many mechanicsis to
:a-3erl-s
8 . K e e p h a n d s ,n a t r ,n e c k t r e l,o o s e c l o t r - 3 a - I ' . : '
w e l l a w a y f r o m f a n b l a d e s ,f a n b e l t ,p o w e r s : e s ' a i r c o n d i t i o n e rb e l t a n d o t h e r m o v i n ge n g i n ep a r i s
rious injury could result from entanglement.
9. Do not touchhot exhaustmanifold,
radiatoror high-voltage sparkplugand coilterminals.
Sparkvoltagesare not
j erk of the handsor
normal l yl ethalbut an i nvol untary
armscausedby electricalshockmay resultin injury.
10.N everl ookdi rectl yi ntocarburetor
throatw h ileengineis
cranki ngor runni ng.
A suddenbackfi recan causeser io u sb u r n s .
11. To avoidthe possibility
of a flashfire,do not smokeor
permitflameor sparkto occur nearcarburetor,
fuelline,
fuelfilter,fuel pumpor otherpotentialsourcesof spilled
gasolineor gasolinevapors.
12. Neverremoveradiatorcap whilethe engineis hot. Hot
coolant escapingunder pressurecan cause serious
burns.
13.The j ack suppl i edw i ththe vehi cl eshoul dbe usedonly
for changi ngw heel s.N evercraw lundercar or r un eng r n ew h i l ev e h r c lreso n l a c k .
14 V /henmakrngel ectri cal
testconnecti ons
to the vehicle,
do not use the carburetor
or otherfuel systemcom ponentsas a groundconnecti on,
as a sparkcouldignit et he
gasol i nevaporsandcausea fi reor an expl o sion.
15. Do not lettestcablesrestor fallon or nearhotor movino
engineparts.
16.U secauti onw hendi sconnecti ng
i gni ti on
cab les.Pullcablescarefullyat the bootwiththe propertool.
17.A l w aysturnthe scopeOFFbeforedi sconne ct ing
: '' _
the battery.
FULLONEYEARWARRANTY
lf,within1 yearfromthedateof purchase,
failsdueto a defectin
thisautomotive
testinstrument
m a t e r i aolr w o r k m a n s h iRpE
, T U R NI T T ON E A R E SS
T E A R SS T O R El N T H EU N I T E DS T A T E S ,
andSearswillrepairor replaceit,f reeof charge.
givesyouspecific legalrights.andyoumayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfrom
Thiswarranty
stateto state.
698/731A
AND CO . DEPARTMENT
SEARS,ROEBUCK
IL 60684
SEARSTOWER. CHICAGO.
-6-
i
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1.
CHAPTER
INTRODUCTION
1 . 1 I N T R O D U C T I OTNh i so w n e r ' sm a n u a dl e s c r i b e tsh e S e a r s ' C r a f t s m aM
6 iagnostic
n o d e l1 6 1 . 2 1 0 5D
and the teststhatit can do. Priorto performing
Oscrlloscope
any oscilloscope
test,however,it is important
tnatthe technician
understands
how to usethismanualand how to applythe testsdescribedforthe specific
r e Fc l e b e r n qs e r v i c e d .
IMPORTANT
M AN UA LFORS P E C IFIC
A N D TE S TP R OCO NS UL TT H EVE H IC L E
SE R V IC E
TU N E -U PIN FOR MA TION
CE DURESAL
. W A YSF O L L OWT H E MA NU FA C TU R E RS' SP E C IFIC A TION
AS
N D TE S T P R OC E D U R ES
F O RA DJ U S T IN G
D W E L LA N GL EID
, L ES P E E DA N D C H A R GIN G
V E H IS Y S TE MOU TP U T,E S P E C IA LLY
CLE SW I THM O D ER NEL E C T R O N IC
IG N I TION
A N DE MIS S ION
C ON TR OLSD.O N OTA TTE MP TTO S E R V I CEA V E H IC L E
WIT H O U TT H EM AN U FA C TU R E RIN
' SS TR U C TIONASN DS P E C IFIC A TION S .
1-2. VEHICLEMANUAL.SOURCESFORSERVICEINFORMATION.
The followingis a list of publishers
who haveservicemanualsfor yourspecificvehicleat nominalcost.Writeto themfor availability
andprices,
specifying
the make,style,and modelyearof yourvehicle.
AmericanMotorsCorporation
Myriad
8835GeneralDrive
Plymouth
Township,
Michigan48170
ChryslerCorporation
DymentDistribution
Service
S e r v i c eP u b l i c a t i o n
20026ProgressDrive
Strongsville,
Ohio44136
FordPublication
Department
HelmIncorporated
PostOfficeBox07150
Detroit,
Michigan48207
'-3
Oldsmobile
LansingLithographers
PostOfficeBox 23188
Lansing,
Michigan48909
ChiltonBookCompany
ChiltonWay
Radnor,PA 19089
Domesticand lmpoil Cars
Pontiac
Cadillac,
Chevrolet,
HelmIncorporated
PostOfficeBox07130
Detroit,Michigan48207
CorduraPublications
M i t c h e lM
l a n u a l sI .n c .
Post Office Box 26260
San Diego,CA 92126
Motor'sAutoRepairManual
HearstCompany
250 W. 55thStreet
N e wY o r k ,N . Y .1 0 0 1 9
r n i t r o snv s t e mb e n e t e s t e dT h r sa l l o w st h e t e c h : ' - - - ' - - : , ' , - - - : ' . - - : - ? ' . a t h e p a r t i c u l ai q
a : t b e r t e s t so r c t h e ' , e ' c € s c e c f c a t r o n sW
. henperforming
' . ' ' - : ' : - a ' , a s . u a ' a- : = s 3 8 1 / r € € n
t e s tr n s t r u c t i O na S
r eO f e n
-:'
. i . { . T E S TS € J C t
OTHERSOURCES
NONFACTORY
O S C I L L O S C O P EM A N U A L . A l t h o u g ht h e t e s t si n t h i s m a n u a la r e p r e s e n t e di n t h e m o s t e f f i c i e n ot r d e r
.
.
Buick
TuarCompany
PostOfficeBox 354
F l i n tM
, i c h i g a n4 8 5 0 1
r?
-:
CN FORVEHICLE
appl y to the speci fi ctest vehi cl e,con sult
:=
1.5. SAFETY
w hi ch i s especi al l ycri ti calto personnel
> - = - -? r^formati on
the text.The terms " W A R N IN G" ," C A U TION " ,and
:- ^' i errerot
WARNING
: : s a r e u s e dt o e m p h a s i z conditions
in the operation
that could
e
of the equipment
'::ersonnel.
CAUTION
Cautionnoticesare usedto emphasizeconditions
in the operationof the equipmentthat corrc
causedamageto equipment.
-7-
Notescall attentionto informationthat
this equipment.
NOTE
or oPerating,
especiallysignificant understanding,
INFORMATION.
1-6. GENERAL
providesa visualmeansof obOscilloscope
Testing.The Model161,21056Diagnostic
A. Oscilloscope
(scope)and this manua
performance
the
oscilloscope
ignition
Using
system.
of an automobile
servingthe
to testfor specificignitionproblems.He comparesthe
followshook-upand testprocedures
the technician
test patternsdisplayedon the scope with the patternsillustratedin this manual,patternsgeneratedby ar'
properly.Differences
in patternsindicatedefectivecomand variations
ignitionsystemthat is functioning
ponentswhichcausethe systemto operateimproperly.
By performing
the testsand comparingscopepatterns,defectivecomponentscan be locatedand repairedor replaced.
B. OscilloscopePatterns.The uniquetestproceduresand methodsincludedin this manualplaceattention
portionsof a scopepatternin a logicalsequence.
Thissequenceassuresthe technicianthat
on individual
everyportionof the waveformwill be analyzedaccuratelyand makeslocatingproblemsalmostautomatic
Thisdiagnosticsequenceallowscompleteengineignitionsystemtestingto be performedevenwithouta full
of the scopepattern.
understanding
has severalfeaturesthat makescopetestingclear
C. OscilloscopeFeatures.The DiagnosticOscilloscope
pictureof the sparkvoltagepeaks,allowing
and simple.The sparkvoltagepatternyieldsa sharp,uncluttered
s a s i l yT. h e c l a m p - o nI N D U C T I VPEI C K - U Pa n d C A P A C I T I VPEI C K - U P
t h et e c h n i c i atno a n a l y z ep r o b l e m e
providemorestablepatternsand eliminatethe needto disconnectignitionwiresduringhook-up.A large9patterndisplayare among
and brightlyilluminated
automaticfocusing,
inchscreen,rotaryfunctionselector,
of this scope.lt shouldbe notedthat this scopedoes not requirea separatebattery
the otherhighlights
adapterand shuntresistorfor alternatortesting.The alternatorsignalis sensedat the alternatoroutputterfeaturesof thisscopeare the simplicityof the front
minalor at the positivebatterypost.The mostoutstanding
panelcontrols,and the easeof testingprovidedby the testprocedures.
-B-
2.
CHAPTER
O S CLI L O S C O
P EC O N T R O L S ,
N
E
C
T
I
O
N
S
CON
A.N DA C C E S S O R I E S
: - ' D E S C R I P T I OTNh. e M o d e 2
l 1 0 5 6O s c i l l o s c o phea sc l e a r l y
' - : - . i : : - : ' c s o n t h e r i g h ta s s h o w ni n F i g u r e2 1 . T h e s c r e e n
' :.: 1 : ear.sharpcontrastdisplayof patternswitha vertical
' . . ' :'a e c n t he lef tand h o ri z o n tadlw e l ls c a l efo r 4 , 6 , a nd 8
.r:- . :^ clesacrossthe bottom.Theconnector
socketson the
. :-: :: or c odedandk e y e dto th e i rc o rre s p o n d i ncgo n n ector
-: l -^l ' ols . c onnec t i o nasn d a c c e s s o ri easre i l l u s trated
in
'- .-' a r d des c r ibed
in T a b l e2 -1 .
Ta b l e 2- 1. O s c illos co p eC o n tro l s ,C o n n e c ti o n s ,a nd
Accessories
: ] ,.,/ E RO N S W I T CH
, ' - --:^ ta rily pr es s edt o t u rn th e o s c i l l o s c o p eO N a fte r the
.,,.' e a d has been c o n n e c te d to 1 2 v o l ts .T h e P O W E R
' . S , ' / I T C Hi l l u m i n a t e s i n d i c a t e
to
ooweron.
. 'CWER OFFSWITCH
',': -entarily pressed
t o t u r n t h e o s c i l l o s c o p eO F F b e f o r e
r : : : r n e c t i n g p o w e r l e a d f r o m 1 2 v o l t s .l f a p o w e r s u p p l y
: a: rsa cc ident ally
dis c o n n e c te dth
, e s c o p e mu s t b e tu r ned
l'. a g a rnaf t ert he lead h a s b e e n re c o n n e c te d ,
, . =.JN CT I O NS E LE CTOR
- )e. to select the proper ignition or alternatorpattern re, - 'e l fo r eac h t es t .
: . E R T I C A LP O S I T I O NC O N T R O L
- s:r to adjus t t he v er t i c a l p o s i ti o no f th e p a tte rn o n the
: - ^:.p qarepn
: ' A T T E R N P O S I T I O NC O N T R O L
- se 0 to a djus tt he hor izo n ta lp o s i ti o no f th e p a tte rno n the
:,lOe Screen.
L E N G T HC O N T R O L
6. PATTERN
Usedto adjustthe horizontallengthof the patternon the
scopescreen.
7. POWERLEAD
Connectsthe scopeto the 12-voltbatteryof the vehicle
beingtestedor an auxiliary12-voltbattery.
8 . I N D U C T I VPEI C K - U P
When clampedoverthe wire of the firstsparkplug in the
vehicle'sfiringorder,the Scopedisplayspatternsin firing
withoutregardto the enginespeedor
orderforthe cylinders
numberof cylinders.
9 . C A P A C I T I VPEI C K - U P
Whenclampedoverthe hightensionignitioncotlwire,the
Scopedisplaysthe secondaryhighvoltagepattern.
1 0 . H E IP A T T E R N
C A P A C I T I VPEI C K - U P
Connects
to the top of the GeneralMotorsHEI'integral
coil
distributor
systems,
and is usedin placeof theCAPACITIVE
PICK-UP.
ltem9 above.
11 . A L T E R N A T OLRE A DW I T HB L U EC L I P
(+) terminalof the alternator
or +
Connectsto the Positive
Scope
batteryterminalwhen alternatoris inaccessible.
displaysthe voltagepattern.
12.PICK-UP
C O I LT E S TL E A D
Connectsto the CAPACITIVE
PICK-UPsocketon the back
of the scopeand to the magneticpick-upcoil of electronic
ignitionsystems.Teststhe magnetictrigger unit in the
ignitionsystems.
distributor
on electronic
1 3 . F I B E RP L I E R S
Usedto removethe sparkplugwires.
:='s\10
\-
,,?
V^"2
''':-'
13
Accessories
OscilloscopeControls,Connections,and
F I G U R E2 . 1 .
-9-
CHAPTER3.
TESTDESCRIPTIONS
3-0. GENERAL.The SearsCraftsmanDiagnostic
Oscilloscope may be used to performmany enginetests.The
twelve most commontests are outlinedbelow and describedin detailin the followingchapters.
CAUTION
The scopeobtainsits power to operatefrom the 12
voltcar battery.lf you are servicinga vehiclewith a 6
volt batterysystem,you mustuse a 12 volt auxiliary
batteryfor the scope. Connecta jumper wire betweenthe negative(-)terminalof the auxiliarybattery
andgroundon the vehiclebeingtested.Connectthe
red powerleadclipfromthe scopeto the positive(*)
terminalof the auxiliarybatteryand the black clip to
the negative(-) groundof the vehicleundertest.
3-1. SPARK POLARITYTEST. Incorrectpolarityin the
primaryor secondarycircuitcan resultin a 20-40o/ogrealer
voltagerequirement
to firethe sparkplugsand may cause
the engineto misfireunderloador at high speed.Thistest
checksfor correctpolarityin the entireignitioncircuit,Refer to Chapter6.
3-2. MAXTMUMCO|L OUTPUT(AVATLABLE
VOLTAGE)
TEST. Forany ignitionsystemto functionproperly,
the ignitioncoilmustbe ableto producehighsecondary
voltage.
Failureof the ignitioncoil to produceadequatevoltage
may cause the engineto misfireunder load or at high
speed.The maximumsecondaryvoltageproducedby an
ignitioncoil can be measuredin this test to ensureadequatevoltage.Referto Chapter7.
INSULATIONTEST.The secondary
3-3. SECONDARY
ignitioncircuitis thepathforvoltagefromthecoilto thegap
This test checksthe secof the sparkplugs'electrodes.
ondaryignitioncircuitfor properinsulation.
A breakin the
insulation
of the secondarycircuitwillcausevoltageto arc
to groundinsteadof to the corresponding
sparkplugand
Thisresultsin the misfireof the sparkplug.Refer
cylinder.
to ChapterB.
3-4. SPARKVOLTAGEUNDERLOAD TEST. The spark
voltageof all cylindersshouldbe fairly uniformand rise
slightlywhen the engineis "snap-accelerated."
Thistest
measuresand comparesthe voltagerequirements
of each
cylinderin an engineunderloadto determineif any faults
are present.Referto Chapter9.
lN DWELLTEST. Dwellis
3's. DWELLAND VARIATION
pointsareclosedduringeach
theperiodthatthedistributor
cylinderignitionfiringcycle.Thistestmeasuresthe variationof dwellamongall the cylindersto determinespecific
Referto Chaoter10,
faultsin the distributor.
E S T . E n e r g yr e m a i n i nign t h e
3 - 6 . C O I L / C O N D E N S ETR
propcoilafterthe sparkplughasfiredmustbe dissipated
erlyto protectthe points.Thistest measuresthe dissipaif therers a faultin the
tionof the voltageand determines
Referto Chapter11
coilor the condenser.
3-7. POINTACTIONTEST.lt is importantthatthe points
openandcloseproperlyforeachsparkplugfiring.Thistest
checks for properaction of the breakerpoints.Referto
Chapter12.
-10-
RESISTANCE
TEST.A limitedamount
3-8. SECONDARY
of resistanceis builtintothe secondarycircuitto extend
the sparkplugelectrodelifeand to minimizeinterference
with radioand televisionreception.Excessiveresistance
dissipatesthe energyotherwiseneededto maintaingood
ignitionduringhighspeedoperation.
Thistest checksfor
Referto Chapter13.
excessive
secondaryresistance.
3-9. COILOUTPUTAT CRANKING
SPEEDTEST.A fault
i n t h e p r i m a r yc i r c u i o
t r a d e f e c t i v ce o i lm a yc a u s ea n e n gineto be hardto startor failto start.Thistestdetermines
if thesesystemsarethe causeof a startingproblem.Refer
t o C h a o t e1r 4 .
3-10. ROTORGAP TEST.Adequatevoltagers required
to properlyarc the gap betweenthe rotorand the distributor cap terminals.
Thistestmeasuresthe voltageof the arc
to determinepossiblefaultsin thiscircuit.Referto Chapter
15.
3-11. ALTERNATOR
TEST. Fauitsin alternator
operation
maybe determined
by analysisof the scopepatternsproducedin thistest.Referto Chapter16.
3-'12.MAGNETICPICK-UPCOIL TEST.Some electronic
ignitionsystemsuse a magneticpickupin placeof contact
points.Faultsin operationof the magneticpickupmay be
by thistest.Referto Chapter17.
determined
CHAPTER4.
BASICSCOPEPATTERNS
4-1. INTRODUCTION.
A. The ignitionsystemis one of the most importantsystems of a gasolineengine.lt deliversthe sparkto fire the
rightcylinderat preciselythe righttimewhilecompensating for the enginespeedand load.Properfunctioningof
thissystemand each of its manycomponentsis criticalto
the efficientoperationof the engine.
B. The oscilloscope
is a precisioninstrument
usedto cjiagnoseproblemsin the ignitionsystemwhilethe engineis
running.By representing
the voltagecircuitsof the ignition
systemas waveformpatternson a monitor,a technician
candiagnosethe condition
of eachcomponentin the system.Thismanualgraphically
depictsnormaland unsatisfactorypatternsfor eachtestfacilitating
easydiagnosisof
the ignitionsystem.To utilizethe oscilloscopefully,the
technician
shouldfamiliarize
himselfwiththe variousfunctiondisplaysof the oscilloscope,
the basicpatternof each
display,the basic sectionsof specificpatterns,and the
termsusedin thismanual.
4.2. FUNCTIONDISPI.AYS.
provides
The Diagnostic
Oscilloscope
ModelNo.161.21056
five functions.Each functioncreatesa differentdisplayon
the oscilloscopescreen.Thesefunctionsand displaysare
selectedwith the FUNCTIONSELEG|OR(3, Figure2{)
where they are labeled 50 KV COIL, 25 KV SPARK,
DISTRIBUTOR
PATTERN,
25 KV SUPERIMPOSED,
and
ALT.(alternator).
The displaysare adjustedwith the VERTICALPOSITTON
CONTROL(4),the pATTERNpOStTtON
CoNTROL(5),and the PATTERN
LENGTHCONTROL(6),
as describedin each test,to selectand locatea waveform
patternon the oscilloscopescreenfor test measurement,
observation
and interpretation.
A. 50 KV Coal.Thisfunctiondisplaysthe completeseriesof
spark ignitionvoltagesfor all the cylindersof the test vehicle,as illustrated
in Figure4-1.When properly'adjusted,
the waveformpattern providesthe technicianwith an
overallview of all the sparkignitionsin theirproperfiring
order.By comparisonand measurement,
the technician
candetermineandlocatean abnormalignitionconditionin
one or all of the cylinders.This is a calibratedscAlefor
measuringmaximumavailablehigh voltagedeliveredby
theignitioncoilwhenone sparkplugwireis disconnected.
: 25 KV Spark.This is a calibrated
voltagescaleand
--: : :-. : '^: . c ltagerequiredto fireeachof the sparkplugs
- ' - . ' . : ' , . - : e a s r l l u s t r a t ei ndF i g u r e
4 - 4 .W h e np r o p e r l y
a : , - s : e : : - s l a : e r n p r o v i d e st h e t e c h n i c i a nw i t h a n
o v e r a lvl r e no i a I l n e s p a r kv o l t a g e si n t h e i rp r o p e rf i r i n g
o r d e r T h i s p a t t e r na p p e a r sa s f o u r ,s i x , o r e i g h tv e r t i c a l
I r n e sa c c o r d i n gt o t h e n u m b e ro f c y l i n d e r si n t h e t e s t
engine.The heightof these lines representsthe peak
-1 1-
amplitudeof the voltage.By comparisonand measurement,the techniciancan determineand locatean abnormalsparkplugfiringconditionfor oneor all of the cylinders
(toohighor too low).
C. Distributor Pattern. Referto Figure4-2. This function
displayis the same as the 50 KV COIL displaybut is twice
the heighton the screen.When properlyadjusted,this patpatternof
tern providesthe technicianwith an easy-to-read
any specificcylinder.Throughmeasurementand observation,the techniciancan determineand locatean abnormal
ignitionconditionwithinthe firingof a specificcylinder.
This
is not a calibratedvoltagescale,but is providedto illustrate
the waveshapesin the Spark Line and oscillationwhich
mustbe presentfor a normalsystem.
D. 25 KV Superimposed.This functiondisplaysthe pat,
ternsof the sparkignitionvoltagesof allthe cylindersat the
sametime.Thepatternsforallthe cylinders
appearsuperimposeduponeachother,as illustrated
in Figure4-3.When
properlyadjusted,thisdisplayprovidesthe technician
with
as easyto readcomparisonof all the cylinders,and in particular,dwellvariations
betweencylinders.
line
sectionof the patterndisplaysa nearlyhorizontal
extendingto the right of the verticalfiringline but
shouldshow somerandomrippledue to the burning
air/tuelmixture.The componentswhich affectthis
sectionare the sparkplug,the plugwire,andthe coil
wire,as well as airlfuel mixture,cylindercondition
Abnormalconditionswith any of
and compression.
thesecomponents
willaffectthe angleandcontinuity
of the sparkline.
E. Alternator.Referto Figure4-5.This functiondisplays
the ripplecontentof the testvehiclealternator.
When properlyadjusted,
this displayprovidesthe technician
with a
waveformpatternfor comparisonand measurementto
determineand locatean abnormalalternator
outputcondition.Open and shorteddiodesand windings(rotorsand
stators)canbe foundeasilyby waveformcomparisons.
(BreakerPointlg4-3.SPARKPLUGIGNITIONPATTERN.
nition)The Spark Plug lgnition Patternrepresentsthe
voltageof the spark plug and distributor
througha single
spark plug firing sequence.The variousphasesof this
voltagesequencecan be identifiedeasilyas threedistinct
sectionsof the waveformpattern.Thesesectionsare the firing section,the coil/condenser
section,and the dwellsection.Figure4$ illustrates
the normalscopepatternfor the
firing of one cylinderin a typicalBreakerPoint lgnition
System.
A. FiringSection.The firingsectionof the SparkPluglgnitionPatternis composedof the firinglineand the spark
line.
'1.FiringLine. The firinglinerepresents
the initialvoltage requiredto arc the rotor and spark plug gaps.
Thissectiondisplaysa sharpverticallineextending
upward.The componentswhich affect this section
are the sparkplug,the plug wire,the rotor,the rotor
gap,thedistributor
cap,the coilwire,thefuelmixture,
Abnormalconditions
and the cylindercompression.
willaffectthe heightof
withanyof thesecomponents
the firinglinedisplayed
on the scope.
2. Spark Line. The spark line representsthe voltage
which is requiredto maintaina spark at the spark
pluggap to burnthe fuelmixturein the cylinder.
This
-12-
B. Coil/Condenser
Section.The coil/condenser
section
of the SparkPluglgnitionPatternrepresents
the dissipationof energyremaining
in the coilandcondenser
afterthe
sparkplughasfinishedfiring.In the waveform,
thissection
displaysa lineof severaloscillations
which extendto the
r i g h tf r o mt h e s p a r kl i n ea n dd i m i n i s hi n s i z e .T h e c o m p o nentswhichaffectthissectionare the coil,the condenser,
coil wire or in the case of electronicignitionpossiblythe
module.Abnormalconditionswith any of these componentswillaffectthe appearance
in this
of the oscillations
sectionof the pattern.
C. DwellSection.Thedwellsectionof theSparkPluglgnisignaland the
tionPatternis composedof the point-close
point-open
signal.
signal repre1. Point-CloseSignal. The point-close
sentsthe closingof the pointsand the build-upof the
magnetic
fieldin thecoilprimaryby theflowof current
throughthe coil. This signal displaysa series of
The components
severaldiminishingoscillations.
which affectthis signalare the ignitionpoints,conwithanyof
denser,and the coil.Abnormalconditions
will affectthe appearance
of the
thesecomponents
o s c i l l a t i o ni nst h i ss e c t i o no f t h e p a t t e r n .
signalrepresents
2 . Point-Open
Signal.Thepoint-open
theopeningof thepointsandtheendof thedwellsection.Thissignalappearsas an abrupt90 degreeupwhich
wardangleof the patternline.Thecomponents
andthe igniaffectthissignalarethe coil,condenser,
withthesecompontionpoints.Abnormalconditions
entswillaffectthe abruptness
of the upwardangle.
Dwell Section Length. The lengthof the dwellsecsignalthroughthepoint-open
tionf romthepoint-close
signalis affectedby the dwellsetting.
CHAPTER5.
TYPESOF IGNITIONSYSTEMS
test,the
5-1.lNTRODUgfpN. Toperformanyoscilloscope
technicianmusthavethe abilityto selectthe correcttestsfor
the specificvehiclebeingtested.Priorto the early 1970's,
breakerpoint ignitionsystemswere the automobileinhookdustry'sstandard.Forthesesystems,the oscilloscope
up procedures,test procedures,test results,and oscilloscopewaveformpatternsare identicalwith a few minorexceptions.In 1973,ChryslerCorporationintroducedthe ElectroniclgnitionSystemas standardequipmenton its entire
passengercar line.Thissystemreplacedthe breakerpoints
switching
circuit.Each
witha magneticpickupandtransistor
has sincedesigned,develmajorautomobile
manufacturer
of the
oped,or adapteda variegof electronicimprovements
breaker points ignition system.The result of these improvementshas affectedoscilloscope
testingin a varietyof
uniqueoscilloscope
ways.Eachsystemhas a distinctively
waveformpattern,and falls into a varietyof groupingsfor
hook-upprocedures,test procedures,and test results.For
knowwhichigthatthetechnician
thisreason,it is essential
nitionsystemis usedin the testvehiclein orderto selectthe
oscilloscope
testsas describedin thismanual.
appropriate
A. ldentitylgnition System.RefertoTable
5-1to identifythe
testvehicle'signitionsystem.Referto the vehiclemanufacturer'sservicemanualto verifythisidentification.
B. SelectTests.Referto Table5-2to selectthe appropriate
oscilloscope
tests.
Table 5-1. lgnition System ldentification
Manufacturer
I
Year
lgnitionSystem
Qualification
AMERICANMOTORS
T h r u1 9 7 4
BreakerPointlgnition(BPl)
Atl
1 975- 1977
PrestoliteBreakerless Inductive
D i s c h arge(B l D )
6 ' s & V - B ' so n l y
(4's- BPI)
1 977- 1 984
MotorcraftSolid State
l g n i ti o n(S S l )
6 ' s & V - 8 ' so n l y
19 8 0 - 19 8 3
D e l c o - R e m yH i g h E n e r g y
(HEl)
lgnitron
4 ' so n l y
1984
MotorcraftSSI
All except2.8L, V-6
1984
D e l c o - R e mHyE I
2 . 8L V - 6
CHRYSLER
CORPORATION
T h r u1 9 7 2
B re a k erP oi ntl gni ti on(B P l )
1973-1983
E l e c tro ni cl gni ti onS ystem (E l S )
6 ' s & V - 8 ' so n l y
1978-1984
E l e c t r o n il cg n i t i o n
S y s t e m( E l SH A L L )
Electronic
SparkControlSvstem
Halleffectdistributor
(domestic
4 cyl.)
19 8 1- 1 9 8 4
E l e c t r o n i cl g n i t i o nS y s t e m
2.6L4cyl.only
Mitsubishi(ElS-MMC)
'
3 7 6 -19 7 8
19 8 1- 19 8 4
Electronic
LeanBurnSystem(ELB)
Selected6's andV-8'sonlv
El e c troni cS park C ontrol
System (ESC)
6's & V-8'sonlv
El e c troni cFuel C ontrol
Sy s te m (E FC S )
6's&V-8so.ri
-13-
Table5-1. lgnitionSyslemldentification(continued)
I
Manufactuter
Year
lgnitionSystem
Qualification
FORDMOTORCOMPANY
Thru 1974
B re a k erP oi nt l gni ti on(B P l )
Most.
1 974- 1976
MotorcraftSolid State
l g n i ti o n(S S l )
Most.
1977-1979
DuraSparkI (DSl)
Califo
. nly
1977-1984
DuraSparkll (DSll)
CheckVehicleServiceManual
1980-1984
D u r aS p a r kl l l ( D Sl l l )
CheckVehicleServiceManual
19 8 2 - 19 8 4
T h i c k F i l m l g n i t i o n| ( T F l - l )
C h e c kV e h i c l eS e r v i c eM a n u a l
1983-1984
T h i c k F i l m l g n i t i o nl V ( T F l - l V )
C h e c kV e h i c l eS e r v i c eM a n u a l
GENERAL
MOTORS
T h r u1 9 7 4
Bre a kerP oi nt l gni ti on(B P l )
1974-1984
D e l c o - R e mH
y i g hE n e r g y
l g n i t i o(nH E l )
T w ov e r s i o n s :
1 . I n t e g r aclo i ls y s t e ma: l l
V - 8 ' sa n d m o s tV - 6 ' s ,s o m e
in-line
6 ' sa n d4 ' s .
2. Externally
mountedcoil
system:somein-lineand
V-6's& 4's.
T he v as tma 1 o n ty
model smay usesomeformof eleco f th e s ev e h i c l e sa re b re a kerpoi nt;someH i ghP erformance
t r o n i ci g n r t i o nS.e ey o u rv e h r c l se e r v r c m
e a n u aflo rs p e c i f i c a t i o n s .
-14-
Table 5.2 OscilloscopeTests
Xl+-
El5
--
€ls
sl i5€
l=llVll/l
lole
lclc
l(slo
ol=
=li
,slg
>l>l-l=l
,ql{
6laldl;lel=
ci
clc
ol
()IO
IGNITION
SYSTEM
BreakerPoint
Delco-RemyHEI
ChryslerElectronic
lgnition(ElS)
E I S( M M C )M i t s u b i s h i
MotorCorporation
EISDomestic4 cyl.
(Hall Effect)
Motor CraftSolid
Statelgnition(SSl)
DuraSparkll
DuraSparklll
T h i c kF i l ml g n i t i o nI
( T F rt )
T h i c kF i l ml g n i t i o nl V
T F II V
PrestoliteBreakerless
InductiveDischarge(BlD)
X indicates
applicable
Chapter.
-15-
l.
ldl.c
lolc>
F
rlFl
r-lr
5-3. Waveshapeldentification.Extensiveuse of illustrations has been made throughoutthis manual.Many of
of the waveshapesand pattheseare actualphotographs
ternsyou will be observing.Due to the size reductionof
manyof the illustrations
used,somewaveshape
detailhas
been reducedto the pointwhereit is difficultto see.The
followingnine,illustrations
showthis secondaryoscillawhichmatchesyour
tiondetailclearly.Pickthe illustration
vehicles'signitionsystemand studyit carefully.
lt is a good
representation
of whatyourscopeshouldshowyou in this
portircn
of the pattern,whenthe ignitionsystemis functioningproperly.
The illustrations
shownare mostaccuratewith
RPM.
the enginerunningbetween900-1400
5-4. lgnitionSystemAbbreviations
regardingigPleasenotethatthe followingabbreviations
nitionsystemswill be used extensivelythroughoutthis
manual.
1. BPI
B r e a k eP
r o i n tl g n i t i o S
n ystem
2. EIS
ChryslerElectronic
lgnitionSystem(Domestic
6:
B cylinderengines)
lgnitionSystemand Electrc3. EIS-HALLChryslerElectronic
4 cylinder
S p a r kC o n t r o-l H A L LE F F E C T
(Domestic)
4 , E I S - M M CC h r y s l eEr l e c t r o n ilcg n i t i o S
n y s t e m( M r t s u b r s t '
5. ELB
LeanBurn
ChryslerElectronic
6. ESC
ChryslerElectronic
SparkControl
7. SSI
Motorcraft
SolidStatelgnition
B. DS I
FordDuraSparkI
I D Sl l
F o r dD u r aS p a r kl l
1 0 D Sl l l
F o r dD u r aS p a r kl l l
11 TFI
lgnition
FordThickFilmIntegrated
1 2 T F I -|
g n i t i o In
F o r dT h i c kF i l mI n t e g r a t el d
1 3 T F I - l V F o r dT h i c kF i l mI n t e g r a t el d
g n i t i o lnV
14.HEI
y i g hE n e r g yl o '
G e n e r aM
l o t o r sD e l c o - R e mH
15. BID
Inductive
Discharge
Prestolite
Breakerless
-16-
CHAPTER6.
SPARKPOLARITYTEST
ALL IGNITIONSYSTEMS
Incorrectpolarityin the primaryor
6-1. DESCRIPTION.
secondarycircuitcan resultin a greatervoltagerequirementto firethe sparkplugsand may causethe engineto
misfireunderload or at high speed.This test checksfor
correctpolarityin the entireignitioncircuit.
CAUTION
Do not let test cables rest or fall on or near hot or
movingengineparts.
6-2. HOOK-UPPROCEDURE.
Referto Figure6-14,B or C.
Thescopecontrolsandcablesarenumberedin Figure6-1A,
B or C as a referencefor hookup.This procedureexplains
whereto hookup eachcableon the backof the scopeand
on the vehiclebeingtested.The scopeconnections
(leads
:^C sockets)are color coded and keyedto ensureproper
-:ckup. The scopeitemsare describedin detailin Chapter
I = gure2-1,Table
2-1.
: EngineOff. Do not startthe enginebeforehookup.
3 POWERLEADConnection.
\4akethe following
connections:
1 Scope.Plugthe blackPOWERLEAD(/)connector
intothe blacksocketon the backof the scope.
2 Vehicle.Connectthe POWERLEADSC4to the batteryas follows:the REDclipto the Positive(+) batteryterminalandthe BLACKclipto Negative
(-)
groundon the vehiclesuchas the alternator
bracket
as shownin Figure6-1A,B or C.
. . E ' 'C O R EC O I LS Y S T E M S
( G MH E l ,F O R DT F l ,T F I - I a n dl V )
FIGURE6.18.
T N T E G R ACLO r L( G MH E I )
FIGURE6.1C.
WARNING
.r/henmakingelectricaltest connections
to the ve^ cle,do not use the carburetor
or otherfuelsystem
componentsas a ground connection,as a spark
:ould ignitethe gasolinevaporsand causea fire or
exptoston.
SPARKPOLARITYTEST
H o o kU p
NOTE
PICKEnsurethatthe CAPACITIVE
and INDUCTIVE
encloseignitionwiresand are
UP clampscompletely
closed
free of dirt and grease.Dirtyor incompletely
ag
n d / ofra ul t yc a l i b r a c l a m p sm a yc a u s em i s t r i g g e r i n
" tionof scopepatterns
|
I
|
I
i
r
ruore
I I n m o s tH E Is v s t e m st .h e c o i li s m o u n t e di n s i d et h e
distributor
and requiresthe useof the HEIPATTERN
(10)forthistest.Thefollowing
PICK-UP
CAPACITIVE
for bothexi paragraphsprovidehook-upinstructions
mountedcoils.Be sureto use
I ternallyand internally
I tne correctpick-upfor the systembeingtested.
C. CAPACITIVEPICK-UP(9) or GM HEI PATTERNCAPACITIVEPICK-UP(10) Connections.
1. CAPACITIVEPICK-UP (9). Use the CAPACITIVE
PICK-UP(9) for all systemswith the ignitioncoil
mountedexternally.
Figure6-1.A & B.
a . S c o p e .P l u gt h ey e l l o wC A P A C I T I VPEI C K - U P( 9 )
connectorinto the yellowsocketon the back of
the scope.
. l a m pt h e C A P A C I T I VP
E I C K - U P( 9 )
b . V e h i c l eC
o n t ot h e h i g h - t e n s i ocno r lw r r e .
: ' - \ O R I C A LC O I LS Y S T E M S
FIGURE
6.1A
S P A R KP O L A R I T Y
TEST
H o o kU p
-17 -
PICK-UP(10).Use the
2. HEIPATTERNCAPACITIVE
PICK-UP(10)for HEI
HEI PATTERNCAPACITIVE
(insystemswiththe ignitioncoil mountedinternally
sidethedistributor
cap).Figure6-1C.
a. Scope. Plugthe yellowHEI PATTERNCAPACITIVE PICK-UP(10) connectorinto the yellow
socketon the backof the scope.
b. Vehicle.Clip the HEI PATTERN CAPACITIVE
PICK-UP(10)ontothe top of the distributor
cap.
D. INDUCTIVE
PICK-UP(8) Connections.
1 . S c o p e .P l u gt h e b l u eI N D U C T I VPEI C K - U P( B )c o n nectorintothe bluesocketon the backof the scope.
2. Vehicle.
PICK-UP(8)ontothe spark
a. Clampthe INDUCTIVE
plug wire of the No. 1 spark plug.Connectthe
pick-upas closeas possibleto the distributor
to
fromadlacentwires.
minimizeinterference
E. SelectFunction.RotateFUNCTIONSELECTOR(3)to
50 KV CO|L.
F. PatternGontrols.
1. Turn PATTERNPOSITION
CONTROL(5)clockwise
to stop.
2. Turn PATTERNLENGTHCONTROL(6) counterclockwiseto stop.
G. TurnScopeOn. Pressthe POWERON SWITCH(1)to
Afterthe Scope
turnscopeON.The switchwill illuminate.
has warmedup for approximately
30 seconds,a horizontal
tracewill appearon the screen.
Figures6-2 and 6-3.The patterndisplayedon the scope
screen should match the normal pattern illustratedin
Figure6-2.Thefiringlinesof thesparkplugpatterns
should
extendupward.
C. EngineOtl. Turnvehicleengineoff.
6.4. TESTRESULTS.
A. NormalPattern.The firinglinesof the sparkplug patternsextendupward.
B. UnsatisfactoryPattern.The firing lines of the spark
plugpatternsextenddownward.
NOTE
A momentarydisconnection
to the batterywill turn
scopeOFF.Reconnectscopecablesto the batteryas
explainedaboveand pressPOWERON SWITCH.
H. StartEngine.Startthe engineand allow it to warm to
normaloperatingtemperature.
l. AdjustEngineSpeed. Adjustenginespeedas required
to providea stablepattern(typically900-1200RPM).
J. AdjustScope Pattern.lf the scope patternblinksor is
unstable:
1. Ensurethat pick-up clamps are clean and completelyencloseignitionwires.
PICK-UP(8) clamp over and
2. Turn the INDUCTIVE
slideit alongthe sparkplug wire betweenthe spark
plugand the distributor
untilpatternstabilizes.
3. lf vehicleis equippedwith non-resistor
spark plug
wires,replacethe ignitioncoilwire and No. 1 spark
plugwirewith resistance
wirejustfor thistest.
K. Adjust PositionControls.
1. Set the patternto zerolineon the scopescreenwith
POSITION
theVERTICAL
CONTROL(4).
C O N T R O L( 5 ) a n d
2 . A d l u s tP A T T E R NP O S I T I O N
PATTERNLENGTHCONTROL(6)so thatthe pattern
fillsthe entirescreen.
6.3. TESTPROCEDURE.
A. Select Function.Ensurethat FUNCTIONSELECTOR
(3)is set to the 50 KV COILposition.
B. Check Pattern.Comparethe patterndisplayedon the
scope with the patternsillustratedbelow in Test Results,
-18-
patternexists,checkfor:
lf an unsatisfactory
a. Reversedcoil connections.
b. Incorrect
or defectivecoil.
c. Reversedbatteryconnections.
CHAPTER7.
MAXIMUMCOILOUTPUTTEST
(AVATLABLE
VOLTAGE)
SECIION:1.BPl,ElS,EISMMC,EISHALLand
BIDSystems
7-1. DESCRIPTION.
For any ignitionsystemto function
properly,
the ignitioncoil mustbe able to producea high
secondaryvoltage.Failureof the ignitioncoil to produce
adequatevoltagemay causethe engineto misfireunder
load or at high speed.The maximumsecondaryvoltage
producedby an ignitioncoil can be measuredin thistest
to ensureadequatevoltage.
CAUTION
Do not let test cables rest or fall on or near hot or
movingengineparts.
CAUTION
Use cautionwhen disconnectingand connecting
sparkplug and high tensionwires,as they can be
damagedeasily.
CAUTION
On cars equippedwith a catalyticconverter,reconnect sparkplugwire as quicklyas possibleto avoid
damageto converter.Do not allow car to run with a
plugnotfiring;overheating
willresult.
7 - 2 . H O O K - U PP R O C E D U R ER. e f e rt o f i g u r e7 - 1 . T h e
scopecontrolsand cablesare numberedin figure7-1 as
a referencefor hookup.This procedureexplainswhereto
hookup each cableon the back of the scopeand on the
vehiclebeingtested.The scope connections(leadsand
sockets)are color coded and keyed to ensure proper
hookup.Thescopeitemsaredescribedin detailin Chapter
2 ,f i g u r e2 - 1 , I a b l e2 - 1 .
A. EngineOtl. Do not startthe enginebeforehookup.
B. POWER LEAD Connections.
Makethe following
connections:
1. Scope. Plugthe black POWERLEAD(7)connector
intothe blacksocketon the backof the scope.
2. Vehicle.Connectthe POWERLEADSC4to the batteryas follows:the REDclipto the Positive(+) battery
(-)groundon
the BLACKclipto Negative
terminaland
the vehiclesuchas the alternatorbracketas shownin
Figure7-1.
- BPI,EIS,EISMMC,
-19-
WARNING
When makingelectricaltest connections
to the vehicle,do not use the carburetoror otherfuel system
componentsas a ground connection,as a spark
couldignitethe gasolinevaporsand causea fire or
explosion.
NOTE
PICKEnsurethatthe CAPACITIVE
and INDUCTIVE
UP clampscompletely
encloseignitionwiresand are
free of dirt and grease.Dirtyor incompletely
closed
clampsmaycausemistriggering
and/orfaultycalibrationof scopepatterns.
C. CAPACITIVE
PICK-UP(9) Connections.
1. Scope. Plug the yellow CAPACITIVE
PICK-UP(9)
connectorinto the yellowsocketbn the back of the
scope.
PICK-UP(9) onto
2. Vehicle.Clampthe CAPACITIVE
the high-tension
coilwire.
D. INDUCTIVEPICK-UP(8) Connections.
1 . S c o p e .P l u gt h e b l u eI N D U C T I VP
EI C K - U P( 8 )c o n nectorintothe bluesocketon the backof the scope.
(B)onto
2. Vehicle.Clampthe INDUCTIVE
PICK-UP
the
sparkplugwireof the No.1 sparkplug.Connectthe
pick-upas close as possibleto the distributorto
fromadjacentwires.
minimizeinterference
E. SelectFunction.RotateFUNCTIONSELECTOR(3)to
50 KV CO|L.
F. PatternControls.
1. Turn PATTERNPOSITION
CONTROL(5)clockwise
to stop.
2. Turn PATTERNLENGTHCONTROL(6) counterclockwiseto stop.
G. TurnScopeOn. Pressthe POWERON SWITCH(1)to
Afterthe Scope
turnscopeON.The switchwill illuminate.
has warmedup for approximately
30 seconds,a horizontal
tracewill appearon the screen.
NOTE
A momentarydisconnection
to the batterywill turn
scopeOFF.Reconnectscopecablesto the batteryas
explained
aboveandpressPOWERON SWITCH.
H. StartEngine.Startthe engineand allow it to warm to
normaloperating
temperature.
l. AdjustEngineldle Speed. Adjustenginespeedas required to provide a stable pattern (typically,900-1200
RPM).
J. AdjustScope Pattern.lf the scope patternblinksor is
unstable:
1. Ensurethat pick-up clamps are clean and completelyencloseignitionwires.
PICK-UP(8) clamp over and
2. Turn the INDUCTIVE
slideit alongthe sparkplug wire betweenthe spark
plugandthe distributor
untilpatternstabilizes,
sparkplug
3. lf vehicleis equippedwithnon-resistor
wires,replacethe ignitioncoilwireand the No 1
wirejust for this
sparkplug wire with resistance
test.
K. Adjust PositionControls.
1. Set the patternto zero lineon the scopescreenwith
theVERTICAL
POSITION
CONTROL(4)
2 . A d j u s tP A T T E R NP O S I T I O NC O N T R O L( 5 ) a n d
PATTERNLENGTHCONTROL(6)so thatthe pattern
fillsthe entirescreen.
7.3. TESTPROCEDURE.
A. EngineOtf. Turnvehicleengineoff.
B. SelectFunction.Ensurethat FUNCTIONSELECTOR
(3)is set to the 50 KV COILposition.
C. Spark Plug Wire Disconnect.Withthe fiberpliersprovided,disconnectany spark plug wire with boot at the
sparkplugend,exceptthe wireleadingto the No. 1 spark
plug.Do not allowthiswireto arc to ground.The INDUCTIVE PICK-UP(8)shouldbe clampedto the No. 1 spark
plugwireas instructed
abovein paragraphT-2.D.
D. EngineOn. Startvehicleengine.
E. Check Pattern.Comparethe patterndisplayedon the
scope with the patternsillustratedbelow in Test Results,
Figures7-2 and 7-3. The patterndisplayedon the scope
screenshouldmatchthe normalpatternillustratedin Figis for BPl.Oscillation
ureT-2.(Thepatternillustrated
detail
ignitionsystemswillvaryas shownin Chapon electronic
ter 5.)
F. EngineOtl. Turnvehicleengineoff.
G. Reconnect.Reconnectsparkplugwire.
7.4. TESTRESULTS.
A. Normal Pattern.The secondaryvoltageavailablefor
the disconnected
sparkplugshouldbe greaterthan20 KV
for BreakerPointSystemsor approximately
24-26KV for
Electronic
lgnitionSystemsas readon the 50 Kilovoltscale.
patternexists,boththe primaryand seconlf a satisfactory
darycircuitsare operatingnormally.
B. Unsatisfactory Pattern. An unsatisfactorypattern
voltageof lessthan20 KV on
showsa maximumavailable
the BreakerPointSystemor approximately
24-26KV on the
electronic
systemsas displayed
on the Kilovolt
Scale.
patternexists,checkfor:
lf an unsatisfactory
Defective
a.
coil.
b . Defectivecoil wire.
c . Low batteryvoltage.
(Doesnot apply
d . Dwellmuchlowerthanspecified.
to electronicignitionsystems)
e . Excessiveresistancein primarycircuit,reducing
i n p u t o i g n i t i o cn o i l .
f. Defective
on ignitionwires.
secondaryinsulation
g. Defective
condenser.
h. Defectiverotorand/ordistributor
cap.
i. Defectiveignitionmodule.(Electronic
ignition
systemsonly.)
I I .G M H E I ,F O R DT F I ,T F I . I ,T F I - I V
SECTION
Systems
For any ignitionsystemto function
7-5. DESCRIPTION.
properly,
the ignitioncoil mustbe able to producea high
secondaryvoltage.Failureof the ignitioncoil to produce
adequatevoltagemay causethe engineto misfireunder
load or at high speed.The maximumsecondaryvoltage
producedby an ignitioncoil can be measuredin thistest
to ensureadequatevoltage.
CAUTION
Do not let test cablesrest or fall on or near hot or
movingengineparts.
CAUTION
Use cautionwhen disconnectingand connecting
sparkplug and high tensionwires,as they can be
damagedeasily.
CAUTION
On cars equippedwith a catalyticconverter,reconnect sparkplugwire as quicklyas possibleto avoid
damageto converter.Do not allow car to run with a
plugnotfiring;overheating
willresult.
7-6,HOOK-UPPROCEDURE.
Referto Figure74Aor B.The
scopecontrolsand cablesare numberedin Figure74 as
a referencefor hookup.This procedureexplainswhere
to hook up each cableon the back of the scope and on
the vehiclebeing tested.The scope connections(leads
and sockets)are color coded and keyedto ensurepropef
-20-
hookup.Thescopeitemsaredescribedin detailin Chapter
2, Figure2-1,Table2-1.
A. EngineOtl. Do not startthe enginebeforehookup.
B. POWER LEAD Connections.
Makethe followingconnections:
1. Scope. Plugthe black POWERLEAD(7)connector
intothe blacksocketon the back of the scope.
2. Vehicle.Connectthe POWERLEADS (-4to the batteryas follows:the REDclipto the Positive(+) battery
terminaland
(-)groundon
theBLACKclipto Negative
the vehiclesuchas the alternatorbracketas shownin
Figure 74.
..E'' CORECOILSYSTEMS
( G MH E l ,F O R DT F l , T F I - I a n dl V )
INTEGRAL
C O I LG M H E I
FIGURE7.48.
M A X I M U MC O I LO U T P U TT E S TH o o k - U p- c M H E l ,T F I
WARNING
When makingelectricaltest connections
to the vehicle,do not use the carburetor
or otherfuelsystem
componentsas a ground connection,as a spark
rr-.,1d
ignitethe gasolinevaporsand causea fire or
:'l
NOTE
In some HEI systems,the coil is mountedin the
distributor
and requiresthe useof the HEIPATTERN
CAPACITIVE
PICK-U
P (10)forthistest.Thefollowing
paragraphsprovidehook-upinstructions
for bothexternallyand internally
mountedcoils.Be sureto use
the correctpick-upfor the systembeingtested.
C. CAPACITIVE
PICK-UP(9) or GM HEI PATTERNCAPACITIVEPICK-UP(10) Connections.
1. CAPACITIVEPICK-UP (9). Use the CAPACITIVE
PICK-UP(9)forHEIandTFIsystemswiththe ignition
coil mountedexternally.
Figure7 -4A.
a. Scope. Plugthe yellowCAPACITIVE
PICK-UP(9)
connectorinto the yellow socketon the back of
the scope.
b. Vehicle.Clamp the CAPACITIVEPICK-UP (9)
ontothe high-tension
coil wire.
2. HEIPATTERNCAPACITIVE
PICK-UP(10). Usethe
HEI PATTERNCAPACITIVE
PICK-UP(10)for HEI
(insystemswiththe ignitioncoil mountedinternally
sidethe distributor
cap).Figure7-48.
a. Scope. Plug the yellow HEI PATTERNCAPACITIVE PICK-UP(10) connectorinto the yellow
socketon the back of the scope.
b. Vehicle.Clip the HEI PATTERN CAPACITIVE
PICK-UP(10)ontothe top of the distributor
cap.
D. INDUCTIVEPICK-UP(8) Connections.
1. Scope. Plugthe blueINDUCTIVE
PICK-UP(8)connectorintothe bluesocketon the backof the scope.
2. Vehicle.
a. Clampthe INDUCTIVE
PICK-UP(8)ontothe spark
plug wire of the No. 1 spark plug. Connectthe
pick-upas close as possibleto the distributorto
minimizeinterference
fromadjacentwires.
E. SelectFunction.RotateFUNCTIONSELECTOR(3)to
50 KV COrL.
F. PatternControls.
'1.Turn PATTERN
POSITION
CONTROL(5)clockwise
to stop.
2. Turn PATTERNLENGTHCONTROL(6) counterclockwiseto stoo.
G . T u r nS c o p eO n . P r e s st h e P O W E RO N S W I T C H( 1 ) t o
turn scopeON,the switchwill illuminate.
Afterthe Scope
haswarmedup forapproximately
30 seconds,a horizontal
tracewillappearon the screen.
NOTE
A momentarydisconnection
to the batterywill turn
scopeOFF.Reconnect
scopecablesto the batteryas
explainedaboveand pressPOWERON SWITCH.
H. Stad Engine.Startthe engineand allow it to warm to
normaloperatingtemperature.
l. Adjust Engineldle Speed. Adjustenginespeedas required to provide a stable pattern (typically,900-1200
RPM).
J. AdjustScopePaftern.lf the scopepatternblinksor is
unstable:
1 . E n s u r et h a t p i c k - u p c l a m p sa r e c l e a n a n d c o m p l e t e l ye n c l o s ei g n i t i o w
n ires
! S l O l ' l.
-21-
PICK-UP(8) clamp over and
2. Turn the INDUCTIVE
slideit alongthe sparkplug wire betweenthe spark
plugand the distributor
untilpatternstabilizes.
spark plug
3. lf vehicleis equippedwith non-resistor
wires,replacethe ignitioncoil wire and the No. 1
wirejustforthistest.
sparkplugwirewithresistance
K. Adjust PositionControls.
1. Set the patternto zero lineon the scopescreenwith
theVERTICAL
POSITION
CONTROL(4)
2 . A d j u s t P A T T E R NP O S I T I O NC O N T R O L( 5 ) a n d
PATTERNLENGTHCONTROL(6)so thatthe pattern
fillsthe entirescreen.
7.7. TESTPROCEDURE.
A. EngineOtf. Turnvehicleengineoff.
B. Select Function.Ensurethat FUNCTIONSELECTOR
(3)is set to the 50 KV COILposition.
B. Unsatisfactory Pattern.An unsatisfactory pattern
less
showsa maximumavailablevoltageof significantly
than 35 KVon the Kilovoltscale.
CAUTION
Selectionof spark plug wires to be disconnectedis
criticalon Ford ElectroniclgnitionSystems.Unless
properlyselected,damage to the ignitionsystem
electronics
may result.
patternexists,checkfor:
lf an unsatisfactory
a. Defective
coil.
b. Low batteryvoltage.
c. Excessiveresistancein primarycircuit,reducing
inputto ignitioncoil.
on ignitionwires.
d. Defective
secondaryinsulation
ignitionmodule.
e. Defective
f. Defectiverotorand/ordistributorcap.
DO NOTDISCONNECT
V-8engines:
V-6engines:
I-Oengines:
4Cylinderengines:
No.1 or No.8 sparkplugwire.
No. 1 or No.4 sparkplugwire.
No.3 or No.5 sparkplugwire.
No.1 or No.3 sparkplugwire.
C. Spark Plug Wirc Disconnect.Withthe fiberpliersprovided,disconnectany properlyselectedspark plug wire
with bootat the sparkplug end, exceptthe wire leadingto
the No.1 sparkplug.Do notallowthiswireto arcto ground.
The INDUCTIVEPICK-UPshouldbe clampedto the No. 1
sparkplugwire as instructedabovein paragraph7-6.D.
D. EngineOn. Startvehicleengine.
E. Check Pattern.Comparethe patterndisplayedon the
scope with the patternsillustratedbelow in Test Results,
Figures7-5 and 7-6.The patterndisplayedon the scope
in Figscreenshouldmatchthe normalpatternillustrated
ure 75. fihe patternillustratedis for the GM HEI system.
Oscillationdetailon the TFI systemmay be different,refer
to chapter5).
F. EngineOff. Turnvehicleengineoff.
G. Reconnect.Reconnectsparkplugwire.
SECTIONIII.FORDSSI,DSSYSTEMS
For any ignitionsystemto function
7-9. DESCRIPTION.
properly,the ignitioncoil must be able to producea high
secondaryvoltage.Failureof the ignitioncoil to produce
adequatevoltagemay causethe engineto misfireunder
load or at high speed.The maximumsecondaryvoltage
producedby an ignitioncoil can be measuredin thistest
to ensureadequatevoltage.
CAUTION
Do not let test cables rest or fall on or near hot or
movingengineparts.
CAUTTON
Use cautionwhen disconnectingand connecting
sparkplug and high tensionwires,as they can be
damagedeasily.
7.8. TESTRESULTS.
A. Normal Pattern.The secondaryvoltageavailablefor
sparkplugshouldbe greaterthan35 KV
the disconnected
on GM HEIand 40 KV on FordTFI systemsas readon the
50 Kilovoltscale. lf a satisfactorypatternexists,both the
primaryand secondarycircuitsareoperatingnormally.
CAUTION
On cars equippedwith a catalyticconverter,reconnect sparkplugwire as quicklyas possibleto avoid
damageto converter.Do not allow car to run with a
plugnotfiring;overheating
willresult.
-22-
I
I
I
l
7-10.HOOK-UPPROCEDURE.Refer to Figure 7-7.The
scopecontrolsand cablesare numberedin Figure7-7as a
referencefor hookup.This procedureexplainswhere to
hook up each cableon the back of the scopeand on the
vehiclebeing tested.The scope connections(leadsand
sockets)are color coded and keyed to ensure proper
hookup.The scopeitemsaredescribedin detailin Chapter
2, Figure2-1,Table2-1.
A. EngineOtf. Do not startthe enginebeforehookup.
B. POWER LEAD Connections.
connections:
Makethe following
1. Scope. Plugthe black POWERLEAD(7)connector
intothe blacksocketon the back of the scope.
2. Vehicle.Connectthe POWERLEADSC/)to the batteryas follows:the REDclipto the Positive(+) battery
terminaland
theBLACKclipto Negative
(-)groundon
the vehiclesuchas the alternatorbracketas shownin
Figure 7-7.
pick-up as close as possible to the distributorto
minimizeinterference
fromadjacentwires.
E. SelectFunction.RotateFUNCTIONSELECTOR(3)to
50 KV COrL.
F. PatternControls.
1. Turn PATTERNPOSITION
CONTROL(5)clockwise
to stop.
2. Turn PATTERNLENGTHCONTROL(6) counterclockwiseto stop.
G. TurnScopeOn. Pressthe POWERON SWITCH(1)to
turnscopeON. The switchwill illuminate.
Afterthe Scope
haswarmedup for approximately
30 seconds,a horizontal
tracewillappearon the screen.
NOTE
to the batterywill turn
A momentarydisconnection
scopecablesto the batteryas
scopeOFF.Reconnect
explainedaboveand pressPOWERON SWITCH.
H. Stad Engine.Startthe engineand allow it to warm to
normaloperatingtemperature.
l. Adjust Engineldle Speed. Adjustenginespeedas required to provide a stable pattern (typically900-1200
RPM).
J. Adjust Scope Pattern.lf the scope patternblinksor is
unstable:
1. Ensurethat pick-up clamps are clean and completelyencloseignitionwires.
PICK-UP(8) clamp over and
2. Turn the INDUCTIVE
slideit alongthe sparkplug wire betweenthe spark
plugand the distributor
untilpatternstabitizes.
spark plug
3. lf vehicleis equippedwith non-resistor
wires,replacethe ignitioncoil wire and the No. 1
wirejustfor thistest.
sparkplugwirewith resistance
MAXIMUMCOILOUTPUTTESTHook-Up- SSl, DS Syslems
F IG U R E7 .7 .
K. Adjust PositionControls.
1. Set the patternto zerolineon the scopescreenwith
POSITION
the VERTICAL
CONTROL(4).
2 . A d j u s tP A T T E R NP O S I T I O NC O N T R O L( 5 ) a n d
PATTERNLENGTHCONTROL(6)so thatthe pattern
fillsthe entirescreen.
7 - 1 1 . T E S TP R O C E D U R E .
A. EngineOtf. Turnvehicleengineoff.
B. SelectFunction.Ensurethat FUNCTIONSELECTOR
(3)is set to the 50 KV COILposition.
CAUTION
When makingelectricaltest connectionsto the vehicle,do not use the carburetoror otherfuel system
componentsas a ground connection,as a spark
could ignitethe gasolinevaporsand causea fire or
explosion.
NOTE
PICKEnsurethatthe CAPACITIVE
and INDUCTIVE
encloseignitionwiresand are
UP clampscompletely
closed
free of dirt and grease.Dirtyor incompletely
and/orfaultycalibraclampsmaycausemistriggering
tionor scopepatterns.
PICK-UP(9) Connections.
C. CAPACITIVE
PICK-UP(9)
1. Scope. Plug the yellow CAPACITIVE
connectorinto the yellowsocketon the back of the
scope.
PICK-UP(9) onto
2. Vehicle.Clampthe CAPACITIVE
the high-tension
coilwire.
D. INDUCTIVE
PICK-UP(8) Connections.
' 1 .S c o p e .P l u gt h e b l u eI N D U C T I VPEI C K - U P( 8 )
connectorintothe bluesocketon the backof the scope.
PICK-UP(8)ontothe
2. Vehicle.clamp the INDUCTIVE
sparkplug wire of the No. 1 sparkplug.Connectthe
-23-
CAUTION
Selectionof spark plug wiresto be disconnectedis
criticalon Ford ElectroniclgnitionSystems.Unless
properlyselected,damage to the ignitionsystem
ics may result.
electron
DO NOTDISCONNECT
V-8engines:
V-6engines:
I-6 engines:
4 C y l i n d e er n g i n e s :
No.1 or No.8 sparkplugwire.
No. 1 or No.4 sparkplugwire.
No.3 or No.5 sparkplugwire.
N o .1 o r N o .3 s p a r kp l u gw i r e .
C. SparkPlugWirc Disconnect.Withthe fiberpliersprovided,disconnectany properlyselectedspark plug wire
with bootat the sparkplug end, exceptthe wireleadingto
the No.1 sparkplug.Do notallowthiswireto arcto ground.
PICK-UPshouldbe clampedto the No. 1
The INDUCTIVE
abovein paragraph7-10.D.
sparkplugwireas instructed
D. EngineOn. Startvehicleengine.
E. Check Pattern.Comparethe patterndisplayedon the
scope with the patternsillustratedbelow in Test Results,
Figures 7-8 and 7-9. The patterndisptayedon the scope
in Figscreenshouldmatchthe normalpatternillustrated
u r e7 - 8 .
F. EngineOtf. Turnvehicleengineoff.
G. Reconnect.Reconnectsparkplugwire.
7.12. TESTRESULTS
A. Normal Pattern.The secondaryvoltageavailablefor
sparkplugshouldbe greaterthan24 KV
the disconnected
for the SSIsystemor 28 KV for the DS systemsas read on
the 50 Kilovoltscale.lf a satisfactorypatternexists,both
the primaryand secondarycircuitsare operatingnormally.
B. Unsatisfactory Pattern.An unsatisfactory pattern
showsa maximumavailablevoltageof lessthan24 KV on
the SSISystemor 28 KV on the DS Systemsas displayed
on the 50 Kilovoltscale.
-24-
lf an unsatisfactorypatternexists,check for:
a. Defectivecoil.
b. Defectivecoil wire.
c. Low batteryvoltage.
d. Excessiveresistancein primarycircuit,reducing
inputto ignitioncoil.
e. Defectivesecondaryinsulation.
t. Defectiveignitionmodule.
CHAPTER8
TEST
INSULATION
SECONDARY
CAUTION
When makingelectricaltest connectionsto the vehicle,do not use the carburetoror otherfuel system
componentsas a ground connection,as a spark
couldignitethe gasolinevaporsand causea fire or
explosion.
SECTIONl. BPISystem
The secondaryignitioncircuitis the
8-1. DESCRIPTION.
pathof voltagefromthe coil to the gap of the sparkplugs'
Thistest checksthe secondaryignitioncircuit
electrodes.
for properinsulation.
A breakin the insulation
of the secondarycircuitwill causevoltageto arc to groundinstead
of to the corresponding
sparkplug and cylinder.This resultsin the misfireof the sparkplug.
NOTE
Ensurethatthe CAPACITIVE
PICKand INDUCTIVE
UP clampscompletely
encloseignitionwiresandare
free of dirt and grease.Dirtyor incompletely
closed
clampsmaycausemistriggering
and/orfaultycalibrationof scopepatterns.
CAUTION
Do not let test cables rest or fall on or near hot or
movingengineparts.
CAUTION
Use caution when disconnectingand connecting
sparkplug and high tensionwires,as they can be
damagedeasily.
CAUTION
On cars equippedwith a catalyticconverter,reconnect sparkplugwire as quicklyas possibleto avoid
damageto converter.Do not allow car to run with a
plugnotfiring;overheating
willresult.
Referto FigureB-1.The
8-2. HOOK-UPPROCEDURE.
scopecontrolsand cablesare numberedin Figure8-1as a
referencefor hookup.This procedureexplainswhere to
hook up each cableon the back of the scopeand on the
(leadsand
vehiclebeingtested.The scopeconnections
sockets)are color coded and keyed to ensure proper
hookup.The scopeitemsaredescribedin detailin Chapter
2, Figure2-l,Iable2-1.
A. Engineotf. Do not startthe enginebeforehookup.
B. POWERLEAD Connections.
connections:
Makethe following
1. Scope. Plugthe black POWERLEAD(7)connector
intothe blacksocketon the back of the scope.
Vehicle.
2.
Connectthe POWERLEADSO) to the battery as follows:the RED clipto the Positive(+) battery
terminaland
(-)groundon
the BLACKclipto Negative
the vehiclesuchas the alternatorbracketas shownin
Figure8-1.
PICK-UP(9) Gonnections.
C. CAPACITIVE
1. Scope. Plug the yellow CAPACITIVE
PICK-UP(9)
connectorinto the yellowsocketon the back of the
scope.
PICK-UP(9) onto
2. Vehicle.Clampthe CAPACITIVE
the high-tension
coilwire.
D. INDUCTIVE
PICK-UP(8) Gonnections.
1 . S c o p e . P l u gt h e b l u eI N D U C T I VP
EI C K - U P( 8 )c o n nectorintothe bluesocketon the back of the scope.
2 . V e h i c l eC. l a m p t h eI N D U C T I VPEI C K - U (P8 ) o n t o t h e
sparkplugwireof the No.1 sparkplug.Connectthe
pick-upas close as possibleto the distributorto
fromadjacentwires.
minimizeinterference
E. SelectFunction.RotateFUNCTIONSELECTOR(3)to
50rv corl.
F. PatternControls.
1. Turn PATTERNPOSITION
CONTROL(5)clockwise
to stop.
2. Turn PATTERNLENGTHCONTROL(6) counterclockwiseto stop.
G. TurnScopeOn. Pressthe POWERON SWITCH(1)to
turn scopeON.The switchwill illuminate.
Afterthe Scope
has warmedup for approximately
30 seconds,a horizontal
tracewill appearon the screen.
NOTE
A breakwiththe batterywillturnscopeOFF,Reconnectscopecablesto the batteryas explainedabove
and pressPOWERON SWITCH.
H. StartEngine.Startthe engineand allow it to warm to
normaloperatingtemperature.
l. Adjust Engineldle Speed. Adjustenginespeedas required to provide a stable pattern (typically900-1200
RPM).
J. AdjustScope Patlern.lf the scope patternblinksor is
unstable.
1 . E n s u r et h a t p i c k - u p c l a m p sa r e c l e a n a n d c o m pletelyencloseignitionwires.
PICK-UP(8) clamp over and
2. Turn the INDUCTIVE
slideit alongthe sparkplugwire betweenthe spark
plugand the distributor
untilpatternstabilizes.
sparkplug
3. lf vehicleis equippedwith non-resistor
wires,replacethe ignitioncoil wire and the No. 1
wirejustforthistest.
sparkplugwirewithresistance
:re:\-=xy
{, M )
'I}""/E
I
-'*F/
NSULATIONTESTHook-Up- BPI
F I G U R E8 . 1
-25-
K. Adjust PositionControls.
1. Set the patternto zerolineon the scopescreenwith
theVERTICAL
POSITION
CONTROL(4).
2 . A d j u s t P A T T E R NP O S I T I O NC O N T R O L( 5 ) a n d
PATTERNLENGTHCONTROL(6)so thatthe pattern
fillsthe entirescreen.
8.3. TESTPROCEDURE.
A. EngineOtf. Turnvehicleengineoff.
B. Select Function.Ensurethat FUNCTIONSELECTOR
(3)is set to the 50 KV COILposition.
C. Spark Plug Wire Disconnect.Withthe fiberpliersprovided,disconnectany spark plug wire with boot at the
sparkplug end, exceptthe wire leadingto the No. 1 spark
plug(seeI. below).Do notmovea loosesparkplugwireout
of normaloperatingposition,but keep it from grounding.
The INDUCTIVE
PICK-UP
shouldbe clampedto the No. 1
sparkplugwireas instructed
abovein paragraph8-2.D.
D. EngineOn. Startvehicleengine.
E. Check Pattern.Comparethe patterndisplayedon the
scope with the patternsillustratedbelow in Test Results,
Figures8-2 and 8-3.The patterndisplayedon the scope
screen should match the normal pattern illustratedin
Figure8-2.
F. EngineOtf. Turnvehicleengineoff.
G. Reconnect.Reconnectsparkplugwire.
H. Test RemainingSpark Plug Wires. Repeat the test
procedurewitheachsparkplugwire,exceptthe wireleading to the firstsparkplugin the firingorder(seenextstep).
Make a note of which cylinderpatternsare normaland
which are unsatisfactory.
l. TestNo. 1 SparkPlugWire. To testthe No.1 sparkplug
wire,movethe INDUCTIVE
PICK-UPto a sparkplugwire
thathasalreadybeentestedsatisfactorily.
Disconnectand
testthe No.1 sparkplugwire.
8.4. TESTRESULTS.
A. NormalPattern.The downspikeof the patternfor the
disconnected
sparkplugshouldbe approximately
halfas
long as the upwardspikeof the pattern,as illustratedin
Figure8-2.|tthispatternisdisplayed,
insulathesecondary
tion is satisfactory.
B. UnsatislactoryPattern.lf the patterndisplayedshows
a shortor no downspikefor the disconnectedsparkplug,
as illustrated
in Figure8-3, thereis a secondaryinsulation
problem.
patternexistsfor all sparkplugs/
1. lf an unsatisfactory
cylinders,
checkfor:
a. Crackedor carbontrackingof the coiltower.
b. Defectivecoil wire.
c. Crackedor carbontrackingof the rotor.
d. Crackedor carbontrackingof the centertowerof
distributor
cap.
2. lf one or more,but not all,sparkplugs/cylinders
test
unsatisfactorily,
checkfor:
a. Crackedor carbontrackingof one or moreof the
distributor
cap towers.
b. Defectivesparkplugwires.Referto stepthreebelow for instructions
on testingindividual
sparkplug
wires.
3. DefectiveSpark Plug Wire Test. lf the abovetest resultsindicatefaultysparkplugwires,performthe following procedureto determinewhich spark plug
wiresaredefective.
a. Selectthe firstwire that producedan unsatisfactory patternin the test above,and disconnectthe
wireat the distributor
cap.
b. Performthe SecondaryInsulationTest for this
sparkplugwire.
c. lf the patternfor this sparkplug is unsatisfactory
when tested with the spark plug end disconnected,and is satisfactory
withdistributor
cap end
disconnected,
the sparkplugwireis defective.
d. Repeatstepsa throughc for each sparkplugwire
thattestedunsatisfactorily
in the SecondaryInsulationTestwiththe plugend disconnected.
SEgflON ll. GM HEl,FordTFl, TFI-|,TFI-IV
Systems
The secondaryignitioncircuitis the
8-5. DESCRIPTION.
pathof voltagefromthe coil to the gap of the sparkplugs'
Thistestchecksthe secondaryignitioncircuit
electrodes.
A breakin the insulation
of the secfor properinsulation.
ondarycircuitwill causevoltageto arc to groundinstead
-26-
of to the corresponding
sparkplug and cylinder.This resultsin the misfireof the sparkplug.
CAUTION
Do not let test cables rest or fall on or near hot or
movingengineparts.
CAUTION
Use cautionwhen disconnectingand connecting
spark plug and high tensionwires,as they can be
damagedeasily.
CAUTION
ln cars equippedwith a catalyticconverter,recon^ect sparkplugwire as quicklyas possibleto avoid
ramageto converter.Do not allow car to run with a
; ug notfiring;overheating
willresult.
TNTEGRAL
COrL(HEt)
FIGURE8.48.
8-6.HOOK-UPPROCEDURE.
Referto FigureB-4A or B.
-^e
scopecontrolsandcablesarenumberedin FigureB-4
: andB as a reference
for hookup.Thisprocedureexplains
,',^ereto hookup eachcableon the backof the scopeand
: - lhe vehiclebeingtested.The scopeconnections
(leads
'-d sockets)are colorcodedand keyedto ensureproper
^:okup.Thescopeitemsaredescribed
in detailin Chapter
2 Frgure2-1,
Table2-1.
: EngineOtf. Do not startthe enginebeforehookup.
3 POWERLEADConnections.
Makethefollowing
connections:
1 Scope. Plugthe blackPOWERLEAD(7)connector
intothe blacksocketon the back of the scope.
2. Vehicle.Connectthe POWERLEADS[/) to the batteryas follows:the REDclipto the Positive(+) battery
terminaland
(-) groundon
theBLACKclipto Negative
the vehiclesuchas the alternatorbracketas shownin
Figure84.
=;f?3"
(o"
3?t\''ffI?To''',
FIGURE8.4A.
SECONDARY
INSUL-ATION
TESTHook-Up- cM HEl,FordTFI
I
j
I
i
I
I
WARN|NG
When makingelectricaltest connectionsto the vehicle,do not use the carburetoror otherfuel system
componentsas a ground connection,as a spark
couldignitethe gasolinevaporsand causea fire or
explosion.
-27-
NOTE
PICKEnsurethatthe CAPACITIVE
and INDUCTIVE
encloseignitionwiresand are
UP clampscompletely
free of dirt and grease.Dirtyor incompletely
closed
clampsmaycausemistriggering
and/orfaultycalibrationof scopepatterns.
N O T E :I ns o m eH E Is y s t e m st h
i n s i d et h e
, ec o i li s m o u n t e d
distributor
and requiresthe use of the HEI PATTERNCAPACITIVE
PICK-UP(10)for thistest.The
paragraphs
providehook-upinstructions
following
for bothexternally
and internallymountedcoils.Be
sure to use the correct pick-up for the system
beingtested.
PICK-UP(9) or GM HEIPATTERNCAPAC. CAPACITIVE
CITIVEPICK-UP(10)Connections.
1. CAPACITIVEPICK-UP(9). Use the CAPACITIVE
(9)forHElandTFlsystems
PICK-UP
withthe ignition
coil mountedexternally.
Figure8-4A.
PICK-UP(9)
a. Scope. PlugtheyellowCAPACITIVE
connectorinto the yellow socketon the back of
the scope.
b. Vehicle.Clamp the CAPACITIVEPICK-UP (9)
coilwire.
ontothe high-tension
PICK-UP(10). Usethe
2. HEIPATTERN
CAPACITIVE
H E I P A T T E R NC A P A C I T I VP
EI C K - U P( 1 0 )f o r H E I
i n t e r n a l (l yt n s y s t e mw
s i t ht h e i g n i t i o cno i lm o u n t e d
s i d et h ed i s t r i b u t coar p ) F i g u r eB 4 B
CAPACIa S c o p e .P l u gt h e y e l l o wH E IP A T T E R N
T I V E P I C K - U P( 1 0 ) c o n n e c t o ri n t o t h e y e l l o w
socketon the back of the scope.
b. Vehicle.Clip the HEI PATTERN CAPACITIVE
cap.
PICK-UP(10)ontothe top of the distributor
PICK-UP(8) Connections.
D. INDUCTIVE
'1.Scope. Plugthe blueINDUCTIVE
PICK-UP(8)connectorintothe bluesocketon the backof the scope.
2. Vehicle.Clamp the INDUCTIVEPICK-UP(8) onto
the sparkplug wire of the No. 1 sparkplug.Connect
the pick-upas closeas possibleto the distributorto
fromadlacentwires.
minimizeinterference
E. SelectFunction.RotateFUNCTIONSELECTOR(3)to
50 KV COIL.
F. PatternControls.
C O N T R O L( 5 )c l o c k w i s e
POSITION
1 . T u r nP A T T E R N
to stop.
2. Turn PATTERNLENGTHCONTROL(6) counterclockwiseto stop.
G. TurnScopeOn. Pressthe POWERON SWITCH(1)to
turnscopeON.The switchwill illuminate.
Afterthe Scope
has warmedup for approximately
30 seconds,a horizontal
tracewill appearon the screen.
NOTE
A momentarydisconnection
to the batterywill turn
scopeOFF.Reconnect
scopecablesto the batteryas
explainedaboveand pressPOWERON SWITCH.
H. Stad Engine.Startthe engineand allow it to warm to
normaloperatingtemperature.
l. Adjust Engineldle Speed. Adjustenginespeedas required to provide a stable pattern (typically900-1200
RPM).
J. AdjustScope Pattern.lf the scope patternblinksor is
unstable:
1. Ensurethat pick-up clamps are clean and completelyencloseignitionwires.
2. Turn the INDUCTIVE
PICK-UP(8) clamp over and
slideit alongthe sparkplug wire betweenthe spark
plugand the distributor
untilpatternstabilizes.
3. lf vehicleis equippedwith non-resistor
sparkplug
wires, replacethe ignitioncoil wire and the No. 1
sparkplugwirebeingtestedwith resistance
wirejust
for thistest
K. Adjust PositionControls.
1. Set the patternto zero lineon the scopescreenwith
theVERTICAL
POSITION
CONTROL(4)
2 . A d j u s tP A T T E R NP O S I T I O N
C O N T R O L( 5 ) a n d
PATTERNLENGTHCONTROL(6)so thatthe pattern
fillsthe entirescreen.
8-7. TESTPROCEDURE.
A. EngineOtl. Turnvehicleengineoff.
B. SelectFunction.Ensurethat FUNCTIONSELECTOR
(3)is set to the 50 KV COILposition.
the No.1 sparkplug.Do notallowthiswireto arc to ground.
The INDUCTIVE
PICK-UP
shouldbe clampedto the No.1
sparkplugwireas instructed
abovein paragraph8-6.D.
D. EngineOn. Startvehicleengine.
E. Check Pattern.Comparethe patterndisplayedon the
scope with the patternsillustratedbelow in Test Results,
figuresB-5 and 8-6. The patterndisplayedon the scope
screenshouldmatchthe normalpatternillustrated
in Figure 8-5. fihe patternillustratedis the GM HEI system,
Oscillation
detailon the TFI systemmaybe different.Refer
to chapter5.)
F. EngineOtf. Turnvehicleengineoff.
G. Reconnect.Reconnectsparkplugwire.
H. Test RemainingSpark Plug Wires. Repeatthe test
procedure
witheachsparkplugwire,exceptthe wireleading to the No. 1 sparkplug(seenextstep).Remembernot
to disconnectwires indicatedafterStep 8-78.Makea note
of which cylinder patternsare normal and which are
unsatisfactory.
l. TestNo. 1 SparkPlugWire. To testthe No.1 sparkplug
wire,movethe INDUCTIVE
PICK-UPto a sparkplugwire
thathasalreadybeentestedsatisfactorily.
Disconnectand
testthe No.1 sparkplugwire whenallowable.
8-8. TESTRESULTS.
A. NormalPattern.The downspikeof the patternfor the
disconnectedspark plug should be approximately
one
quarteras long as the upwardspikeof the pattern,as illustratedin Figure8-5. lf this patternis displayed,the
secondaryinsulationis satisfactory.
CAUTION
Do not disconnectsparkplug wiresat the distributor
duringtestingon the HEIsystems.
B. Unsatislactory
Pattern.lf the patterndisplayedshows
a shortor no downspikefor the disconnectedsparkplug,
as illustrated
in Figure8-6,thereis a secondaryinsulation
problem.
CAUTION
Selectionof spark plug wiresto be disconnectedis
criticalon FordElectroniclgnitionSystems.Unless
properlyselected,damage to the ignitionsystem
electronics
may result.
DO NOTDISCONNECT
V-8engines:
V-6engines:
I-6engines:
4Cylinderengines:
No.1 or No.8 sparkplugwire.
No.1 or No.4 sparkplugwire.
No.3 or No.5 sparkplugwire.
No.1 or No.3 sparkplugwire.
C. SparkPlug Wire Disconnect.Withthe fiberpliersprovided,disconnectany properlyselectedspark plug wire
with bootat the sparkplug end, exceptthe wire leadingto
-28-
patternexistsfor all sparkplugs/
1. lf an unsatisfactory
cylinders,
checkfor:
a. Crackedor carbontrackingof the rotor.
b. CoilTowerBrush(lntegral
CoilHEI)
2. lf one or more,but not all,sparkplugs/cylinders
test
unsatisfactorily,
checkfor:
a. Crackedor carbontrackingof the distributorcap
towgrs.
b. Defectivesparkplugwires.Referto stepthreebelowfor instructions
on testingindividual
sparkplug
wires.
3. DefectiveSparkPlugWire Test.lf the abovetest resultsindicatefaultysparkplugwires,performthe following procedureto determinewhich spark plug
wiresaredefective.
a. Replaceone spark plug wire at a time with a
knowngoodwireuntilthedefective
one(s)is found.
b. RepeatSecondarylnsulationTest.
2. Vehicle.Connectthe POWERLEADS[/) to the battery as follows:the RED clip to the Positive(+) battery terminaland the BLACKclip to Negative(-)
groundon the vehiclesuchas the alternatorbracket
as shownin FigureB-7.
ELECTRONIC
IGNITION
MODULE
sEcTroNilr.Ers(ALLGHRYSLER
SYSTEMS)
8-9. DESCRIPTION
The secondaryignitioncircuitis the
pathof voltagefromthe coilto the gap of each sparkplug's
Thistestchecksthe secondaryignitioncircuit
electrodes.
for properinsulation.
A breakin the insulation
of the secondarycircuitwill causevoltageto arc to groundinstead
of to the corresponding
sparkplug and cylinder.This resultsin the misfireof the sparkplug.
CAUTION
Do not let test cables rest or fall on or near hot or
movingengineparts.
TESTHook-Up- EIS
SECONDARY
INSULATION
F I G U R E8 . 7 .
WARNING
When makingelectricaltest connectionsto the vehicle,do not use the carburetoror otherfuel system
componentsas a ground connection,as a spark
couldignitethe gasolinevaporsand causea fire or
explosion.
NOTE
Ensurethatthe CAPACITIVE
PICKand INDUCTIVE
UP clampscompletely
encloseignitionwiresand are
free of dirt and grease.Dirtyor incompletely
closed
clampsmaycausemistriggering
and/orfaultycalibration of scopepatterns.
CAUTION
Use cautionwhen disconnectingand connecting
spark plug and high tensionwires,as they can be
damagedeasily.
CAUTION
On cars equippedwith a catalyticconverter,reconnect sparkplug wire as quicklyas possibleto avoid
damageto converter.Do not allow car to run with a
plugnotfiring;overheating
willresult.
8-10. HOOK-UPPROCEDURE.Referto FigureB-7.The
scopecontrolsandcablesarenumberedin FigureB-7as a
referencefor hookup.This procedureexplainswhereto
hookup eachcableon the backof the scopeand on the
(leadsand
vehiclebeingtested.The scopeconnections
sockets)are color coded and keyed to ensure proper
hookup.Thescopeitemsaredescribed
in detailin Chapter
2, Figure2-1,Table2-1.
A. EngineOff. Do notstartthe enginebeforehookup.
B. POWERLEADConnections.
Makethe followingconnections:
1. Scope.Plugthe blackPOWERLEAD(Z)connector
intothe blacksocketon the backof the scope.
-29-
PICK-UP(9) Connections.
C. CAPACTIVE
1 . S c o p e . P l u gt h e y e l l o wC A P A C I T I VP
EI C K - U P( 9 )
connectorintothe yellowsocketon the back of the
scope.
PICK-UP(9)onto
2. Vehicle.Clampthe CAPACITIVE
the high-tension
coilwire.
D. INDUCTIVE
PICK-UP(8) Gonnections.
1 . S c o p e .P l u gt h e b l u eI N D U C T I VPEI C K - U P( 8 )c o n nectorintothe bluesocketon the backof the scope.
2. Vehicle.
a . C l a m pt h eI N D U C T I VPEI C K - U P( 8 ) o n t ot h es p a r k
plug wire of the No. 1 spark plug. Connectthe
pick-upas closeas possibleto the distributor
to
fromadjacentwires.
minimizeinterference
E. SelectFunction.RotateFUNCTIONSELECTOR(3)to
50 KV CO|L.
F. PatternControls.
' 1 .T u r nP A T T E R N
POSITIOC
N O N T R O L( 5 )c l o c k w i s e
to stop.
2. Turn PATTERNLENGTHCONTROL(6) counterclockwiseto stop.
G. TurnScopeOn. Pressthe POWERON SWITCH(1)to
Afterthe Scope
turnscopeON.The switchwill illuminate.
30 seconds,a horizontal
haswarmedup for approximately
tracewill appearon the screen.
NOTE
A momentarydisconnection
to the batterywill turn
scopeOFF.Reconnectscopecablesto the batteryas
explainedaboveand pressPOWERON SWITCH.
H. StartEngine. Startthe engineand allowit to warm to
normaloperatingtemperature.
l. Adjust Engineldle Speed. Adjustenginespeedas required to provide a stable pattern (typically900-1200
RPM).
J. AdjustScope Pattern.lf the scope patternblinksor is
unstable:
1. Ensurethat pick-up clamps are clean and completelyencloseignitionwires.
2. Turn the INDUCTIVE
PICK-UP(8) clamp over and
slideit alongthe sparkplug wire betweenthe spark
plugand the distributor
untilpatternstabilizes.
3. lf vehicleis equippedwith non-resistorspark plug
wires,replacethe ignitioncoilwireandthe No.1 spark
plug wirewith resistance
wirejustfor thistest.
K. Adjust PositionControls.
1. Set the patternto zerolineon the scopescreenwith
theVERTICAL
POSITION
CONTROL(4)
2 . A d j u s tP A T T E R NP O S I T I O NC O N T R O L( 5 ) a n d
PATTERNLENGTHCONTROL(6)so thatthe pattern
fillsthe entirescreen.
8 - 1 1 . T E S TP R O C E D U R E .
A. EngineOtf. Turnvehicleengineoff.
B. SelectFunction.Ensurethat FUNCTIONSELECTOR
(3)is set to the 50 KV COILposition.
C. Spark PlugWire Disconnect.Withthe fiberpliersprovided,disconnectany spark plug wire with boot at the
sparkplug end,exceptthe wire leadingto the No. 1 plug
(seel. below).Do not movea loosesparkplug wire out of
normal operatingposition,but keep it from arcing to
ground.The INDUCTIVE
PICK-UPshouldbe clampedto
the No. 1 sparkplugwireas instructed
abovein paragraph
B-10.D.
D. EngineOn. Startvehicleengine.
E. Check Pattern.Comparethe patterndisplayedon the
scope with the patternsillustratedbelow in Test Results,
figures8-8 and 8-9. The patterndisplayedon the scope
screenshouldmatchthe normalpatternillustrated
in Figu r eB - 8 .
F. EngineOtf. Turnvehicleengineoff.
G. Reconnect.Reconnectsparkplugwire.
H. Test RemainingSpark Plug Wires. Repeatthe test
procedurewitheachsparkplugwire,exceptthe wireleading to the No. 1 sparkplug (seenextstep).Makea noteof
which cylinder patterns are normal and which are
unsatisfactory.
l. TestNo. 1 SparkPlugWire. To testthe No.1 sparkplug
wire,movethe INDUCTIVE
PICK-UPto a sparkplugwire
-30-
Disconnectand
thathasalreadybeentestedsatisfactorily.
'1
testthe No. sparkplugwire.
8.12. TESTRESULTS.
A. NormalPattern.The normalbasicscopepatternof the
sparkplugsfor the ChryslerElectroniclgnitionSystem,6
and 8 cylinder(domesticonly)does not havea coil/condenseractionsection.Referto Figure8-8.Referto Chapter
5 for oscillationdetailon all remainingChryslerSystems.
of the
test,the downspike
Underthe secondaryinsulation
patternfor the disconnected
sparkplugshouldbe approximatelyonethirdas longas the upwardspikeof the pattern,
as illustratedin Figure8-8.lf this patternis displayed,the
secondaryinsulationis satisfactory.
B. UnsatisfactoryPaftern.lf the patterndisplayedshows
a shortor no downspikefor the disconnected
sparkplug,
as illustrated
in Figure8-9,thereis a secondaryinsulation
problem.
patternexistsfor all sparkplugs/
1. lf an unsatisfactory
cylinders,
checkfor:
a. Crackedor carbontrackingof the coiltower.
b. Defectivecoil wire.
c . Crackedor carbontrackingof the rotor.
d . Crackedcenter tower or carbon trackingof the
distributor
cap.
2. lf one or more,but not all,sparkplugs/cylinders
test
unsatisfactorily,
checkfor:
a. Crackedor carbontrackingof the distributorcap
towers.
b. Defectivesparkplugwires.Referto stepthreebelow for instructions
on testingindividual
sparkplug
wires.
1. Scope. Plugthe black POWERLEAD(7) connector
intothe blacksocketon the backof the scope.
2. Vehicle.Connectthe POWERLEADSC4to the battery as follows:the RED clip to the Positive(+) battery
terminalandthe BLACKclipto Negative(-) groundon
the vehiclesuchas the alternatorbracketas shownin
F i g u r e8 - 1 0 .
3. DefectiveSpark Plug Wire Test. lf the above test
resultsindicatefaultysparkplug wires,performthe
followingprocedureto determinewhich spark plug
wiresare defective.
CAUTION
Most Chryslerdomestic4 cylinderenginesuse a
"positivelocking"terminalelectrodesparkplugwire
that can be removedonly from the INSIDEof the
distributorcap. Damage may result to the componentsif other means of removalare attempted.
Referto yourservicemanual.
a. Selectthe firstwire that producedan unsatisfactory patternin the test above,and disconnectthe
wireat the distributor
cap.
b. Performthe SecondaryInsulationTest for this
sparkplugwire.
c. lf the patternfor this spark plug is unsatisfactory
when tested with the spark plug end disconnected,and is satisfactory
withdistributor
cap end
disconnected,
the sparkplugwire is defective.
d. Repeatstepsa throughc for each sparkplugwire
thattestedunsatisfactorily
in the SecondaryInsulationTestwiththe plugend disconnected.
SECTIONIV. FORDSSI,DS SYSTEMS
The secondary
ignitioncircuitis the
8-13. DESCRIPTION
pathof voltagefromthe coilto the gapof eachsparkplug's
Thistest checksthe secondaryignitioncircuit
electrodes.
for properinsulation.
A breakin the insulationof the secondarycircuitwill causevoltageto arc to groundinstead
of to the corresponding
sparkplug and cylinder.This resultsin the misfireof the sparkplug.
CAUTION
Do not let test cables rest or fall on or near hot or
movingengineparts.
CAUTION
Use cautionwhen disconnectingand connecting
spark plug and high tensionwires,as they can be
damagedeasily.
CAUTION
On cars equippedwith a catalyticconverter,reconnect sparkplug wire as quicklyas possibleto avoid
damageto converter.Do not allow car to run with a
plugnot firing;overheating
will result.
8 - 1 4 . H O O K - U PP R O C E D U R E
R.e f e rt o f i g u r e8 - 1 0 ,T h e
scopecontrolsand cablesare numberedin figure8-10as
a referencefor hookup.This procedureexplainswhereto
hook up each cableon the back of the scopeand on the
vehiclebeingtested.The scope connections(leadsand
sockets) are color coded and keyed to ensure proper
hookup.Thescopeitemsaredescribedin detailin Chapter
2 , f i g u r e2 - 1 , t a b l e2 - 1 .
A. EngineOtf. Do not startthe enginebeforehookup.
B. POWERLEADConnection.
Makethe followingconnections:
-31-
INSULATION
SECONDARY
TESTHook-Up- SSI& DS Systems
FIGU R E8.10
CAUTION
When makingelectricaltest connectionsto the vehicle,do not use the carburetoror otherfuel system
componentsas a ground connection,as a spark
could ignitethe gasolinevaporsand causea fire or
explosion.
NOTE
Ensurethatthe CAPACITIVE
and INDUCTIVE
PICKUP clampscompletely
encloseignitionwiresand are
free of dirt and grease.Dirtyor incompletely
closed
clampsmaycausemistriggering
and/orfaultycalibration of scopepatterns.
C. CAPACITIVE
PICK-UP(9) Connections.
1. Scope. Plug the yellow CAPACITIVE
PICK-UP(9)
connectorinto the yellowsocketon the back of the
scope.
2. Vehicle.Clampthe CAPACITIVE
PICK-UP(9)onto
t h e h i g h - t e n s i ocno i lw i r e .
D. INDUCTIVE
PICK-UP(8) Connections.
1. Scope. Plugthe blueINDUCTIVE
PICK-UP(8)connectorintothe bluesocketon the backof the scope.
2. Vehicle.
PICK-UP(8)ontothe spark
ClamptheINDUCTIVE
plug wire of the No. 1 spark plug.Connectthe
pick-upas close as possibleto the distributorto
minimizeinterference
fromadjacentwires.
E. SelectFunction.RotateFUNCTIONSELECTOR(3)to
50 KV COIL.
F. PatternControls.
1. Turn PATTERNPOSITION
CONTROL(5)clockwise
to stop.
2 . T u r n P A T T E R NL E N G T HC O N T R O L( 6 ) c o u n t e r clockwiseto stop.
G. TurnScopeOn. Pressthe POWERON SWTTCH
(1)to
turnscopeON.The switchwill illuminate.
Afterthe Scope
has warmedup for approximately
30 seconds,a horizontal
tracewill appearon the screen.
NOTE
A momentarydisconnection
to the batterywill turn
scopeOFF.Reconnectscopecablesto the batteryas
explained
aboveandpressPOWERON SWITCH.
H. StartEngine.Startthe engineand allow it to warm to
normaloperatingtemperature.
L Adjust Engineldle Speed. Adyustenginespeedas required to provide a stable pattern (typicallygO0-1200
RPM).
J. Adjust Scope Pattern.lf the scope patternblinksor is
unstable:
1. Ensurethat pick-up clamps are clean and completelyencloseignitionwires.
2. Turn the INDUCTIVE
PICK-UP(8) ctampover and
slideit alongthe sparkplug wire betweenthe spark
plugand the distributor
untilpatternstabilizes.
3. lf vehicleis equippedwith non-resistor
spark plug
wires,replacethe ignitioncoilwireandthe No.1 spark
plugwirewith resistance
wirejustfor thistest.
K. Adjust PositionControls.
1. Set the patternto zerolineon the scopescreenwith
theVERTICAL
POS|TION
CONTROL(4).
2 . A d j u s tP A T T E R NP O S t T t O N
C O N T R O L( 5 ) a n d
PATTERNLENGTHCONTROL(6)so thatthe pattern
fillsthe entirescreen.
8-15. TESTPROCEDURE.
A. EngineOtf. Turnvehicleengineoff.
B. Select Function.Ensurethat FUNCTIONSELECTOR
(3)is set to the 50 KV CO|Lposition.
F. EngineOtf. Turnvehicleengineoff.
G. Reconnect.Reconnectsiark plugwire.
H. Test RemainingSpark Plug Wires. Repeat the test
procedurewitheachsparkplugwire,exceptthe wireleading to the firstsparkplugin the firingorder(seenextstep).
Makea noteof whichcylinderpatternsarenormalandwhich
are unsatisfactory.
l. TestNo. 1 SparkPlug Wire.Totestthe No. 1 sparkplug
wirewherepermissible
accordingto the chartabove,move
the INDUCTIVEPICKUPto a spark ptug wire that has
alreadybeen testedsatisfactorily.
Disconnectand test the
No.1 sparkplugwire.
8.16. TESTRESULTS.
A. Normal Pattern.The downspikeof the patternfor the
disconnected
sparkplugshouldbe approximately
one third
as long as the upwardspikeof the pattern,as illustratedin
Figure8-11.lf thispatternis displayed,
the secondaryinsulation is satisfactory.
B. UnsatisfactoryPattern. lf the patterndisplayedshows
a shortor no donwspikefor the disconnected
sparkplug,
as illustrated
in Figure8-1z,thereis a secondary
insulation
problem.
CAUTION
Selectionof spark plug wiresto be disconnectedis
criticalon Ford ElectroniclgnitionSystems.Untess
properlyselected,damage to the ignitionsystem
electron
ics may result.
DO NOTDISCONNECT
V-Bengines:
V-6engines:
I-6 engines:
4 C y l i n d e er n g i n e s :
No.1 or No.B sparkplugwire.
No.1 or No.4 sparkplugwire.
No.3 or No.5 sparkplugwire.
N o .1 o r N o .3 s p a r kp l u gw i r e .
I
C. SparkPlugWire Disconnect.Withthe fiberpliersprovided,disconnectany properlyselectedspark plug wire
with bootat the sparkplugend,exceptthe wireleadingto
the No.1 sparkplug.Do notallowthiswireto arcto ground.
The INDUCTIVE
PICK-UP
shouldbe ctampedto the No.1
sparkplugwireas instructed
abovein paragraphB-14.D.
D. EngineOn. Startvehicleengine.
E. Check Pattern. Comparethe patterndisplayedon the
scope with the patternsillustratedbelow in Test Results,
figures8-11and 8-12.Thepatterndisplayed
on the scope
screenshouldmatchthe normalpatternillustrated
in figure
8 - 11 .
-32-
'1.
lf an unsatisfactory
patternexistsfor all sparkplugs/
cylinders,checkfor:
a. Crackedor carbontrackingin the coiltower.
b. Defectivecoil wire.
c. Crackedor carbontrackingin the rotor.
d. Crackedor carbontrackingin the centertowerof
distributor
cap.
2. lf one or more,but not all,sparkplugs/cylinders
test
unsatisfactorily,
checkfor:
a. Crackedor carbontrackingin the distributorcap
towers.
I
b. Defectivesparkplug wires.Referto stepthreebelow for instructions
on testingindividualsparkplug
wires.
3. DefectiveSpark Plug Wire Test.lf the abovetest resultsindicatefaultysparkplugwires,performthe following procedureto determinewhich spark plug
wiresare defective.
a. Selectthe first wire that producedan unsatisfactory patternin the test above,and disconnectthe
wireat the distributor
cap.
b. Performthe SecondarylnsulationTest for this
sparkplugwire.
c. lf the patternfor this spark plug is unsatisfactory
when tested with the spark plug end disconnected,and is satisfactory
withdistributor
cap end
disconnected,
the sparkplugwire is defective.
d. Repeatstepsa throughc for each sparkplugwire
thattestedunsatisfactorily
in the SecondaryInsulationTestwiththe plugend disconnected.
TESTHook-Up- BID
SECONDARY
INSULATION
FIGU R E8-13
SECTIONV. BID System
8-17. DESCRIPTION
The secondaryignitioncircuitis the
pathof voltagefromthe coilto the gap of eachsparkplug's
Thistest checksthe secondaryignitioncircuit
electrodes.
for properinsulation.
A breakin the insulationof the secondarycircuitwill cause voltageto arc to groundinstead
of to the corresponding
sparkplug and cylinder.This resultsin the misfireof the sparkplug.
CAUTION
Do not let test cablesrest or fall on or near hot or
movingengineparts.
CAUTION
Use cautionwhen disconnectingand connecting
spark plug and high tensionwires,as they can be
damagedeasily.
CAUTION
On cars equippedwith a catalyticconverter,reconnect sparkplug wire as quicklyas possibleto avoid
damageto converter.Do not allow car to run with a
plugnot firing;overheating
will result.
!
8-18. HOOK-UPPROCEDURE.
Referto FigureB-13.The
scopecontrolsandcablesarenumberedin Figure8-13as a
referencefor hookup.This procedureexplainswhere to
hookup each cableon the back of the scopeand on the
vehiclebeing tested.The scope connections(leadsand
sockets)are color coded and keyed to ensure proper
hookup.Thescopeitemsaredescribedin detailin Chapter
2, Figure 2-1, Table2-1.
A. EngineOff. Do notstaftthe enginebeforehookup.
B. POWERLEADConnections.
Makethe following
connections:
1. Scope. Plugthe blackPOWERLEAD[/) connector
intothe blacksocketon the backof the scope.
2. Vehicle.Connectthe POWERLEADS(-4to the battery as follows:the RED clip to the Positive(+) battery terminaland the BLACKclip to Negative(-)
groundon the vehiclesuchas the alternatorbracket
as shownin Figure8-13.
-33-
WARNING
When makingelectricaltest connectionsto the vehicle,do not use the carburetoror otherfuel system
componentsas a ground connection,as a spark
could ignitethe gasolinevaporsand causea fire or
explosion.
NOTE
PICKEnsurethatthe CAPACITIVE
and INDUCTIVE
enctoseignitionwiresand are
UP clampscompletely
free of dirt and grease.Dirtyor incompletely
closed
and/orfaultycalibraclampsmaycausemistriggering
tionof scopepatterns.
C. CAPACITIVE
PICK-UP(9) Connections.
1. Scope. Plug the yellow CAPACITIVE
PICK-UP(9)
connectorinto the yellowsocketon the back of the
scope.
PICK-UP(9) onto
2. Vehicle.Clampthe CAPACITIVE
the high-tension
coilwire.
D. INDUCTIVEPICK-UP(8) Connections.
1. Scope. Plugthe blueINDUCTIVE
PICK-UP(8)connectorintothe bluesocketon the backof the scope.
2. Vehicle.Clampthe INDUCTIVE
PICK-UP(B)ontothe
sparkplugwireof the No. 1 sparkplug.Connectthe
pick-upas close as possibleto the distributorto
minimizeinterference
fromadjacentwires.
E. SelectFunction.RotateFUNCTIONSELECTOR(3)to
50 KV COrL.
F. PatlernControls.
'1.Turn PATTERNPOSITIONCONTROL(5) clockwise
to stop.
2. Turn PATTERNLENGTHCONTROL(6) counterclockwiseto stop.
G. TurnScopeOn. Pressthe POWERON SWITCH(1)to
turnscopeON.The switchwill illuminate.
Afterthe Scope
has warmedup for approximately
30 seconds,a horizontal
tracewill appearon the screen.
NOTE
to the batterywill turn
A momentarydisconnection
scopeOFF.Reconnectscopecablesto the batteryas
explained
aboveand pressPOWERON SWITCH.
H. StartEngine.Startthe engineand allow it to warm to
normaloperatingtemperature.
l. Adjust Engineldle Speed. Adjustenginespeedas required to provide a stable pattern (typically900-1200
RPM).
J. AdjustScope Patlern.lf the scope patternblinksor is
unstable:
1. Ensurethat pick-up clamps are clean and completelyencloseignitionwires.
PICK-UP(8) clamp over and
2. Turn the INDUCTIVE
slideit alongthe sparkplug wire betweenthe spark
plugand the distributor
untilpatternstabilizes.
3. lf vehicle is equippedwith non-resistorspark plug
wires,replacethe ignitioncoilwireandthe No.1 spark
wirejustfor thistest.
plugwirewith resistance
K. Adjust PositionControls.
1. Set the patternto zerolineon the scopescreenwith
the VERTICALPOSlrloN coNTROL (4).
2 . A d j u s t P A T T E R NP O S I T I O NG O N T R O L( 5 ) a n d
PATTERNLENGTHCONTROL(6)so thatthe pattern
fillsthe entirescreen.
8.19. TESTPROCEDURE.
A. EngineOff. Turnvehicleengineoff.
B. Select Function.Ensurethat FUNCTIONSELECTOR
(3)is set to the 50 KV COILposition.
C. Spark Plug Wire Disconnect.With the fiber pliersprovided,disconnectanysparkplugwirewith bootat the spark
plugend,exceptthewireleadingto the No.1 sparkplug(see
l. below).Do notmovea loosesparkplugwireout of normal
position,
but keepit fromarcingto ground,The lNoperating
DUCTIVEPICK-UPshouldbe clampedto the firstin firing
order spark plug wire as instructedabove in paragraph
8-18,D.
D. EngineOn. Startvehicleagain.
E, Check Pattern.Comparethe patterndisplayedon the
below in TestResults,
scope with the patternsillustrated
pattern
on the scope
displayed
the
Figures8-14and 8-15.
in Figure
screenshouldmatchthe normalpatternillustrated
8-14.
F. EngineOtl. Turnvehicleengineoff.
G. Reconnect.Reconnectsparkplugwire.
H Test RemainingSpark Plug Wires. Repeatthe test
procedure
witheachsparkplugwire,exceptthe wireleading to the firstsparkplugin the firingorder(seenextstep).
patterns
arenormalandwhich
Makea noteofwhichcylinder
are unsatisfactory.
l. TestNo.1 SparkPlugWire. To testthe No.1 sparkplug
EI C K - U Pt o a s p a r kp l u gw i r e
w i r e ,m o v et h e I N D U C T I VP
and
Disconnect
thathasalreadybeentestedsatisfactorily
testthe No.1 sparkPlugwire.
8.20. TESTRESULTS.
A. NormalPattern.The normalbasicscopepatternof the
BIDlgnitionSystemhasan exsparkplugforthe Prestolite
tra waveformin dwell section.Referto Figure8{4. The
downspikeof the patternfor the disconnectedspark plug
one thirdas longas the upward
shouldbe approximately
in Figure8-14.lf thispatspikeof the pattern,as illustrated
is satisfactory.
insulation
secondary
the
is
tern displayed,
-34-
B. UnsatisfactoryPattern.lf the patterndisplayedshows
a shortor no downspikefor the disconnectedsparkplug,
insulation
in FigureB-15,thereis a secondary
as illustrated
problem.
patternexistsfor all sparkplugs/
1. lf an unsatisfactory
cylinders,checkfor:
a. Crackedor carbontrackingin the coiltower.
b. Defectivecoil wire.
c. Crackedor carbontrackingin the rotor.
d. Crackedor carbontrackingin the centertowerof
cap.
the distributor
test
2. lf one or more,but not all,sparkplugs/cylinders
checkfor:
unsatisfactorily,
cap
a. Crackedor carbontrackingin the distributor
towers.
b. Defectivesparkplugwires.Referto stepthreebesparkplug
on testingindividual
low for instructions
wires.
3. DefectiveSpark Plug Wire Test.lf the abovetest resultsindicatefaultysparkplugwires,performthe following procedureto determinewhich spark plug
wiresare defective.
a. Selectthe firstwire that producedan unsatisfactory patternin the test above,and disconnectthe
caP.
wire at the distributor
b. Performthe SecondaryInsulationTest for this
sparkplugwire.
c. lf the patternfor this sparkplug is unsatisfactory
when tested with the spark plug end disconcap end
withdistributor
nected,and is satisfactory
the sparkplugwireis defective.
disconnected,
d. Repeatstepsa throughc for eachsparkplugwtre
in the SecondaryInsuthattestedunsatisfactorily
lationTestwiththe plugenddisconnected.
CHAPTER9.
SPARKVOLTAGEUNDERLOADTEST
SECTIONI.BPI,ALL CHRYSLER,
FORDSSI
BID SYSTEMS
& DS,ANDPRESTOLITE
9-1. DESCRIPTION.
The spark voltageof all cylinders
shouldbe fairlyuniformand riseslightlywhenthe engine
is snapaccelerated.
Thistestmeasuresand comparesthe
voltagerequirements
of each cylinderin an engineunder
loadto determineif any faultsare present,
CAUTION
Do not let test cables rest or fall on or near hot or
movingengineparts.
9-2. HOOK-UPPROCEDURE.Referto Figure9-1.The
scopecontrolsand cablesare numberedin Figure9-1as a
referencefor hookup.This procedureexplainswhere to
hook up each cableon the back of the scopeand on the
vehiclebeing tested.The scope connections(leadsand
sockets)are color coded and keyed to ensure proper
hookup.The scopeitemsaredescribedin detailin Chapter
2, Figure2-1,Table2-1.
A. EngineOff. Do notstartthe enginebeforehookup.
B. POWERLEADConnections.
Makethe followingconnections:
1. Scope.Plugthe blackPOWERLEADfi) connector
intothe blacksocketon the backof the scope.
2. Vehicle.Connectthe POWERLEADSO to the baf
tery as follows:the RED clip to the Positive(+) battery terminaland the BLACKctip to Negative(-)
groundon the vehiclesuchas the alternatorbracket
as shownin Figure9-1.
WARNING
When makingelectricaltest connectionsto the vehicle,do not use the carburetoror otherfuel system
componentsas a ground connection,as a spark
couldignitethe gasolinevaporsand cause a fire or
explosion.
SPARKVOLTAGEUNDERLOADTESTHook-UP
F I G U R E9 - 1 .
NOTE
PICK.
and INDUCTIVE
Ensurethatthe CAPACITIVE
encloseignitionwiresand are
UP clampscompletely
closed
free of dirt and grease.Dirtyor incompletely
and/orfaultycalibraclampsmaycausemistriggering
tionof scopepatterns.
-35-
C. CAPACITIVEPICK-UP(9) Connections.
PICK-UP(9)
1. Scope. Plug the yellow CAPACITIVE
connectorinto the yellowsocketon the back of the
scope.
PICK-UP(9) onto
2. Vehicle.Clampthe CAPACITIVE
the high-tension
coil wire.
PICK-UP(8) Connections.
D. INDUCTIVE
PICK-UP(8)con1. Scope. Plugthe blueINDUCTIVE
nectorintothe bluesocketon the backof the scope.
PICK-UP(8)ontothe
2. Vehicle.Clampthe INDUCTIVE
sparkplug wireof the No.1spark plug.Connectthe
pick-up as close as possibleto the distributorto
minimizeinterference
fromadjacentwires.
E. SelectFunction.RotateFUNCTIONSELECTOR(3)to
25 KI SPARKPOSITION.
F. PatternGontrols.
1. Turn PATTERNPOSITION
CONTROL(5)clockwise
to stop.
2. Turn PATTERNLENGTH CONTROL(6) counterclockwiseto stop.
G. TurnScopeOn. Pressthe POWERON SWITCH(1)to
Afterthe Scope
turn scopeON.The switchwill illuminate.
has warmedup for approximately
30 seconds,a horizontal
tracewill appearon the screen.
NOTE
to the batterywillturn
A momentary
disconnection
scopeOFF.Reconnectscopecablesto the batteryas
explainedaboveand pressPOWERON SWITCH.
H. Stail Engine. Start the engineand allow it to warm to
normaloperatingtemperature.
L Adjust Engineldle Speed. Adjustenginespeedas required to provide a stable pattern (typically900-1200
RPM).
J. Adjust Scope Pattern.lf the scope patternblinksor is
unstable:
1. Ensurethat pick-up clamps are clean and completelyencloseignitionwires.
PICK-UP(8) clamp over and
2. Turn the INDUCTIVE
slideit alongthe sparkplug wire betweenthe spark
plugand the distributor
untilpatternstabilizes.
spark plug
3. lf vehicleis equippedwith non-resistor
wires,replacethe ignitioncoilwireandthe No.1 spark
plugwirewith resistance
wirejustfor thistest.
K. Adjust PositionControls.
1. Set the patternto zerolineon the scopescreenwith
theVERTICAL
POSITION
CONTROL(4).
2 . A d j u s t P A T T E R NP O S I T I O NC O N T R O L( 5 ) a n d
PATTERNLENGTHCONTROL(6)so thatthe pattern
fillsthe entirescreen.
9-3. TESTPROCEDURE.
A. Select Function.Ensurethat FUNCTIONSELECTOR
(3)is set to the 25 KV SPARKVOLTAGEPOSITION.
B. Accelerate Engine. Snap acceleratethe engine by
quicklydepressing
pedalandthenreleasthe accelerator
ing it. Allowthe engineto returnto idlebetweenaccelerapedaldown.A snapactions.Do not holdthe accelerator
of the accelerator
celerationis a very rapidpush-release
pedal.
C. Check Pattern.Duringsnap acceleration,
comparethe
voltagepatterndisplayedon the scopewith the patternsillustratedbelowin TestResults,Figures9-2and g-3.
D. EngineOtf. Turnvehicleengineoff.
9-4. TESTRESULTS.
A. Normal Pattern. All spark voltagesshould be fairly
uniformand increaseslightly(1-2KV)duringsnapacceleration.Enginesdesignedto operatewith a largerotorgap will
displaylesspronouncedvariationsin the patterns.
rtl
|til
4. lf one or morevoltagesare low,checkfor:
a. Fouledor closelygappedsparkplug.
b. Shortedsparkplugcableor crackedinsulator.
c. Low compressioncylinder.
fuelmixture (2 or 4 barrelcarburetor
d. Unbalanced
only).
SECTIONII. GM HEIAND FORDTFI SYSTEMS
9-5. DESCRIPTION.
The spark voltageof all cylinders
shouldbe fairlyuniformand rise slightlywhen the engine
is snapaccelerated.
Thistestmeasuresand comparesthe
voltagerequirements
of each cylinderin an engineunder
loadto determineif any faultsare present.
CAUTION
Do not let test cables rest or fall on or near hot or
movingengineparts.
llll
9-6.HOOK-UPPROCEDURE.
Referto Figure9-4A or B.
Thescopecontrolsandcablesarenumberedin Figure9-4
as a referencefor hookup.This procedureexplainswhere
to hookup eachcableon the backof the scopeandon the
vehiclebeingtested.The scopeconnections
(leadsand
sockets)are color coded and keyed to ensure proper
hookup.The scope items are describedin detail in
Chapter2, Figure2-1,Table2-1.
A. EngineOtf. Do notstartthe enginebeforehookup.
B. POWERLEADConnections.
Makethe following
connections:
1. Scope. Plugthe blackPOWERLEADfl) connector
intothe blacksocketon the backof the scope.
2. Vehicle.Connectthe POWERLEADS7) to the battery as follows:the RED clip to the Positive(+) battery terminaland the BLACKclip to Negative(-)
groundon the vehiclesuchas the alternatorbracket
as shownin Figures94A and B.
N
B. UnsatislactoryPattern.A fault existsif the spark voltagesare not uniformor if the voltageincreaseis eithertoo
smallor too great.
WARNING
When makingelectricaltest connectionsto the vehicle,do not use the carburetoror otherfuel system
componentsas a ground connection,as a spark
couldignitethe gasolinevaporsand causea fire or
explosion,
1. lf all voltagesare uniformbut high,checkfor:
a. Wornor widelygappedsparkplugs.
b. Openhigh-tension
coilwire.
c. Largerotorgap.
d D e f e c t r vdei s t r i b u t ocra p .
e . R e t a r d eidg n r t i otni m i n g
f. Overale
l a nf u e lm i x t u r e
g . A u x i l i a rgya p s p a r kp l u g s
2 . l f a l lv o l t a g e as r e u n i f o r mb u tl o w .c h e c kf o r :
a. Closelygappedsparkplugs.
b. Advancedignitiontiming. '
c. Overalllow compression.
d. Richfuelmixture.
3. lf oneor morevoltgesare high,checkfor:
a. Wornor widelygappedsparkplug,
b. Opensparkplugcable.
c. Cockedor worndistributor
cap.
d. Unbalanced
fuelmixture(2 or 4 barrelcarburetor
only).
-36-
EXTERNAC
L O I LG M H E I A N DF O R DT F I
FIGURE9.4A.
SPARK VOLTAGEUNDERLOAD TEST Hook-Up - GM HEI
2. Vehicle.
PICK-UP(8)ontothe spark
ClamptheINDUCTIVE
plug wire of the No. 1 spark plug. Connectthe
pick-upas close as possibleto the distributorto
minimizeinterference
fromadjacentwires.
E. SelectFunction.RotateFUNCTIONSELECTOR(3)to
25 KVSPARKPOSITION.
F. PatternControls.
1. Turn PATTERNPOSITION
CONTROL(5)clockwise
to stop.
2. Turn PATTERNLENGTHCONTROL(6) counterclockwiseto stop.
G. TurnScopeOn. Pressthe POWERON SWITCH(1)to
turn scopeON.The switchwill illuminate.
Afterthe Scope
has warmedup for approximately
30 seconds,a horizontal
tracewill appearon the screen.
NOTE
A momentarydisconnection
to the batterywill turn
scopecablesto the batteryas
scopeOFF.Reconnect
explainedaboveand pressPOWERON SWITCH.
INTEGRALCOILGM HEI
F I G U R E9 . 4 8 .
SPARKVOLTAGEUNDERLOADTEST Hook-Up- GM HEI
H. Stad Engine.Startthe engineand allow it to warm to
normaloperatingtemperature.
L AdjustEngineSpeed. Adjustenginespeedas required
to providea stablepattern(typically900-1200RPM).
J. AdjustScope Pattern.lf the scope patternblinksor is
unstable:
1. Ensurethat pick-up clamps are clean and completelyencloseignitionwires.
2. Turn the INDUCTIVE
PICK-UP(8) clamp over and
slideit alongthe sparkplug wire betweenthe spark
plugand the distributor
untilpatternstabilizes.
sparkplugwires,
withnon-resistor
3. lf vehicleis equipped
replace
theignitioncoilwireandthe No.1 sparkplugwire
with resistance
wirejustfor thistest.
NOTE
Ensure that the CAPACITIVE
and INDUCTIVE
PICK-UP clamps completelyenclose ignition
wires and are free of dirt and grease.Dirtyor incompletelyclosedclampsmay cause mistriggering and/or faultycalibration
of scopepatterns.
NOTE
In mostHEIsystems,
the coilis mountedinternally
and requiresthe useof the HEIPATTERN
CAPACITIVEPICK-UP(10)for this test.The following
paragraphsprovidehook-upinstructionsfor both
externallyand internallymountedcoils.Be sureto
use the correct pick-up for the system being
tested.
PICK-UP(9) or GM HEI PATTERNCAC. CAPACITIVE
PACITIVEPICK-UP(10)Connections.
1. CAPACITIVEPICK-UP(9). Use the CAPACITIVE
PICK-UP(9)for HEIandTFIsystemswiththe ignition
coilmountedexternally.
PICK-UP(9)
a. Scope. Plugthe yellowCAPACITIVE
connectorinto the yellowsocketon the back of
the scope.
b. Vehicle.Clamp the CAPACITIVEPICK-UP (9)
ontothe high-tension
coilwire.
PICK-UP(10). Usethe
2. HEIPATTERN
CAPACITIVE
PICK-UP(10)for HEI
HEI PATTERNCAPACITIVE
(ininternally
ignition
mounted
with
the
coil
systems
cap).
sidethe distributor
a. Scope. Plug the yellow HEI PATTERNCAPACITIVE PICK-UP (10) connectorinto the yellow
socketon the backof the scope.
b. Vehicle.Clip the HEI PATTERN CAPACITIVE
PICK-UP(10)ontothe top of the distributor
cap.
D. INDUCTIVE
PICK-UP(8) Connections.
PICK-UP(8)con1. Scope. Plugthe blueINDUCTIVE
nectorintothe bluesocketon the backof the scope.
-37-
K. Adjust PositionControls.
1. Set the patternto zerolineon the scopescreenwith
theVERTICAL
POSITION
CONTROL(4).
2 . A d j u s tP A T T E R NP O S I T I O NC O N T R O L( 5 ) a n d
PATTERNLENGTHCONTROL(6)so thatthe pattern
fillsthe entirescreen,
9 . 7 . T E S TP R O C E D U R E .
A. SelectFunction.Ensurethat FUNCTIONSELECTOR
(3)is setto the 25 KVSPARKVOLTAGEPOSITION.
B. AccelerateEngine. Snap acceleratethe engine by
pedaland then releasquicklydepressingthe accelerator
ing it. Allowthe engineto returnto idle betweenaccelerapedaldown.A snapactions.Do not holdthe accelerator
of the accelerator
celerationis a very rapid push-release
pedal.
comparethe
C. Check Pattern.Duringsnapacceleration,
voltagepatterndisplayedon the scopewiththe patternsillustratedbelowin TestResults,Figures9-5and 9-6.
D. EngineOtf. Turnvehicleengineoff.
9.8. TESTRESULTS.
A. NormalPattern.All sparkvoltagesshouldbe fairlyuniformandincrease
slightly(1-2KV)duringsnapacceleration.
Enginesdesignedto operatewith a large rotorgap will
in the patterns.
variations
displaylesspronounced
1. lf all voltagesare uniformbut high,checkfor:
a. Wornor widelygappedsparkplugs.
b. Open high-tension
coil wire (externally
mounted
coilonly).
c. Largerotorgap.
d. Defectivedistributorcap.
ignitiontiming.
e. Retarded
f. Overallleanfuel mixture.
g. Auxiliary
gap sparkplugs.
2. 1Iallvoltagesare uniformbut low,checkfor:
a. Closelygappedsparkplugs.
b. Advancedignitiontiming.
c. Overalllow compression,
d. Richfuelmixture.
3. lf one or morevoltagesare high,checkfor:
a. Wornor widelygappedsparkplug.
b. Opensparkplugcable.
c. Cockedor worndistributor
cap.
d. Unbalancedfuel mixture(2 or 4 barrelcarburetor
only).
4. lf one or morevoltagesare low,checkfor:
a. Fouledor closelygappedsparkplug.
b. Shortedsparkplugcableor crackedinsulator.
c. Low compression
cylinder.
d. Unbalancedfuel mixture(2 or 4 barrelcarburetor
only).
B. UnsatisfactoryPattern.A fault existsif the spark voltagesare not uniformor if the voltageincreaseis eithertoo
smallor too great.
-38-
C H A P T E R1 0 .
DWELLAND VARIATION
IN DWELL
I
T E S T .B P I ,G M H E I
10-1. DESCRIPTION
FOR BPl. (For GM HEI see 10-5).
pointsareclosDwellis the periodof timethatthedistributor
ed during each cylinderignitionfiring cycle. This test
measuresthe variationof dwellamongall the cylindersto
Referto Chapter
determinespecificfaultsin the distributor.
10.
CAUTION
Do not let test cables rest or fall on or near hot or
movingengineparts.
Referto Figure10-1.The
10-2. HOOK-UPPROCEDURE.
scopecontrols
andcablesarenumberedin Figure10-1as a
referencefor hookup.This procedureexplainswhere to
hook up each cableon the back of the scopeand on the
vehiclebeing tested.The scope connections(leadsand
sockets)are color coded and keyed to ensure proper
hookup.The scopeitemsaredescribedin detailin Chapter
2, Figure2-1,Table2-1.
A. EngineOff. Do notstartthe enginebeforehookup.
B. POWERLEADConnections.
Makethe following
connections:
1. Scope.Plugthe blackPOWERLEAD[/) connector
intothe blacksocketon the backof the scope.
2. Vehicle.Connectthe POWERLEADSO) to the battery as follows:the RED clip to the Positive(+) baf
tery terminaland the BLACKclip to Negative(-)
groundon the vehiclesuchas the alternator
bracket
a s s h o w ni n F i g u r e1 0 - 1 .
I
I
I
I
ruore
PICKand INDUCTIVE
Ensurethatthe CAPACITIVE
encloseignitionwiresand are
UP clampscompletely
closed
free of dirt and grease.Dirtyor incompletely
and/orfaultycalibraclampsmaycausemistriggering
tionof scopepatterns.
PICK-UP(9) Connections.
C. CAPACITIVE
PICK-UP(9)
1. Scope. Plug the yellow CAPACITIVE
connectorinto the yellowsocketon the back of the
scope.
PICK-UP(9) onto
2. Vehicle.Clampthe CAPACITIVE
the high-tension
coilwire.
D. INDUCTIVE
PICK-UP(8) Connections.
'1.
S c o p e . P l u gt h e b l u eI N D U C T I VPEI C K - U P( 8 )c o n nectorintothe bluesocketon the backof the scope.
2. Vehicle.Clampthe INDUCTIVE
PICK-UP(8)ontothe
sparkplugwireof the No. 1 sparkplug.Connectthe
pick-upas close as possibleto the distributorto
minimizeinterference
fromadjacentwires.
E. SelectFunction.RotateFUNCTIONSELECTOR(3)to
25 KV superimposed.
F. PatternControls.
1. Turn PATTERNPOSITION
CONTROL(5)clockwise
to stop.
2. Turn PATTERNLENGTHCONTROL(6) counterclockwiseto stop.
G. TurnScopeOn. Pressthe POWERSWITCH (1) to turn
Afterthe Scopehas
scopeON.The switchwill illuminate.
warmed up for approximately
30 seconds,a horizontal
tracewillappearon the screen.
NOTE
A momentarydisconnection
to the batterywill turn
scopecablesto the batteryas
scopeOFF.Reconnect
explainedaboveand pressPOWERON SWITCH.
WARNING
to the veWhen makingelectricaltest connections
hicle,do not use the carburetor
or otherfuelsystem
componentsas a ground connection,as a spark
couldignitethe gasolinevaporsand causea fire or
explosion.
H. StartEngine.Startthe engineand allow it to warm to
normaloperatingtemperature.
l. AdjustEngineSpeed. Adjustenginespeedas required
to providea stablepattern(typically
900-1200RPM).
J. AdjustScopePattern.lf the scopepatternblinksor is
unstable:
1 . E n s u r et h a t p i c k - u pc l a m p sa r e c l e a na n d c o m p l e t e l ye n c l o s ei g n i t i o n
wires.
pick-up(9)alongthe coiltower
2. Slidethe capacitive
wire betweenthe coil towerand the distributoruntil
patternstabilizes.
spark plug
3. lf vehicleis equippedwith non-resistor
wires,replacethe ignitioncoil wire and the No. 1
wirejustfor thistest.
sparkplugwirewith resistance
K. Adjust PositionControls.
1. Setthe patternto zerolineon the scopescreenwith
POSITION
theVERTICAL
CONTROL(4).
2 . A d j u s tP A T T E R NP O S I T I O NC O N T R O L( 5 ) a n d
PATTERN
LENGTHCONTROL(6)so thatthe pattern
fillsthe entirescreen.
10.3. TESTPROCEDURE.
lN DWELLTESTHook-Up- BPI
DWELLANDVARIATION
F I G U R E1 O - 1 .
A. Select Function.Ensurethat FUNCTIONSELEG|OR
position.
(3)is setto the25 KV SUPERIMPOSED
-39-
NOTE
Many Chryslerand Ford Breaker-Point
Systemsuse
an offsetbreakerplatein the distributor.
Undernormal
operatingconditionsdwell variationof about 6o is
typical.This variationis due to the action of the
vacuumadvancediaphragm
Forthis
on thedistributor.
test disconnectand plug any vacuumlinesgoingto
this diaphragm.With hosesdisconnected,
the dwell
variationshould be as indicatedbelow.Be sure to
reconnect
the hosesafterthe testis finished.
B. Adjust Pattern.With the VERTICALPOSITIONCONTROL (4), the PATTERNPOSIT|ONCONTROL(5) and
PATTERN
LENGTHCONTROL(6),adjustthe superimposed ignitionpatternto be the same width as the POINT
DWELLtN DEGREESscale.Alignthe rightedgeof the patternwith the SET LINEon the rightsideof the screen,and
the leftedgeof the patternwiththe leftedgeof the screen.
C. Check Pattern.Comparethe patterndisplayedon the
scope with the patternsillustratedbelow in Test Results,
figures10-2and 10-3.Readthe variationin dwellon the
(4,6, or B-cylinder)
scaleof POINTDWELLlN
appropriate
DEGREES.
D. RepeatstepsB and C at '1500RPM.
E. Returnthe engineto idle.
F. EngineOfl. Turnvehicleengineoff.
10.4. TESTRESULTS.
A. NormalPattern.The variationin dwell among all the
cylindersas seen on the superimposedpatterndisplay
shouldbe no greaterthanthreedegreeson the appropriate
(4,6, or B-cylinder)
scale.
lf variationin dwell is greaterthan threedegreeson
the appropriate
cylinderscale,thencheckfor:
thedistributor
Worn
lobes
in
cam.
a.
b. Bentdistributor
shaft.
shaftbushings.
c. Worndistributor
10.5. GM HEI
No specificreadingsare givenby GM for theirHEIsystem,
however,it is normalfor dwellto varywith enginespeedon
thissystem.
A. HOOK-UPPROCEDURE.
Use the same hook-upand scope controladjustment
procedures
describedpreviously
in thissection.Be sureto
use the propercapacitivepick-up,9 or 10,as requiredby
yourpafticularsystem(integral
or externalcoil).See Figure
94A or B.
Pattern.lf the variationin dwell among
B. Unsatisfactory
is greaterthanthreedegrees,a faultin the
allthe cylinders
mayexist.
distributor
-40-
B. TESTPROCEDURE
1. Startand warm-upthe vehicleengine.
2. Whileobservingthe scopepattern,slowlyaccelerate
f r o m c u r b i d l e t o a b o u t2 5 0 0 R P M .a n d d e - c e l e r a t e
smoothlybackto curbidle.
C. RESULTS
Dwellshouldincreasesmoothlyas enginespeedincreases,and decreasesmoothlyas engine speed decreases.Any sign of jumpingor erraticindicationd'-, ^.
t h i s t e s t m a y i n d i c a t ea d e f e c t i v ee l e c t r o n i c- . : - - C h e c kf o r c o r r o d e do r l o o s ec o n n e c t i o ntsh r o u E ' - ' ' - =
ignitionsystemhowever,
beforereplacing
the moc- =
11.
CHAPTER
COIL/CONDENSER
TEST
BREAKER
POINTIGNITIONSYSTEM
11-1. DESCRIPTION.
Energyremainingin the coil after
the sparkplughasfiredmustbe dissipatedproperlyto protect the points.This test measuresthe dissipationof the
voltageand determinesif thereis a fault in the coil or the
condenser.
CAUTION
Do not let test cables rest or fall on or near hot or
movingengineparts.
11-2. HOOK-UPPROCEDURE.
Referto Figure11-1.
The
scopecontrolsandcablesarenumberedin Figure11-1as a
referencefor hookup.This procedureexplainswhere to
hook up each cableon the back of the scopeand on the
vehiclebeing tested.The scope connections(leadsand
sockets)are color coded and keyed to ensure proper
hookup.The scopeitemsaredescribedin detailin Chapter
2, Figure2-1,Table
2-1.
A. EngineOff. Do notstartthe enginebeforehookup.
B. POWERLEADConnections.
Makethe followingconnections:
1. Scope.Plugthe blackPOWERLEAD(7)connector
intothe blacksocketon the backof the scope.
2. Vehicle.Connectthe POWERLEADSC4to the battery as follows:the RED clip to the Positive(+) battery terminaland the BLACKclip to Negative(-)
groundon the vehiclesuchas the alternatorbracket
as shownin Figure11-1.
-Up- BPI
PICK-UP(9) Connections.
C. CAPACITIVE
PICK-UP(9)
1. Scope. Plug the yellow CAPACITIVE
connectorinto the yellowsocketon the back of the
scope.
2. Vehicle.Clampthe CAPACITIVE
PICK-UP(9)onto
the high-tension
coilwire.
PICK-UP(8) Connections.
D. INDUCTIVE
PICK-UP(8)con1. Scope. Plugthe blueINDUCTIVE
nectorintothe bluesocketon the backof the scope.
2. Vehicle.
PICK-UP(8)ontothe spark
ClamptheINDUCTIVE
plug wire of the No. 1 spark plug. Gonnectthe
pick-upas close as possibleto the distributorto
fromadjacentwires.
minimizeinterference
E. SelectFunction.RotateFUNCTIONSELECTOR(3)to
PATTERN.
DISTRIBUTOR
F. PatternControls.
1. Turn PATTERNPOSITION
CONTROL(5)clockwise
to stop.
2. Turn PATTERNLENGTHCONTROL(6) counterclockwiseto stop.
G. TurnScopeOn. Pressthe POWERON SWITCH(1)to
turnscopeON.The switchwill illuminate.
Afterthe Scope
has warmedup for approximately
30 seconds,a horizontal
tracewillappearon the screen.
NOTE
A momentarydisconnection
to the batterywill turn
scopeOFF.Reconnectscopecablesto the batteryas
explainedaboveand pressPOWERON SWITCH.
H. StartEngine.Startthe engineand allow it to warm to
normaloperating temperature.
l. AdjustEngineSpeed. Adjustenginespeedas required
to providea stablepattern(typically900-1200RPM).
J. AdjustScope Pattern.lf the scope patternblinksor is
unstable:
1. Ensurethat pick-up clamps are clean and completelyencloseignitionwires.
PICK-UP(8) clamp over and
2. Turn the INDUCTIVE
slideit alongthe sparkplug wire betweenthe spark
plugandthe distributor
untilpatternstabilizes.
r a r kp l u g
3 . l f v e h i c l ei s e q u i p p e dw i t h n o n - r e s i s t o
sp
wires,replacethe ignitioncoil wrre and the No. 1
s p a r kp t u gw i r ew i t hr e s i s t a n cwe i r ej u s tf o rt h i st e s t .
K. Adjust PositionContrcls.Setthe patternto zerolineon
thescopescreenwiththeVERTICAL
POSITION
CONTROL
(4).
WARNING
When makingelectricaltest connectionsto the vehicle,do not use the carburetoror otherfuel system
componentsas a ground connection,as a spark
couldignitethe gasolinevaporsand causea fire or
explosion.
1 1 - 3 .T E S TP R O C E D U R E .
A. Select Function.Ensurethat FUNCTIONSELECTOR
(3)is set to the DISTRIBUTOR
PATTERNposition.
B. Adjust Pattern.With the PATTERNPOSITIONCONTROL (5) and PATTERNLENGTHCONTROL(6),adjust
the ignitionpatternof one cylinderso thatit completely
fills
the screen.
C. Check Pattern.Comparethe patterndisplayedon the
scope with the patternsillustratedbelow in Test Results,
Figures11-2,11-gand 114.The patterndisplayedon the
in
scopescreenshouldmatchthe normalpatternillustrated
Figure11-2.
NOTE
and INDUCTIVE
PICKEnsurethatthe CAPACITIVE
encloseignitionwiresandare
UP clampscompletely
free of dirt and grease.Dirtyor incompletely
closed
and/orfaultycalibraclampsmaycausemistriggering
tion of scopepatterns.
-41-
D. EngineOtl. Turnvehicleengineoff,
11-4. TESTRESULTS.
A. Normal Pattern.The proper dissipationof energy in
boththe coil/condenser
sectionand the dwellsectionof
the ignitionscopepatternappearsas severaldiminishing
oscillations.
patternlacks
B. Unsatisfactory
Pattern.An unsatisfactory
in eitheror both the coil/condensersection
oscillations
andthe dwellsectionof the ignitionscopepattern.
'1. lf
the patternlacksoscillations
in the coil/condenser
sectiononly,checkfor a leakycondenser.
2. lf the patternlacksoscillations
throughout,
checkfor
a defectivecoil.(Thispatternmay occur when the
scopeis usedin conjunction
with someautomobile
analyzers Disconnect
the Analyzerto see if the patternreturnsto normalbeforereplacing
thecoil.)
-42-
CHAPTER12.
POINTACTIONTEST- BPI
lt is importantthat the pointsopen
12-1. DESCRIPTION
and close properlyfor each spark plug firing.This test
checksfor properactionof the breakerpoints.
CAUTION
Do not let test cables rest or fall on or near hot or
movingengineparts.
Referto Figure12-1.The
12-2. HOOK-UPPROCEDURE.
scopecontrolsandcablesarenumberedin Figure12-1as a
referencefor hookup.This procedureexplainswhere to
hook up each cableon the back of the scopeand on the
vehiclebeing tested.The scope connections(leadsand
sockets)are color coded and keyed to ensure proper
hookup.The scopeitemsaredescribedin detailin Chapter
2, Figure2-1,Table2-1.
A. EngineOff. Do notstartthe enginebeforehookup.
B. POWERLEADConnections.
Makethe followingconnections:
1. Scope. Plugthe blackPOWERLEAD(-/)connector
intothe blacksocketon the backof the scope.
2. Vehicle.Connectthe POWERLEADSF) to the battery as follows:the RED clip to the Positive(+) baf
tery terminaland the BLACKclip to Negative(-)
groundon the vehiclesuchas the alternatorbracket
as shownin Figure12-1.
PICK-UP(9) Connections.
C. CAPACITIVE
1. Scope. Plug the yellow CAPACITIVE
PICK-UP(9)
connectorinto the yellowsocketon the back of the
scope.
PICK-UP(9) onto
2. Vehicle.Clampthe CAPACITIVE
the high-tension
coilwire.
D. INDUCTIVE
PICK-UP(8) Connections.
PICK-UP(8)con1. Scope. Plugthe blueINDUCTIVE
nectorintothe bluesocketon the backof the scope.
2. Vehicle.
ClamptheINDUCTIVE
PICK-UP(8)ontothe spark
plug wire of the No. 1 spark plug. Connectthe
pick-upas close as possibleto the distributorto
minimizeinterference
fromadjacentwires.
E. SelectFunction.RotateFUNCTIONSELECTOR(3)to
DISTRI
BUTORPATTERNposition.
F. PatternControls.
1. Turn PATTERNPOSITION
CONTROL(5)clockwise
to stop.
2. Turn PATTERNLENGTHCONTROL(6) counterclockwiseto stop.
Turn
G.
ScopeOn. Pressthe POWERON SWITCH(1)to
Afterthe Scope
turnscopeON.The switchwill illuminate.
has warmedup for approximately
30 seconds,a horizontal
tracewill appearon theScreen.
NOTE
A momentary
disconnection
to the batterywill turn
as
scopeOFF.Reconnect
scopecablestothebattery
explainedaboveand pressPOWERON SWITCH.
WARNING
When makingelectricaltest connectionsto the vehicle,do not use the carburetor
or otherfuelsystem
componentsas a ground connection,as a spark
couldignitethe gasolinevaporsand causea fire or
explosion.
H. StartEngine.Startthe engineand allow it to warm to
normaloperatingtemperature.
l. Adjust Engineldle Speed. Adjustenginespeedas required to provide a stable pattern (typically900-1200
RPM).
J. Adjust Scope Pattern.lf the scope patternblinksor is
unstable.
1. Ensurethat pick-up clamps are clean and completelyencloseignitionwires.
2 . T u r nt h e I N D U C T I V P
E I C K - U P( 8 ) c l a m po v e r a n d
slideit alongthe sparkplugwire betweenthe spark
n l r r oa n c tl h ed i s t r i b u t ourn t i lO a t t e rsnt a b i l i z e s .
3 l f v e h r c l er s e q u i p p e dw i t h n o n - r e s i s t osrp a r kp l u g
w r r e sr.e p l a c e
t h ei g n i t i o cno i lw i r ea n dt h es p a r kp l u g
wire with resistancewire just for this test.
Y r v Y
s | v
r r I
K Adjust PositionControls.
1. Set the patternto zerolineon the scopescreenwith
POSITION
theVERTICAL
CONTROL(4).
2 . A d j u s tP A T T E R NP O S I T I O NC O N T R O L( 5 ) a n d
PATTERNLENGTHCONTROL(6) so that the first
sparkplugfiringcyclepatternfillsthe entirescreen.
12-3, TESTPROCEDURE.
A. SelectFunction.Ensurethat FUNCTIONSELECTOR
position.
(3)is setto the DISTRIBUTOR
PATTERN
B. Check Pattern.Comparethe patterndisplayedon the
belowin Test Results,
scopewith the patternsillustrated
figures12-2and 12-3.Thepatterndisplayed
on the scope
in Figscreenshouldmatchthe normalpatternillustrated
u r e1 2 - 2 .
POINTACTIONTESTHook-Up- BPI
F I G U R E1 2 , 1 .
NOTE
PICKand INDUCTIVE
Ensurethatthe CAPACITIVE
encloseignitionwiresandare
UP clampscompletely
closed
free of dirt and grease.Dirtyor incompletely
and/orfaultycalibraclampsmaycausemistriggering
tionof scopepatterns.
-43-
POSITIONCONTROL,paradethe
C. Usingthe PATTERN
sparkplug firingcyclesthroughfrom leftto right,one at a
time-pausingand observingeachsparkplug'spatternas
describedin step12-3,8.
D. EngineOtf. Turnvehicleengineoff.
12-4. TESTRESULTS.
A. NormalPattern.Properpointactionis mostobviousin
the dwell sectionof the ignitionscope pattern.The point
closesignalis composedof a downwardlinefollowedby
The pointopen signalis
severaldiminishing
oscillations.
represented
by an abrupt90 degreeangleupward.
B. UnsatislactoryPaftern.When the point close signal
lacksoscillations
or thepointopensignalappearsunusual,
the patternis unsatisfactory
and representsfaultsin the
breakerpointaction.
patternexistsat the pointclose
1. lf an unsatisfactory
signal,checkfor:
a. DirtyPoints.
b. Burnedpoints.
c . P o i n tm i s a l i g n m e n t .
d. Pointbounce.
e. Weakpointspringtension.
NOTE: New pointsmay producea patternwithfew or intermittent
oscillations
at pointclose.Thisis not abnormaland should correct itself after the points
havebecomeproperlyseated.
patternexistsat the pointopen
2. ll an unsatisfactory
signal,checkfor:
a. DirtyPoints.
b. Burnedpoints.
c. Pittedpoints
d. Faultycondenser.
-44-
CHAPTER13.
TEST
RESISTANCE
SECONDARY
ALL IGNITIONSYSTEMS
13-1. DESCRIPTION.
A limitedamountof resistanceis
built into the secondarycircuitto extendthe spark plug
electrodelife and to minimizeinterferencewith radioand
televisionreception.Excessiveresistancedissipatesthe
energyneededto maintaingoodignitionduringhighspeed
Thistestchecksfor excessivesecondaryresisoperation.
tance.
CAUTION
Do not let test cables rest or fall on or near hot or
movingengineparts.
\-=-: -..-..''_-,"'"
Referto Figure13-1A, B,
31-2.HOOK-UPPROCEDURE.
or C. The scope controlsand cablesare numberedin
Figure13-1as a referencefor hookup.This procedureexplainswhereto hook up each cableon the back of the
scopeandon thevehiclebeingtested.Thescopeconnections(leadsand sockets)are colorcodedand keyedto ensure properhookup.The scope itemsare describedin
detailin Chapter2, Figure2-1,Table2-1.
A. EngineOff. Do notstartthe enginebeforehookup.
B. POWERLEADConnections.
Makethe followingconnections:
1. Scope.Plugthe blackPOWERLEADf/) connector
intothe blacksocketon the backof the scope.
2. Vehicle.Connectthe POWERLEADS(-4to the battery as follows:the RED clip to the Positive(+) battery terminaland the BLACKclip to Negative(-)
groundon the vehiclesuchas the alternatorbracket
as shownin Figure13-1A,B or C.
. . E ' 'C O R E C O I L S Y S T E M S
(GMHEl,FORDTFl, TFI-Iand lV)
F I G U R E1 3 . 1 8 .
INTEGRAL
C O I LG M H E I
FIGURE13-1C.
TEST Hook-Up
SECONDARYRESISTANCE
NOTE
PICKand INDUCTIVE
Ensurethatthe CAPACITIVE
encloseignitionwiresand are
UP clampscompletely
closed
free of dirt and grease.Dirtyor incompletely
and/orfaultycalibraclampsmaycausemistriggering
tionof scopepatterns.
,J-
PICK-UP(9) or GM HEI PATTERNCAC. CAPACITIVE
PICK-UP(10) Connections.
PACITIVE
1. CAPACTTIVE
PICK-UP(9). Use the CAPACITIVE
(9)forHEIandTFIsystemswiththe ignition
PICK-UP
Referto Figure13-1B.
coilmountedexternally.
PICK-UP(9)
a. Scope. PlugtheyellowCAPACITIVE
connectorinto the yellow socketon the back of
the scope.
b. Vehicle.Clamp the CAPACITIVEPICK-UP(9)
ontothe high-tension
coilwire.
2. HEI PATTERNCAPACITIVEPICK-UP(10).Usethe
PICK-UP(10)for HEI
HEI PATTERNCAPACITIVE
systemswith the ignitioncoil mountedinternally(insidethedistributor
cap).Referto Figure13-1C.
a. Scope. Plug the yellow HEI PATTERN
CAPACITIVEPICK-UP(10) connectorinto the
yellowsocketon the backof the scope.
b. Vehicle. Clip the HEI PA1TERNCAPACITIVE
(10)ontothetopof thedistributor
PICK-UP
cap.
COILSYSTEMS
CYLINDRICAL
F I G U R E1 3 . 1 A .
TESTHook-Up
SECONDARY
RESISTANCE
WARNING
When makingelectricaltest connectionsto the vehicle,do not use the carburetoror otherfuel system
componentsas a ground connection,as a spark
could ignitethe gasolinevaporsand cause a fire or
explosion.
-45-
PICK-UP(8) Connections.
D. INDUCTIVE
1 . S c o p e . P l u gt h e b l u eI N D U C T I VPEI C K - U P( 8 )c o n nectorintothe bluesocketon the backof the scope.
(8)ontothe
2. Vehicle.Clampthe INDUCTIVE
PICK-UP
sparkplugwireof the No. 1 sparkplug.Connectthe
pick-upas close as possibleto the distributorto
minimizeinterference
fromadjacentwires.
E. SelectFunction.RotateFUNCTIONSELECTOR(3)to
DISTRI
BUTORPATTERNposition.
F. PatternControls.
1. Turn PATTERNPOSITION
CONTROL(5)clockwise
to stop.
2. Turn PATTERNLENGTHCONTROL(6) counterclockwiseto stop.
G. TurnScopeOn. Pressthe POWERON SWITCH(1)to
turn scopeON.The switchwill illuminate.
Afterthe Scope
has warmedup for approximately
30 seconds,a horizontal
tracewill appearon the screen.
D. ParadePattern.Turn the PATTERNPOSITIONCONand comparethe patternsof
TROL (5) counterclockwise
each cylinderwith the patternsillustratedbelow in Test
Results.
E. EngineOtf. Turnvehicleengineoff.
13-4. TESTRESULTS.
A. NormalPattern.Resistancein the secondarycircuitis
normalwhenthe sparklineis tilteddownwardslightlyfrom
the spark voltageline in suppressedignitionsystemsor
nearlylevelin unsuppressed
ignitionsystems.
NOTE
A momentarydisconnection
to the batterywill turn
scopeOFF.Reconnect
scopecablesto the batteryas
explainedaboveand pressPOWERON SWITCH.
H. StartEngine.Startthe engineand allow it to warm to
normaloperatingtemperature.
l. AdjustEngineSpeed. Adjustenginespeedas required
to providea stablepattern(typically900-1200RPM).
J. AdjustScope Pattern.lf the scope patternblinksor is
unstable:
1. Ensurethat pick-up clamps are clean and completelyencloseignitionwires.
2. Turn the INDUCTIVE
PICK-UP(8) clamp over and
slideit alongthe sparkplug wire betweenthe spark
plugand the distributor
untilpatternstabilizes.
3. lf vehicleis equippedwith non-resistor
sparkplug
wires,replacethe ignitioncoil wire and the No. 1
sparkplugwirewithresistance
wirejustfor thistest.
K. Adjust PositionControls.
1. Set the patternto zerolineon the scope screenwith
the VERTICALPOSITION
CONTROL(4).
2 . A d j u s tP A T T E R NP O S I T I O N
C O N T R O L( 5 ) a n d
PATTERNLENGTHCONTROL(6)so thatthe pattern
fillsthe entirescreen.
13.3. TESTPROCEDURE.
A. Select Function.Ensurethat FUNCTIONSELECTOR
position.
(3)is set to the DISTRIBUTOR
PATTERN
B. Adjust Patlern.With the PATTERNPOSITIONCONTROL(5) and PATTERNLENGTHCONTROL(6),adjust
the ignitionpatternof the numberone cylinderso that it
completelyfillsthe screen.
C. Check Pattern.Comparethe patterndisplayedon the
scope with the patternsillustratedbelow in Test Results,
figures13-2and 13-3.The patterndisplayedon the scope
in Figscreenshouldmatchthe normalpatternillustrated
is for BPl.Oscillation
ure 13-2.fl-hepatternillustrated
detail
on electronicignitionsystemswillvaryas shownin chapter
5.)
-46-
Pattern.Excessiveresistanceappears
B. Unsatisfactory
as a steeplyangledsparkline.
patternexists for all cylinders,
1. lf an unsatisfactory
checkfor:
a. Corrodedcoil wireterminals.
b . Opencoil wire or radiosuppressor.
c . Burnedcarbonbuttonin the distributor
cap
cap segments.
d . Burneddistributor
e, Burnedrotortip.
2. lf one or more,but not all,cylinderstest unsatisfactorily,checkfor.
or opensparkplugwires.
a. Highresistance
Cistributor
cap towers.
b. Corroded
cap segements.
c. Burneddistributor
d. Defective
sparkplugs.
insulator
1.) Crackedporcelain
typeplugsonly)
2.) OpeninternalResistor(Resistor
CHAPTER14.
C O I LO U T P U TA T C R A N K I N G
SPEED
TEST
WARNING
When makingelectricaltest connections
to the vehicle,do not use the carburetor
or otherfuelsystem
componentsas a ground connection,as a spark
could ignitethe gasolinevaporsand causea fire or
explosion.
POINTIGNITION
BREAKER
SYSTEM
1 4 - 1 .D E S C R I P T I O N
A . f a u l ti n t h e p r i m a r yc i r c u i to r a
defectivecoil may cause an engineto be hard to startor
fail to start.This test determinesif thesesystemsare the
causeof a startingproblem.
CAUTION
Do not let test cables rest or fall on or near hot or
movingengineparts.
CAUTION
Use cautionwhen disconnectingand connecting
sparkplug and high tensionwires,as they can be
damagedeasily.
CAUTION
On cars equippedwith a catalyticconverter,reconnect sparkplugwire as quicklyas possibleto avoid
damageto converter.Do not allow car to run with a
plugnotfiring;overheating
willresult.
Referto Figure14-1.The
14-2. HOOK-UPPROCEDURE.
scopecontrolsandcablesarenumberedin Figure14-1as a
referencefor hookup.This procedureexplainswhere to
hookup eachcableon the backof the scopeand on the
(leadsand
vehiclebeingtested.The scopeconnections
sockets)are color coded and keyed to ensure proper
hookup.The scopeitemsaredescribedin detailin Chapter
2, Figure2-1,fable2-1.
A. EngineOff. Do notstartthe enginebeforehookup.
B. POWERLEADConnections.
Makethe following
connections:
1. Scope. Plugthe blackPOWERLEAD(/) connector
intothe blacksocketon the backof the scope.
2. Vehicle.Connectthe POWERLEADS[/) to the battery as follows:the RED clip to the Positive(+) battery terminaland the BLACKclip to Negative(-)
groundon the vehiclesuchas the alternator
bracket
as shownin Figure14-1.
NOTE
Ensurethatthe CAPACITIVE
and INDUCTIVE
PICKUP clampscompletely
encloseignitionwiresand are
free of dirt and grease.Dirtyor incompletely
closed
clampsmaycausemistriggering
and/orfaultycalibrationof scopepatterns.
PICK-UP(9) Connections.
C. CAPACITIVE
1. Scope. Plug the yellow CAPACITIVE
PICK-UP(9)
connectorinto the yellowsocketon the back of the
scope.
PICK-UP(9) onto
2. Vehicle.Clampthe CAPACITIVE
the high-tension
coilwire.
PICK-UP(8) Connections.
D. INDUCTIVE
1 . S c o p e . D o n o t c o n n e c tf o r C O I L O U T P U TA T
CRANKING
S P E E DT E S T .
2 . V e h i c l e . D o n o t c o n n e c tf o r C O I L O U T P U TA T
CRANKING
SPEEDTEST.
E. SefectFunction.RotateFUNCTfONSELECTOR(3) to
50 KV COrL.
F. PatternControls.
1. Turn PATTERNPOSITION
CONTROL(5)clockwise
to stop.
2. Turn PATTERNLENGTHCONTROL(6) counterclockwiseto stop.
G. TurnScopeOn. Pressthe POWERON SWITCH(1)to
Afterthe Scope
turnscopeON.The switchwillilluminate.
30 seconds,a horizontal
haswarmedup for approximately
tracewillappearon the screen.
NOTE
A momentarydisconnection
to the batterywill turn
scopeOFF.Reconnectscopecablesto the batteryas
explained
aboveand pressPOWERON SWITCH.
H. Stad engine.Staftthe engineand allowit to warmto
re.
normaloperatrng
temperatu
I
l. Adjust PositionControls.
1. Set the traceto zero lineon the scopescreenwith
POSITION
theVERTICAL
CONTROL(4)
POSITION
CONTROL(5) and
2. With the PATTERN
PATTERNLENGTHCONTROL(6),adjustthe trace
so thatit fillsthe screen.
1 4 . 3 . T E S TP R O C E O U R E .
A. SelectFunction.Ensurethat FUNCTIONSELECTOR
(3)is setto the 50 KV COILposition.
B. DisconnectHigh TensionCoil Wire. Removethe high
cap Keep the extensioncoil wire from the distributor
posedendof hightensionwirefromgrounding.
I
l'--
lf vehicleis equippedwith a non-resistor
coil wire,
replacethe hightensioncoilwirewith resistance
wire
justforthistest.
-.:?
SPEEDHook-Up
COILOUTPUTAT CRANKING
FIGURE
14-1.
-47-
1. lf the voltagereadingis under20 KV,checkfor:
a. Low battery.
b. Failureof ballastresistorbypasscircuit.
c. Defectivecoil. (Shortedturns, carbon tracking,
cracked)
d. Defective
condenser.
e. Defectivecoil wire.
f. Excessivedistributorresistance.
g. Inoperative
contactpoints.
C. Crank Engine.With ignitionswitchon, crank vehicle
engineandobservethe pattern.
D. Check Pattern.Comparethe patterndisplayedon the
scope with the patternsillustratedbelow in Test Results,
Figures14-2and 14-3.The patterndisplayedon the scope
screenshouldmatchthe normalpatternillustrated
in Figure
14-2.Observethe coiloutputvoltageon the 50 KV scale.
E. Reconnect.Reconnect
the hightensioncoilwire.
14.4. TESTRESULTS.
A. NormalPattern.Whenthe primarycircuitandthe igniproperly,
tioncoilarefunctioning
the coiloutputvoltagewill
extendat least20 KV abovethe zeroline.
Use your engine analyzerand vehicleseruicemanualto
troubleshoottheseareas.
B. UnsatisfctoryPattern.When the coil outputvoltageis
lessthan 20 KV abovethe zero line,the patternis unsatisfactory.
-48-
15.
CHAPTER
ROTORGAP TEST
SECTIONI. BPI, ALL CHRYSLER
ELECTRONIC,
FORD,SSI,DS SYSTEMS,PRESTOLITEBID
SYSTEMS
15-1. DESCRf
PTION. Adequate voltage is required to
properlyarc the gap betweenthe rotorand the distributor
cap terminals.Thistest measuresthe voltageof the arc to
possiblefaultsin thiscircuit.
determine
CAUTION
Do not let test cables rest or fall on or near hot or
movingengineparts.
CAUTION
Use cautionwhen disconnectingand connecting
spark plug and high tensionwires,as they can be
damagedeasily.
CAUTION
On cars equippedwith a catalyticconverter,reconnect sparkplugwire as quicklyas possibleto avoid
damageto converter.Do not allow car to run with a
plugnotfiring;overheating
willresult.
15-2. HOOK-UPPROCEDURE.
Referto Figure15-1.The
scopecontrolsandcablesarenumberedin Figure15-1as a
referencefor hookup.This procedureexplainswhere to
hook up each cableon the back of the scopeand on the
vehiclebeing tested.The scope connections(leadsand
sockets)are color coded and keyed to ensure proper
hookup.The scopeitemsaredescribedin detailin Chapter
2, Figure2-1,Table2-1.
A. EngineOtf. Do notstartthe enginebeforehookup.
B. POWERLEADConnections.
Makethe followingconnections:
1. Scope.Plugthe blackPOWERLEAD(/) connector
intothe blacksocketon the backof the scope.
2. Vehicle.Connectthe POWERLEADS|/)to the battery as follows:the RED clip to the Positive(+) battery terminaland the BLACKclip to Negative(-)
groundon the vehiclesuchas the alternator
bracket
a s s h o w ni n F i g u r e1 5 - i .
WARNING
When makingelectricaltest connectionsto the vehicle,do not use the carburetoror otherfuel system
componentsas a ground connection,as a spark
could ignitethe gasolinevaporsand causea fire or
explosion.
NOTE
Ensurethe the CAPACITIVE
and INDUCTIVEPICKencloseignitionwiresand are
UP clampscompletely
free of dirt and grease.Dirtyor incompletely
closed
and/orfaultycalibraclampsmaycausemistriggering
tion of scopepatterns.
C. CAPACITIVE
PICK-UP(9) Connections.
1. Scope. Plug the yellow CAPACITIVE
PICK-UP(9)
connectorinto the yellowsocketon the back of the
scope.
2. Vehicle.Clampthe CAPACITIVE
PICK-UP(9) onto
the high-tension
coilwire.
D. INDUCTIVEPICK-UP(8) Connections.
1 . S c o p e . P l u gt h e b l u eI N D U C T I VPEI C K - U P( 8 )c o n nectorintothe bluesocketon the backof the scope.
2. Vehicle.
PICK-UP(8)ontothe spark
Clampthe INDUCTIVE
plug wire of the No. 1 spark plug.Connectthe
pick-up as close as possibleto the distributorto
minimizeinterference
fromadlacentwires.
E. SelectFunction.RotateFUNCTIONSELECTOR(3) to
25 KV SPARKposition.
F. PatternControls.
1. Turn PATTERNPOSITION
CONTROL(5)clockwise
to stop.
2. Turn PATTERNLENGTHCONTROL(6) counterclockwiseto stop.
G. TurnScopeOn. Pressthe POWERON SWITCH(1)to
turnscopeON.The switchwill illuminate.
Afterthe Scope
has warmedup for approximately
30 seconds,a horizontal
tracewillappearon the screen.
NOTE
A momentarydisconnection
to the batterywill turn
scopeOFF.Reconnectscopecablesto the batteryas
aboveand pressPOWERON SWITCH.
explained
H. StartEngine.Startthe engineand allow it to warm to
normaloperating
temperature.
l. AdjustEngineSpeed. Adjustenginespeedas required
to providea stablepattern(typically900-1200RPM).
J. AdjustScope Pattern.lf the scope patternblinksor is
unstable:
1. Ensurethat pick-up clamps are clean and completelyencloseignitionwires.
PICK-UP(8) clamp over and
2. Turn the INDUCTIVE
slideit alongthe sparkplug wire betweenthe spark
plugand the distributor
untilpatternstabilizes,
spark plug
3. lf vehicleis equippedwitn non-resistor
wires,replacethe ignitioncoilwireandthe No, 1 spark
plugwirewithresistance
wirejustfor thistest.
ROTORGAP TESTHook-Up
F I G U R E1 5 - 1 .
-49-
K. Adjust PositionControls.
1. Setthe patternto zerolineon the scopescreenwith
POSITION
the VERTICAL
CONTROL(4).
2 . A d j u s tP A T T E R NP O S I T I O NC O N T R O L( 5 ) a n d
PATTERN
LENGTHCONTROL(6)so thatthe pattern
fillsthe entirescreen.
1 5 - 3 .T E S TP R O C E D U R E .
A. EngineOtf. Turnvehicleengineoff.
B. SelectFunction.Ensurethat FUNCTIONSELECTOR
(3)is setto the 25 KV SPARKposition.
CAUTTON
I
is i
Selectionof sparkplug wiresto be disconnected
criticalon FordElectroniclgnitionSystems.Unless
properlyselected,damage to the ignitionsystem l
may result.
electronics
I
DO NOTDTSCONNECT
I
B. UnsatislactoryPattern. lf the spark v olt age of t he
groundeddistributor
terminali s l ess than 3 KV ( BPl) ,t hen
the patternis unsatisfactory.
It
llrr
I
V-8engines:
V-6engines:
1-6engines:
4-Cylinder
engines:
No.1 or No.8 sparkplugwire.
No.1 or No.4 sparkplugwire.
No.3 or No.5 sparkplugwire.
No.1 or No.3 sparkplugwire.
I
I
I
I
C. Spark Plug Wire Disconnect.Withthe fiberpliersprovided,disconnectany properlyselectedspark plug wire
with bootat the sparkplug end, exceptthe wire leadingto
the No.1 sparkplug.Do notallowthiswireto arcto ground.
The INDUCTIVE
PICK-UPshouldbe clampedto the No.1
abovein paragraph15-2.D.
sparkplugwireas instructed
D. Ground DistributorTerminal.Inserta metalprod into
terminalandgroundit by connecting
a
theopendistributor
jumperwirefromthe metalprodto the engineblock.
E. EngineOn. Startvehicleengine.Operateat 900-1200
RPM.
F. Check Pattern. Comparethe patterndisplayedon the
scopewith the patternsillustratedbelow in Test Results,
Figures15-2and 15-3.Readthe patternon the 25 KV scale.
G. EngineOtf. Turnvehicleengineoff.
H. Reconnect.Reconnectsparkplugwire.
15.4TESTRESULTS.
A. Normal Pattern.The spark voltageof the grounded
terminalshouldbe approximately
3-5 KV,(BPl
distributor
only).Manyof the newerelectronicignitionsoperatewith
8 l(V).
higherrotorgap,(approximately,
a significantly
1. lf voltagereadingremainshigh,checkfor.
a. Wrongrotor,(tiptoo short).
b. Corrodedrotortip.
cap.
distributor
c. Defective
low,checkfor:
2. lf voltagereadingis excessively
(tip
a. Wrongrotor, too long).
b. Defectivedistributorcap.
SECTIONII. GM HEI,FORDTFI SYSTEMS
15-5. DESCRIPTION.
Adequatevoltage is requiredto
properlyarc the gap betweenthe rotorand the distributor
Thistest measuresthe voltageof the arc to
cap terminals.
possiblefaultsin thiscircuit.
determine
CAUTION
r
j Use cautionwhen disconnectingand connecting
j sparkplug and high tensionwires,as they can be
I damagedeasily.
CAUTION
On cars equippedwith a catalyticconverterreconn e c ts p a r kp l u gw i r ea s q u i c k l ya s p o s s i b l et c a , , : :
damageto converter.Do not allow car to rur' ,! :- a
plugnot firing;overheating
willresult.
Referto Figures15-44and
15-6.HOOK-UPPROCEDURE.
B.The scopecontrolsand cablesare numberedin Figures
15-4Aand B as a referencefor hookup.This procedureexplainswhereto hookup eachcableon the backof thescope
and on the vehiclebeingtested.The scopeconnections
(leadsandsockets)are
colorcodedandkeyedto ensureproper hookup.The scope itemsare describedin detailin
2-1.
Chapter2, Figure2-1,Table
A. EngineOff. Do notstartthe enginebeforehookup.
-50 -
POWERLEADConnections.
Makethe following
connections:
1. Scope.Plugthe blackPOWERLEADfl) connector
intothe blacksocketon the backof the scope.
2. Vehicle.Connectthe POWERLEADSO to the battery as follows:the RED clip to the Positive(+) battery terminaland the BLACKclip to Negative(-)
groundon the vehiclesuchas the alternatorbracket
as showin Figure15-4A or B.
WARNING
When makingelectricaltest connectionsto the vehicle,do not use the carburetoror otherfuel system
componentsas a ground connection,as a spark
couldignitethe gasolinevaporsand causea fire or
explosion.
NOTE:Ensure that the CAPACITIVE
and INDUCTIVE
PICK-UP clamps completelyenclose ignition
wires and are free of dirt and grease.Dirtyor incompletelyclosedclampsmay cause mistriggering and/or faultycalibration
of scopepatterns.
NOTE:In someHEIsystems,
the coilis mountedinternally
and requiresthe use of the HEIPATTERNCAPACITIVEPICK-UP(10)for this test.The following
paragraphsprovidehook-upinstructionsfor both
externallyand internallymountedcoils.Be sureto
use the correct pick-up for the system being
tested.
C. CAPACITIVE
PICK-UP(9) or GM HEI PATTERNCAPACITIVEPICK-UP(10) Gonnections.
1. CAPACITIVEPICK-UP(9). Use the CAPACITIVE
PICK-UP(9)forHEl,andTFIsystemswiththeignition
coil mountedexternally.
PICK-UP(9)
a. Scope. Plugthe yellowCAPACITIVE
connectorinto the yellowsocketon the back of
the scope.
Vehicle.
b.
Clamp the CAPACITIVEPICK-UP (9)
ontothe high-tension
coilwire.
2. HEIPATTERN
PICK-UP(10). Usethe
CAPACITIVE
HEI PATTERNCAPACITIVE
PICK-UP(10)for HEI
(insystemswiththe ignitioncoil mountedinternally
sidethe distributor
cap).
a. Scope. Plugthe yellowHEI PATTERNCAPACITIVE PICK-UP(10) connectorinto the yellow
socketon the back of the scope.
b. Vehicle.Clip the HEI PATTERN CAPACITIVE
PICK-UP(10)ontothe top of the distributor
cap.
PICK-UP(8) Connections.
D. INDUCTIVE
( 8 )c o n 1 . S c o p e .P l u gt h eb l u eI N D U C T I VPEI C K - U P
nectorintothe bluesocketon the backof the scope.
2. Vehicle.
C l a m pt h eI N D U C T I VPEI C K - U P( 8 ) o n t ot h es p a r k
plug wire of the No. 1 spark plug.Connectthe
pick-upas closeas possibleto the distributor
to
fromadjacentwires.
minimizeinterference
E. SelectFunction.RotateFUNCTIONSELECTOR(3)to
25 KVSPARKposition.
F. PatternControls.
1. Turn PATTERNPOSITION
CONTROL(5)clockwise
to stop.
2. Turn PATTERNLENGTHCONTROL(6) counterclockwiseto stop.
G. TurnScopeOn. Pressthe POWERON SWITCH(1)to
Afterthe Scope
turnscopeON.The switchwillilluminate.
haswarmedup forapproximately
30 seconds,a horizontal
tracewillappearon the screen.
..E'' CORECOILSYSTEMS
(GMHEl,FORDTFl, TFI-Iand lV)
FIGURE15.4A.
C O I LG M H E I
INTEGRAL
FIGURE15.48.
ROTORGAP TESTHook-Up- HEI
-51-
F. Check Pattern.Comparethe patterndisplayedon the
scopewith the patternsillustratedbelow in Test Results,
Figures15-5and 15-6.Readthe patternon the 25 KV scale.
NOTE
to the batterywill turn
A momentarydisconnection
scopecablesto the batteryas
scopeOFF.Reconnect
explainedaboveand pressPOWERON SWITCH.
H. StartEngine.Startthe engineand allow it to warm to
normaloperatingtemperature.
l. AdjustEngineSpeed. Adjustenginespeedas required
to providea stablepattern(typically
900-1200RPM).
J. AdjustScope Pattern.lf the scope patternblinksor is
unstable:
1. Ensurethat pick-up clamps are clean and completelyencloseignitionwires.
PICK-UP(8) clamp over and
2. Turn the INDUCTIVE
slideit alongthe sparkplug wire betweenthe spark
plugandthe distributor
untilpatternstabilizes.
spark plug
3. lf vehicleis equippedwith non-resistor
wires,replacethe ignitioncoilwireandthe No. 1 spark
plugwirewithresistance
wirejustfor thistest.
K. Adjust PositionGontrols.
1. Set the patternto zerolineon the scopescreenwith
theVERTICAL
POSITION
CONTROL(4).
2 . A d j u s tP A T T E R NP O S I T I O N
C O N T R O L( 5 ) a n d
PATTERNLENGTHCONTROL(6)so thatthe pattern
fillsthe entirescreen.
15-7. TESTPROCEDURE.
A. EngineOtf. Turnvehicleengineoff.
B. SelectFunction.Ensurethat FUNCTIONSELECTOR
(3)is set to the 25 KV SPARKPOSITION.
G. EngineOtf. Turnvehicleengineoff.
H. Reconnect.Reconnectsparkplugwire.
15.8. TESTRESULTS.
A. Normal Pattern.The spark voltageof the grounded
8 KV.
terminalshouldbe approximately
distributor
B. UnsatisfactoryPattern.lf the spark voltage of the
groundeddistributorterminalis significantlylower or
higherthan8 KV,thenthe patternis unsatisfactory.
CAUTION
On HEIsystemsdo not disconnectsparkplugwires
at the distributor
duringtesting.
CAUTTON
is
of sparkplugwiresto be disconnected
Selection
lgnitionSystems.
Unless
criticalon FordElectronic
properlyselected,damageto the ignitionsystem
mayresult.
electronics
I
I
l
]
I
DONOTDTSCONNECT
I
J.-;a
iltrll
lllt
N
t
V-8engines:
V-6engines:
l-6engines:
4 C y l i n d eer n g i n e s :
No.1 or No.8 sparkptugwire.
No.'1or No.4 sparkplugwire.
No.3 or No.5 sparkplugwire.
N o .1 o r N o .3 s p a r kp l u gw i r e .
I
I
I
I
C. SparkPlugWire Disconnect.Withthe f iberpliersprovided,disconnectany properlyselectedspark plug wire
with bootat the sparkplug end, exceptthe wire leadingto
the No.1 sparkplug.Do notallowthiswireto arcto ground.
The INDUCTIVE
PICK-UP
shouldbe clampedto the No.1
abovein paragraph15-6.D.
sparkplugwireas instructed
D. Ground Spark Plug Wire. Groundthe disconnected
sparkplugwireto the engineblockwitha jumperwire.
E. EngineOn. Startvehicleengine.Operateat 900-1200
RPM.
-52-
lf voltagereadingremainshigh,checkfor:
a. Wrongrotor,(tiptoo short).
b. Corrodedrotortip.
cap.
distributor
c. Defective
2. lf voltagereadingremainslow,checkfor:
a. Wrongrotor,(tiptoo long).
cap.
b. Defectivedistributor
CHAPTER16.
TEST
ALTERNATOR
All lgnitionSystems
I
Faultsin alternatoroperationcan
16-1. DESCRIPTION.
be determinedby analysisof the scopepatternsproduced
in thistest.
WARNING
Thegasesgeneratedby a chargingbatteryare highly
explosive.Do not smokeor permitflameor sparkto
when it
occur neara batteryat any time,particularly
is charging.Any room or compartmentcontaining
chargingbatteriesshouldbe well ventilatedto prevent accumulationof explosivegases. To avoid
sparks,do not disturbthe batterychargerconnections while battery is charging,and always turn
chargeroff beforedisconnectingthe batteryclips.
When removing or reconnectingbattery cables,
make sure ignitionswitch and all accessoriesare
turnedoff. lt is advisable to blow acrossthe top of
the batterybeforemakingor breakingconnectionsto
gaseswhichmay
it. Thiswilldisperseanyexplosive
on it.
haveaccumulated
--.-:,,
TEST- Hook-UP
ALTERNATOR
FIGURE
16.1.
PICK-UP(8) Connections.
C. INDUCTIVE
1 . S c o p e . P l u gt h e b l u eI N D U C T I VPEI C K - U P( 8 )c o n nectorintothe bluesocketon the backof the scope,
2. Vehicle.
(8)ontothe No.1
PICK-UP
a. Clampthe INDUCT|VE
spark plug wire. Connectthe pick-upas close as
possibleto the distributorto minimizeinterference
fromadjacentwires.
CAUTION
Do not let test cables rest or fall on or near hot or
movingengineparts.
Referto Figure16-1.The
16-2. HOOK-UPPROCEDURE.
scopecontrolsandcablesarenumberedin Figure16-1as a
referencefor hookup.This procedureexplainswhere to
hook up each cableon the back of the scopeand on the
vehiclebeing tested.The scope connections(leadsand
sockets)are color coded and keyed to ensure proper
hookup.The scopeitemsaredescribedin detailin Chapter
2, Figure2-1,Table2-1.
A. EngineOff. Do notstartthe enginebeforehookup.
B. POWERLEADConnections.
Makethe following
connections:
1. Scope.Plugthe blackPOWERLEAD(/) connector
intothe blacksocketon the backof the scope.
2. Vehicle.Connectthe POWERLEADS0) to the battery as follows:the RED clip to the Positive(+) battery terminaland the BLACKclip to Negative(-)
groundon the vehiclesuchas the alternator
bracket
as shownin Figure16-1.
WARNING
to the veWhen makingelectricaltest connections
hicle,do not use the carburetoror otherfuel system
componentsas a ground connection,as a spark
couldignitethe gasolinevaporsand causea fire or
explosion.
WARNING
The positive(*) studof the alternatoris live;usecare
when makingthisconnectionso thatyou do not create a sparkwhichcouldcausean explosion.
b. Clip the blue alligatorclip of the ALTERNATOR
LEAD (11)(part of INDUCTIVEPICK-UP)to the
positive(+) outputstudof the alternator.
lf it is inconvenientor dangerousto accessthe alternator
stud,connectthe alligatorclip to the positive(+)
terminalof the battery.Connectingthe alternator
LEADto the batterymayresultin a patternsmaller
in amplitudethanwhenconnectedto thealternatol
but of the sameshape.
D. SelectFunction.RotateFUNCTIONSELECTOR(3)to
the ALT position.
E. PatternControls.
P O S I T I OC
N O N T R O L( 5 )c l o c k w i s e
1 . T u r nP A T T E R N
to stop.
2 Turn PATTERNLENGTHCONTROL(6) counterclockwiseto stop.
F. TurnScopeOn. Pressthe POWERON SWITCH(1)to
Afterthe Scope
turnscopeON.The switchwill illuminate.
has warmedup for approximately
30 seconds,a horizontal tracewill appearon the screen.
NOTE
to the batterywill turn
A momentarydisconnection
scope
cablesto the batteryas
Reconnect
scopeOFF.
explainedaboveand pressPOWERON SWITCH.
NOTE
Ensurethat the CAPACITIVE
and INDUCTIVE
PICKUP clampscompletely
encloseignitionwiresandare
free of dirt and grease,Dirtyor incompletely
closed
and/orfaultycalibraclampsmaycausemistriggering
tionof scopepatterns.
G. StartEngine.Startthe engineand allow it to warm to
normaloperatingtemperature.
H.AdjustEngineldle Speed. Adjustenginespeedas required to provide a stable pattern (typically900-1200
RPM).
-53-
l. Adjust Scope Pattern.lf the scope patternblinksor is
unstable:
1. Ensurethat pick-upclamp is clean and completely
enclosesthe No. 1 sparkplugwire.
2. Turn the INDUCTIVE
PICK-UP(8) clamp over and
slideit alongthe sparkplug wire betweenthe spark
plugand the distributor
untilpatternstabilizes.
3. lf vehicleis equippedwith non-resistor
spark plug
wires,replacethe ignitioncoilwireandthe No.1 spark
plugwirewithresistance
wirejustforthistest.
J. Adjust PositionControls.
1. Setthe patternto the centerof the scopescreenwith
theVERTICAL
POSITION
CONTROL(4).
2 . A d j u s t P A T T E R NP O S I T I O NC O N T R O L( 5 ) a n d
PATTERNLENGTHCONTROL(6)so thatthe pattern
fillsthe entirescreen.
16-3. TESTPROCEDURE.
A. Load ChargingSystem.Turnon the testvehicleheadlights,and Hlfan,to loadthe chargingsystem.Thiswillalso
increasethe heightof the pattern.
B. Adjust Pattern. Turn the PATTERNPOSITIONCONTROL (5) to obtainan easilyviewablepattern.Adjustthe
PATTERNLENGTHCONTROL(6)so that the patterncompletelyfillsthescreen.TurntheVERTICAL
POSITION
CONTROL(4)to movethe patternto a viewableposition.
C. Check Pattern.Comparethe patterndisplayedon the
scope with the patternsillustratedbelow in Test Results,
Figures16-2through16-9.Althoughthe basicalternator
patternmay vary in verticalsize and shapedependingon
the enginespeed and alternatoroutput,the patterndisplayedon the scope screenshouldappearsimilarto the
normalpatternillustrated
in Figure16-2.
D. Accessoriesoff. Turn headlightsand fan off.
E. EngineOtl. Turnvehicleengineoff.
16.4. TESTRESULTS.
A, Normal Pattern. The normal alternatorpatternwill
as shownin Figure
displayconsistent,
smoothoscillations
16-2.Evenlyspaced ignitionspikeswhich may appear
the patternshouldbe disregarded.
throughout
2. Shorteddiode.(Fig.16-4)
3. Opendiode.(Fig.16-5)
4. Shortedwinding.(Fig.16-6)
5. Openwindingor twoopendiodes,onephase.(Fig.16-7)
6. One shorted diode and one open diode, opposite
polarity.(Fig.16-8)
B. UnsatisfactoryPatterns.
7 Oneshorteddiodeandoneopendiode,samepolarity.
(Fis 16-e)
AbnormalPattern.Anypatternobtainedotherthanthat
Furshownin Figure16-2shouldbe considered
abnormal.
therdiagnosis
on thechargingsystemshouldbe donein accordancewithyourvehicleservicemanual.
(Fig.16-3)
1. Openfieldor defectiveregulator.
-54-
17.
CHAPTER
MAGNETICPICK-UPCOILTEST
SECTIONl. GM HEISystem
17-1.DESCRIPTION.
ignitionsystemsuse
Someelectronic
a magneticpickup coil and reluctorassemblyin place of
contactpoints.Faultsin operationof this assemblymay be
determinedby thistest.Thistest is indicatedwhen no start,
hard start,or vehicle"buckingwhen driving"conditionis
encountered.
CAUTION
Do not let test cables rest or fall on or near hot or
movingengineparts.
17-2. HOOK-UPPROCEDURE.
Referto Figure17-1.
The
scopecontrolsandcablesarenumberedin Figure17-1
as a
referencefor hookup.This procedureexplainswhere to
hook up each cableon the back of the scopeand on the
(leadsand
vehiclebeingtested.The scopeconnections
sockets)are color coded and keyed to ensure proper
hookup.The scopeitemsaredescribedin detailin Chapter
2, Figure2-1,Table2-1.
A. EngineOff. Do notstartthe enginebeforehookup.
B. POWERLEADConnections.
Makethe followingconnections:
1. Scope.Plugthe blackPOWERLEAD|/) connector
intothe blacksocketon the backof the scope.
2. Vehicle.Connectthe POWERLEADSF)to the battery as follows:the RED clip to the Positive(+) battery terminaland the BLACKclip to Negative(-)
g r o u n do n t h e v e h i c l es u c ha s t h e e n g i n eb l o c ka s
s h o w ni n F i g u r e1 7 - 1 .
C. PICK-UPCOILTESTLEAD(12)Connections.
1. Scope. Plugthe yellowPICK-UPGOILTESTLEAD
(12)connectorintothe yellowsocketon the back of
the scope.
2. Vehicle.
a. Removedistributorcap and rotor.(lfnecessaryfor
clearanceon V-6 and V-8 engines,also remove
distributorBAT leadand moduleconnectorat the
distributorcap.) To avoid damage to the rotor,
andhightensionoutputcontactin the cap,pullthe
cap straightup at leastone inch beforetippingto
remove.
b. Disconnectthe whiteand the greenwiresfromthe
pick-up coil side of the electronicmoduleand
connectthe PICK-UPCOILTESTLEADclipsto
t h e w i r e sa s s h o w ni n F i g u r e1 7- 1 .
D. SelectFunction.RotateFUNCTIONSELECTOR(3)to
position.
DISTRIBUTOR
PATTERN
E. PatternControls.
1. TurnPATTERNPOSITION
CONTROL(5)clockwise
to stop.
2. Turn PATTERNLENGTHCONTROL(6) counterclockwiseto stop.
F. TurnScopeOn. Pressthe POWERON SWITCH(1)to
Afterthe Scope
turnscopeON.The switchwill illuminate.
has warmedup for approximately
30 seconds,a horizontal
tracewillappearon the screen.
NOTE
A momentarydisconnection
to the batterywill turn
scopeOFF.Reconnect
scopecablesto the batteryas
explainedaboveand pressPOWERON SWITCH.
17.3. TESTPROCEDURE.
A. Select Function.Ensurethat FUNCTIONSELEGFOR
position.
(3)is set to the DISTRIBUTOR
PATTERN
B. CrankEngine.Havea helpercrankthe engine.
C. Check Pattern.Comparethe patterndisplayedon the
scopewhile the engineis crankingwith the patternsillustratedbelow in TestResults,Figures17-2and 17-3.The
patterndisplayedon the scopescreenshouldmatchthe
normalpatternillustrated
in Figure17-2.Whtle
theengineis
cranking,gentlywiggleor flexthe greenand whitewires
fromthepick-upcoilwhileobserving
thescopedisplay.
The
patternshown in Figure17-2shouldremainconstant.lf
thereis any signof erraticoperationcheckthe pick-upcoil
wiresfor insulationnicks,cuts or wear,and checkthe terminalsfor goodconnections.
MAGNETICPfCK-UPCOILTESTHook-Up- HEI
F I G U R E1 7 - 1 .
D. Reconnect.Removetest leads. reconnectall wires
cap.
and replacethe distributor
17.4. TESTRESULTS.
A. NormalPattern.
WARNING
When makingelectricaltest connections
to the vehicle,do not use the carburetoror otherfuel system
componentsas a ground connection,as a spark
couldignitethe gasolinevaporsand causea fire or
explosion.
CAUTION
Do notallowPICK-UPCOILTESTLEADclipsto touch
eachotheror thevehicleground.
-55-
B. UnsatistactoryPattern. A line with no verticalamplipattern.
tude is an unsatisfactory
patternexists,the magneticpick-upcoil
lf an unsatisfactory
is not functioningproperly.
Checkthe pick-upcoilwith an ohmmeter.
Thereshouldbe
no reading(infinity)from either wire to ground and the
resistanceacross the coil should be between500-1500
ohms.
\.T:J
li
\
-t
MAGNETICPICK-UPCOILTESTHook-Up- EIS
F I G U R E1 7 . 4 .
SECTIONll. CHRYSLERElectronicSystems
(6 and 8 CylinderOnly)
WARNING
When makingelectricaltest connectionsto the vehicle,do not use the carburetoror otherfuel system
as a spark
componentsas a ground connection,
couldignitethe gasolinevaporsand causea fire or
explosion.
ignitionsystemsuse
17-5.DESCRIPTION.
Someelectronic
a magneticpickupcoil and reluctorassemblyin placeof
contactpoints.Faultsin operationof this assemblymay be
determinedby thistest.Thistest is indicatedwhen no start,
hard start,or vehicle"buckingwhen driving"conditionis
encountered.
CAUTION
Do notallowPICK-UP
COILTESTLEADclipsto
toucheachotheror thevehicleground.
CAUTION
Do not let test cables rest or fall on or near hot or
movingengineparts.
CAUTION
Do not attemptto test Halleffectignitionsystemsusing this test procedure.The Hall etfectswitchcould
be destroyed.
Referto Figure174.The
17-6.HOOK-UPPROCEDURE.
scopecontrolsandcablesare numberedin Figure17-4as a
referencefor hookup.This procedureexplainswhere to
hookup eachcableon the backof the scopeand on the
(leadsand
vehiclebeingtested.The scopeconnections
sockets)are color coded and keyed to ensure proper
hookup.The scopeitemsaredescribedin detailin Chapter
2, Figure2-1,Table2-1.
A. EngineOff. Do notstartthe enginebeforehookup.
B. POWERLEADConnections.
Makethe following
connections:
1. Scope.Plugthe blackPOWERLEADfi) connector
intothe blacksocketon the backof the scope.
2. Vehicle.Connectthe POWERLEADSO to the battery as follows:the RED clipto the Positive(+) bat
tery terminaland the BLACKclip to Negative(-)
g r o u n do n t h e v e h i c l es u c ha s t h e e n g i n eb l o c ka s
shownin Figure17-4.
C. PICK-UPCOILTESTLEAD(12)Connections.
1. Scope. Plugthe yellowPICK-UPCOILTESTLEAD
(12)connectorintothe yellowsocketon the backof
the scope.
2. Vehicle.
a. Disconnectthe two wire connectorbetweenthe
distributor
andthe electronicmodule.
NOTE: Some ChryslerElectroniclgnitionSystemsuse
two pick-upcoils(Startand Run). Eachof these
coils may be tested separatelyusing the same
procedure.
b, Connectthe PICK-UPCOILTESTLEADclipsto
the distributorside of the connectoras shown in
F i g u r e1 7- 4 .
E. SelectFunction.RotateFUNCTIONSELECTOR(3) to
position.
DISTRIBUTOR
PATTERN
F, PatternControls.
POSITIOC
N O N T R O L( 5 )c l o c k w i s e
1 . T u r nP A T T E R N
to stop.
2. Turn PATTERNLENGTHCONTROL(6) counterclockwiseto stop.
G. TurnScopeOn. Pressthe POWERON SWITCH(1 )to
Afterthe Scope
turn scopeON.The switchwill illuminate.
has warmedup for approximately
30 seconds,a horizontal
tracewill appearon the screen.
NOTE
to the batterywill turn
A momentarydisconnection
scopeOFF.Reconnectscopecablesto the batteryas
explainedaboveand pressPOWERON SWITCH.
-56-
17.7. TESTPROCEDURE.
A. Select Function.Ensurethat FUNCTIONSELECTOR
(3)is set to the DISTRIBUTOR
PATTERNposition.
B. CrankEngine.Havea helpercrankthe engine.
C. Check Pattern.Comparethe patterndisplayedon the
scope while the engine is crankingwith the patternsillustratedbelowin TestResults,Figures17-5and 17-6.The
patterndisplayedon the scopescreenshouldmatchthe
normalpatternillustrated
in Figure17-5.Whiletheengineis
gentlywiggleor flexthepick-upcoilwirestheirfull
cranking,
length while observingthe scope display.The pattern
shownin Figure17-5shouldremainconstant.lf thereis any
signof erraticoperationcheckthe pick-upcoilwiresfor insulationnicks,cuts, or wear,and checkthe terminalsfor
goodconnections.
D. Reconnect.Removetestleads:reconnect
allwiresand
connectors.
17-10.HOOK-UPPROCEDURE.Referto Figure17-7.The
scopecontrolsandcablesarenumberedin Figure17-7
as a
referencefor hookup.This procedureexplainswhere to
hook up each cableon the back of the scopeand on the
vehiclebeing tested.The scope connections(leadsand
sockets)are color coded and keyed to ensure proper
hookup.The scopeitemsaredescribedin detailin Chapter
2, Figure2-1,Table2-1.
A. EngineOff. Do notstartthe enginebeforehookup.
B. POWERLEADConnections.
Makethe followingconnections:
1. Scope.Plugthe blackPOWERLEADf/) connector
intothe blacksocketon the backof the scope.
2. Vehicle.Connectthe POWERLEADS(7)tothe battery as follows:the RED clip to the Positive(+) battery terminaland the BLACKclip to Negative(-)
groundon thevehiclesuchas the engineblocklas
shownin Figure17-7.
17.8. TESTRESULTS.
A. NormalPattern.
\.
,/
_kL
i /ruj.{y1\r I
rr\\
)lL)
.\7
^TJ3l&'li.
B. Unsatisfactory Pattern. A line with no vertical
pattern.lf an unsatisfactory
amplitudeis an unsatisfactory
patternexists,the magneticpick-upcoil is not functioning
properly.
1. Check the pick-up coil with an ohmmeter.There
from eitherwire to
shouldbe no reading(infinity)
groundand the resistance
acrossthe coil shouldbe
1 5 0 - 9 0 0o h m s .
, .^-9
u3:
\
MAGNETICPICK-UPCOILTESTHook-Up' FordSystems
17-7
FIGURE
CAUTION
When makingelectricaltest connectionsto the vehicle,do not use the carburetoror otherfuel system
componentsas a ground connection,as a spark
could ignitethe gasolinevaporsand causea fire or
explosion.
SECTIONlll. FORDSSl, DSl,DSllSystems
17-9. DESCRIPTION.
Some electronicignitionsystems
usea magneticpickupcoiland reluctorassemblyin place
of contactpoints.Faultsin operationof this assemblymay
be determined
by thistest.Thistestis indicatedwhen no
start,hardstaft,or vehicle"buckingwhendriving"condition
is encountered,
CAUTION
Do not let test cables rest or fall on or near hot or
movingengineparts.
CAUTION
Do not attemptto test Halleffectignitionsystemsusing this test procedure.The Halleffectswitchcould
be destroyed.
-57-
CAUTION
Do notallowPICK-UP
COILTESTLEADclipsto
toucheachotheror thevehicleground.
C. PICK-UPCOILTESTLEAD(12)Connections.
1. Scope. Plugthe yellowPICK-UPCOILTESTLEAD
(12)connectorintothe yellowsocketon the back of
the scope.
2. Vehicle.
a. Disconnectthe threewire connectorbetweenthe
distributor
and the electronicmodule.
b. Connectthe PICK-UPCOILTEST LEADclips to
the distributorside of the connectoras shown in
F i g u r e1 7 - 7 .
D. SelectFu4ction.RotateFUNCTIONSELECTOR(3)to
DISTRI
BUTORPATTERNposition.
E. PatternControls.
CONTROL(5)clockwise
1. Turn PATTERNPOSITION
to stop.
2. Turn PATTERNLENGTHCONTROL(6) counterclockwiseto stop.
F. TurnScopeOn. Pressthe POWERON SWITCH(1)to
Afterthe Scope
turnscopeON.The switchwill illuminate.
30 seconds,a horizontal
has warmedup for approximately
tracewill appearon the screen.
NOTE
A momentarydisconnection
to the batterywill turn
scopeOFF.Reconnectscopecablesto the batteryas
explainedaboveand pressPOWERON SWITCH.
17-11. TESTPROCEDURE.
A. SelectFunction.Ensurethe FUNCTIONSELECTOR
(3)is set to the DISTRIBUTOR
PATTERNposition.
B. CrankEngine.Havea helpercrankthe engine.
C. Check Pattern.Comparethe patterndisplayedon the
scope with the patternsillustratedbelow in Test Results,
Figures17-8and 17-9.The patterndisplayedon the scope
in Figure
screenshouldmatchthe normalpatternillustrated
gentlywiggleor flexthe
17-8.Whilethe engineis cranking,
pick-upcoilwirestheirfull lengthwhileobservingthe scope
display.The patternshownin Figure17-8shouldremain
constant.lf thereis any signof erraticoperationcheckthe
pick-upcoil wiresfor insulationnicks,cuts, or wear, and
checkthe terminalsfor goodconnections.
D. Reconnect.Removetest leads: reconnectall wires
and connectors.
17.12. TESTRESULTS.
A. NormalPattern.
B. Unsatisfactory Pattern. A line with no vertical
pattern,lf an unsatisfactory
amplitudeis an unsatisfactory
patternexists,the magneticpick-upcoilis not functioning
propery.
C h e c kt h ep i c k - u cpo i lw i t ha n o h m m e t eurs i n gt h ef o l l o w i n g
tableas a guide:
Table17-1.MagneticPick-UpCoilResistance
Values
Puipleto Orange
Purpleor Orangeto Ground
ssl 1974-1976 400-800^
400-1000 ^
D S-I.DS I I
DS-II,ESCORT/LYNX 6501300^
greaterthan 70,000^
greaterthan 70,000^
greaterthan70,000^
-58-
18.
CHAPTER
ADDITIONAL
SCOPEPATTERNS
18-1. GENERAL.Most ignitionproblemsdetectedwith
an oscilloscopeare representedby easily recognizable
displaypatterns.
However,someunusualpatternsaredisplayed occasionally.The followingparagraphsillustrate
patand explainthe mostcommonof thesenon-standard
terns.
18-2. TURBULENCE.
A brokensparkline sectionin the
pattern,as illustratedin Figure18-1,indicateshigh compression
andturbulence.
Thispatternmaybe normalif displayedwhen testinga high-compression
engine;but on
oldercars,it indicatesexcessivecarbondepositsor valve
malfunction.
rn
Eil
18-4. DEFECTIVE
COIL. A patternthat lacksoscillation
in Figure1B-3,indicatesa defecthroughout,
as illustrated
tivecoil.Foradditional
information,
referto Chapter11.
NOTE:Thispatternmayalsooccurwhenthe scopeis used
in conjunctionwith an automobileanalyzerthat is
posiset at the DWELLor POINTSRESISTANCE
tion.Disconnect
the analyzerlo determineif it is the
causeof the problembeforetestingthe coil.
18-5. DEFECTIVE
CONDENSER.
A patternthatlacksoscillation
at the beginning,
buthasnormaloscillation
following the pointclosesignal,as illustrated
in Figure1B-4,indicatesa defective
Referto Chapter11.
condenser.
18-3. INDUCTION
LEAKS.lf the patternillustrated
in figure 18-2is displayed
for oneor more,but notall,cylinders,
a manifoldleakis indicated.
Air maybe enteringthe combustionchamberandcausingan abnormally
leanfuelmixturecondition.
w
18-6. FAULTYSPARKPLUGS.Shortedsparkplugsand
wide pluggaps can be detectedby closeexamination
of
thesparklinedisplayed
in the pattern;referto Figure1B-5.A
short,highsparklineindicates
a widepluggap.A long,low
sparklineindicates
a shortedplug.
-59-
18-7. AUXILIARYGAP SPARK PLUGS.Auxiliarygap
sparkplugsproducea jaggedspikeat the endof the spark
lineand causethe tailof the firstoscillation
to appearalternatelyshortand long.Referto Figure18-6.
18-8. MAGNETOSYSTEM.A magnetosystem pattern
polaritywitheachsparkplugfiring,as illustrated
alternates
in Figure1B-7.Do not usethe 25 KV SPARKVoltageposition on the scope when testinga magnetosystem,as it
responds
to onepolarity
only.Useeitherthe DISTRIBUTOR
patternor 50 KV positions
to viewthesewaveforms.
18-9. ROTARYENGINE.A Mazda,two-sectionrotary
engineproducestwo sparkpatterns,one for each engine
section.Thesepatternsrepresentthe actionof eitherthe
leading
o r t h et r a i l i n g
i g n i t i o nd,e p e n d i nogn w h i c hi g n i t i o n
system(leading
is beingtested.The normalpator trailing)
rsthesameasthenormalpattern
ternforoneenginesectron
f o ro n ec y l i n d eor f a p r s t o n
engrne
-60-
APPENDIX A
TUNE.UPTIPS
ENGINESTARTS
HARDOTWILL
NOTSTART
1. Carburetor
TroubleDue to:
Faultychokeoperation.
E n g i n ef l o o d e dw i t hg a s o l i n e .
Restriction
in carburetorpassages.
fuel pump.
Defective
Insufficient
supplyof gasolineto carburetordue to:
Cloggedfuel filter.
gas line.
Cloggedor restricted
Leakingcarburetorgaskets.
Damagedor restricted
carburetorfloat.
Air leaksat carburetor
or intakemanifold
d u et o :
Loosemanifoldor carburetornutsor
screws.
Leakingcarburetor
or manifoldgaskets.
Vacuumline leaksat intakemanifold
connections
or crackedvacuumhoses.
Leaksin vacuumoperatedaccessories.
Warpedmountingsurfaceson carburetoror manifold.
Crackedintakemanifold.
Frozenfuel line in cold weather.
F u e lt a n kf i l l e rc a p v e n tc l o g g e do r
restricted.
Excessivemoistureon ignitionsystem
components.
Crackeddistributor
cap.
Damagedor defectivesparkplugs.
Damagedor defectiverotor.
l g n i t i o nS w i t c h .
Loosecontacts.
Corrodedor defectivecontacts.
Ballastbypasscircuitdefective.
StarterMotor.
Defectivestartersolenoid.
O p e no r s h o r t e dw i n d i n g s .
Startep
r i n i o nd a m a g e do r s t u c ki n f l y
wheelgear.
Slipping
c l u t c hi n d r i v ep i n i o n .
Faultyneutralsafetyswitchon cars
w i t ha u t o m a t itcr a n s m i s s i o n .
3 , P o o rE n g i n eC o m p r e s s i orne s u l t i n fgr o m :
L o o s ec y l i n d e h
r e a db o l t s .
L o o s es p a r kp l u g s .
Damagedor leakingcylinderheadgasket.
Damagedor burnedvalveseats,
Weakor brokenvalvesprings.
lmpropervalveclearanceor warpedor
g u m m e dv a l v es t e m s .
Worn,broken,weakor stuckpistonrings.
S c o r e dc y l i n d ew
r alls.
Crackedcylinderblock.
E x c e s s i v ien t e r n ael n g i n ef r i c t i o n .
2 . E l e c t r i c aDl i f f i c u l t i e s .
Battery.
Low chargeor discharged.
Looseor corrodedterminals.
P o o rg r o u n dc o n n e c t i o n .
Frayedor corrodedcables.
Batteryof insufficient
capacity.
Defective
alternatoror regulator,
lgnition.
P r i m a r yC i r c u i t .
Frayedor brokenwire leadfrom coil
to distributor.
C o r r o d e dd, i r t yo r l o o s ec o n n e c t i o n s .
Defective
condenser.
points.
Defectivedistributor
Open ballastresistor.
Defective
coil.
SPARKPLUGPROBLEMS
C r a c k e de x t e r i opr o r c e l a i n .
l m p r o p e r lsyp a c e dg a p .
F o u l e dp l u g s .
I n c o r r e ci tg n i t i o nc o i lp o l a r i t y .
E N G I N EM I S F I R E S
W H E NI D L I N G
N O R M A LE N G I N ET E M P E R A T U R E
Air leaksin intakemanifoldor carburetor
r e s u l t i n fgr o m :
Loosemanifoldconnections
or leaks
o c c u r r i n gi n v a c u u ml i n e sa n d v a c u u m
operatedaccessories.
Loosemanifoldbolts.
Brokenor damagedintakemanifoldor
carburetorgaskets.
S e c o n d a rC
y ircuit.
Corrodedignitioncableterminals.
Coiltowercablenot properlyseatedin
distributor.
O p e nc o i lt o w e rc a b l e .
Crackedinsulation
on ignitioncables.
Weakor defectivecoil.
-61-
sPARKKNOCK(DETONATION)
C r a c ki n m a n i f o l d .
Warpedor damagedmanifoldcontacting
surface.
S p a r kk n o c k( d e t o n a t i o cn a) u s e sa m e t a l l i cr i n g i n g
a s a " p i n g " ,a n d i s u s u a l l y
s o u n d ,o f t e nd e s c r i b e d
whenthe engineis laboring,accelencountered
eratingrapidly,or overheating.
Carbondepositsin combustionchamber.
l g n i t i o nt i m e dt o o e a r l y .
Faultydistributor
advancegovernor(weak
springs).
S p a r kp l u g s .
l n c o r r e ctty p eo f p l u g( u s i n ga p l u gw h i c hi s
too hot).
Porcelains
or electrodes
carbonizedor
burned.
L e a nf u e l m i x t u r e s .
Excessive
enginetemperatures.
P o o rg r a d eo f f u e l .
lnoperative
manifoldheatervalve(valveheld in
c l o s e dp o s i t i o n ) .
l n o p e r a t i vEeG Rv a l v e .
I n c o r r e ci tg n i t i o nt i m i n g .
S p a r kp l u gm a l f u n c t i o n .
l g n i t i o nw i r e so p e no r l e a k i n gt o g r o u n d .
DefectivePCVsystem.
Defectiveignitioncondenser.
Sparkadvancedtoo far.
Defectiveignitionswitch.
Defectivevalves.
LACK OF POWERor HIGH
S P E E DP E R F O R M A N C E
I n s u f f i c i e notr u n e q u ael n g i n ec y l i n d e r
compression.
l m p r o p eirg n i t i o tni m i n g .
Inoperative
manifoldheatervalve(valve
h e l di n c l o s e dp o s i t i o n ) .
lmpropercarburetion.
R e s t r i c t ecda r b u r e t oari r i n l e tr e s u l t i n fgr o m :
D i r t ya i r c l e a n e r .
C h o k ev a l v en o t c o m p l e t e loyp e n i n g ,
Throttlelinkagenot properlyadjustedand
carburetor
throttlevalvenot completely
opening
C a r b u r e t oarc c e l e r a t i npgu m pn o tf u n c t i o n i n g
properly.
l m p r o p efru e lp u m po p e r a t i o n .
Partiallyrestricted
or cloggedexhaustprpe.
m u f f l e to r t a i l p i p e .
Excessive
res.
enginetemperatu
Preignition.
E x c e s s i veen g i n ef r i c t i o nr e s u l t i n fgr o m :
lnadequateinternalclearances(bearings
andpistons).
U s eo f e x t r e m ep r e s s u r ep i s t o nr i n g s .
C l u t c hs l i p p a g e
E x c e s s i vreo l l r n g
r e s r s t a n cr e s u l t i nfgr o m :
D r a g g i n gb r a k e s
T i g h tw h e e l p
, i n i o nd. i f f e r e n t i aolr.
t r a n s m i s s i obne a r i n g s .
M i s a l i g n m e innt p o w e rt r a n s m i t t r nugn i t s .
M i s a l i g n m e notf r e a ra x l e .
Underinflated
tires.
I n c o r r e cvta l v et i m i n g .
Wornlobeson camshaft.
Defective
sparkplugs.
Defectiveignitionpoints.
F a u l t yi g n i t i o nc o i l .
THROUGH
E N G I N EB A C K F I R I N G
CARBURETOR
l m p r o p e irg n i t i o nt i m i n g .
lmproperly
seatingvalves,especiallyintake.
I n c o r r e cvta l v et i m i n g .
Worn lobeson camshaft.
Excessively
leancarburetormixture.
I n t a k em a n i f o l da i r l e a k s .
D e f e c t i vcey l i n d e hr e a dg a s k e (t e s p e c i a l l y
cylinders).
between
P o o rq u a l r toy f f u e l .
S e c o n d a rw
y i r e sr m p r o p e r liyn s t a l l e (dc r o s s e d )
i n d i s t r i b u t ocra p
D i s t r i b u t ocre n t r i f u g awl e i g h t ss t i c k i n g .
E n g i n ec o l da n d c h o k et o o l e a n
pump action,
No accelerator
E N G I N EC O N T I N U E S
TO RUN
I
S
T
A F T E RI G N I T I O N U R N E DO F F
(DTESELTNG)
l d l es p e e ds e tt o o h i g h .
l m p r o p eer n g i n et i m i n g .
Toohigha heatrangeon sparkplugs.
D e f e c t i vied l es t o ps o l e n o i d .
I n o p e r a t i veem i s s i o nc o n t r o l s .
E x c e s s i veen g i n et e m p e r a t u r e .
-62-
APPENDIX
B
REPLACEMENT
PARTS
FIGURE19.1.
REPLACEMENT
PARTS
DIAGNOSTIC
OSCILLOSCOPE
M O D E L1 6 1. 2 1 0 5 6
Key No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
B
I
10
Part No.
450-143
450-142
38-827
38-830
38-829
3B.B2B
38-826
450-141
2-176202
1 0 0 0 -115 3
Description
FunctionSelectorKnob w/skirt
ControlKnob
Cable,MagneticPick-upCoil Test
CapacitivePick-up- HEI
CapacitivePick-up- ExternalCoil
InductiveClamp,AlternatorCable
Cable,Power
P l i e r ,I n s u l a t e dF i b e r
M a n u a l ,O w n e r s( N o ti l l u s t r a t e d )
C a b l eK i t ( c o n t a i n sk e y n o ' s .3 - B i n c l u s i v e )
T A R T SL I S T
T A B L E 1 9 . 1 R E P L A C E M E NP
All partslistedmaybe orderedfromanySears.RoebuckandCompanystoreor servicecenter.
W H E N O R D E R I N GR E P A I RP A R T S ,A L W A Y SG I V ET H E F O L L O W I N GI N F O R M A T I O N :
1 , P A R TN U M B E R
3 . P A R TD E S C R I P T I O N
2 . M O D E LN U M B E R1 6 1 . 2 1 0 5 6
4 . N A M EO F I T E M - D I A G N O S T IOCS C I L L O S C O P E
lf the partsyou needare not stockedlocally,your orderwill be electronically
transmitted
to a SearsRepair
Parts DistributionCenterfor expeditedhandling.
-63-
owners
manual
MODEL NO.
16 1.21 056
/CRRFTSMf,JI.
DIAGNOSTIC
OSCILLOSCOPE
Nowthatyouhavepurchased
yourDiagnostic
oscilloscope
withInductivePickup,shoulda needeverexistfor repairpartsor service,simply
contactany SearsSeruiceCenterand mostSears,Roebuckand Co.
stores.Be sureto provideall pertinent
factswhenyoucallor visit.
The model numberof your Diagnostic
oscilloscopewith Inductive
Pickupcanbe foundon the nameplate.
WHEN ORDERING
REPAIR
PARTS,
ALWAYS
GIVE THE FOLLOWING
INFORMATION:
PART
MODEL
HOW TO ORDER
PARTS
REPAIR
NUMBER
NUMBER
PART
DESCRIPTION
NAME
OF
ITEM
All partslistedmayce arce'e.'.: - ?-', Sea.sServiceCenterandmost
Searsstores,
lf the partsyou need are not stockedlocally,your order\.,'rtDe electronicallytransmittedto a SearsRepairPartsDistribution
Center'or
handling.
SEARS,ROEBUCKAND CO. U.S.A.
CHICAGO,ILLINOIS 606 84