149 engine teardown for cam replacement

[ironman]

Originally Posted by Mr Bob

Going to buy a multimeter that beeps so I can set the points while on work bench. Will recheck valves and points once the fly wheel is on so I can be sure of the timing marks. Have a great day.
Bob

My 2 cents on the beeping multimeter....I have them and think they are great for checking continuity where you can't work and watch the meter at the same time. But I have found that sometimes the beep and the exact instant of contact can be misleading. I believe that a test light across the points can give you a more precise setting. If you have the motor on the bench just hook a battery lead to the points terminal screw and put your test light between the other battery terminal and the engine block (ground). Points open - light off, points closed - light on. With the flywheel set on the "S" timing mark you should be able to get the points set to where the light almost flickers. The beeper on the meter won't give you that.

EDIT: up above I should say "a test light in series with the points", not "across the points"

[jbrewer]

I agree with Iron... I own a pro quality multimeter (Fluke 87) and while it's a darned good meter, the "beep" to indicate continuity IS delayed from the actual event.

A test light is instantaneous (and cheap)

Just my 0.02

John

[Mr Bob]

Dodge Trucker I have looked online for an inch/pound torque wrench that has a reading up to 200 inch/pounds. They are way more than I can afford. I do not know of any place that rents them or know any one that has one to loan. I feel sure that you know what you are talking about but I am going to have to go with what I torqued it to and hope it is not too far off specs. This Tractor will not be used much so I feel sure it will out last me. I really appreciate your input.

Ironman & jBrewer Thanks for your information on the meter that beeps. Was going to Harbor Freight today to purchase one but you have convinced me not to. Going to take your advise and set the points with a test light. Thanks for instructing how to use this method with the engine on the work bench.
Have a great day,
Bob

[sawdustdad]

I've been using a multimeter as a continuity tester for static timing these engines for years. I never notice any delay--it beeps the instant you touch the probes together and stops as soon as the circuit is broken. I have a Greenlee and a couple Flukes. No delay that I can detect.

Mr. Bob, test light is probably cheaper...so go for it.

[ironman]

Originally Posted by sawdustdad

I've been using a multimeter as a continuity tester for static timing these engines for years. I never notice any delay--it beeps the instant you touch the probes together and stops as soon as the circuit is broken. I have a Greenlee and a couple Flukes. No delay that I can detect.

Mr. Bob, test light is probably cheaper...so go for it.

Experiment: I just tried tapping the leads on my beeper meter together many times as fast as I can. I didn't hear a beep at least 50% of those taps. Of course it's not an $80 Fluke. Then I tried tapping my $5 test light across the terminals of a battery (as fast as I possibly can). I could see the light flash 100% of those taps. This only proves that my eyes are better than my ears.

[J-Mech]

Originally Posted by ironman

Experiment: I just tried tapping the leads on my beeper meter together many times as fast as I can. I didn't hear a beep at least 50% of those taps. Of course it's not an $80 Fluke. Then I tried tapping my $5 test light across the terminals of a battery (as fast as I possibly can). I could see the light flash 100% of those taps. This only proves that my eyes are better than my ears.

That is the best answer! Lol!
I can't hear the beep on my meter anyway. I go get my kids if I have to use that function. They think it's funny I can't hear it. I can hear it if it's dead silent, and the meter is near my head. They, can hear it with a radio on and a fan blowing, lol!

[ol'George]

Beep? hell I lucky to hear any sound high pitched like that.
Good thing I can't hear a cricket in the house
Was a time it drove me crazy.
So there are good points about tinnitus.

[Mr Bob]

You guys are funny. I have 2 test lights( don't ask me why). I an going to try this method on the work bench today. Thanks to all. Have a great day.
Bob

[dodge trucker]

Yup I too get to hear crickets even though it is winter, notice it mostly when I have everything in the house shut off and I head to bed, could be worse sounds...
I occasionally get the "you don't hear that?" From others around me. mostly (I think) it's higher pitch sounds.
I remember my industrial maintenance days, we were req'd to get our hearing tested once a year and between the last 2 times they said something about missing some higher end stuff that I was ok with previous time, that was 10 years ago sure I am no better these days than I was then

[Mr Bob]

Thank you Ironman for giving detailed instructions on setting the time with engine on a work bench. Gave it a shot yesterday and I believe this is the best the timing has ever been. So much easier on the work bench. After setting the time, I rolled the crank over 2 times, came back to the "S" on crank and it was spot on. Also checked the valve lash and had to make an adjustment to it. Had it pretty close when setting it with out the fly wheel on to determine top dead center. Thanks and have a great day.
Bob