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NAME OF PRODUCT

(120 Volts) $4495.00
(220 Volts) $4695.00
FOB OHIO (EX WORKS)

King Model MD-1400
Magneto Distributor Tester

 

 

 

 

Shown with MSD PRO MAG 44 and Sparkplug Assembly ( NOT included )    

Power:  120 volts AC (Available option 220 volts)
Shipping Dimensions:  31" X 22 1/2" X 31"
Shipping Weight:  145 lbs.

MD-1400 Features

   The new MD-1400 is designed to test complete magneto and distributor ignition systems. In order to facilitate this the MD-1400 can be used either on the bench or on the vehicle to test the individual components used on automotive engines as well as in many aircraft, marine and industrial engine ignition systems.

   Among the features found in the MD-1400, which enable these tests to be conducted are:

  • A heavy duty one horsepower D.C. motor with electronic speed control to drive the magneto or distributor up to 7500 rpm - which equals 15,000 rpm engine speed. A reversing switch permits clockwise - counter clockwise rotation.
  • Multiple power supplies accessible on the instrument panel to activate the various components under test.
  • A brilliant strobe xenon flash lighting with protractor for spotting worn cams, bent rotors or intermittent electronic modules.
  • A millimeter ranged 0-250 ma. and an ammeter scaled to indicate 0-25 amps.
  • A digital tachometer to accurately display the speed of the driven magneto or distributor under test.
  • An ohmmeter for measuring pickups and modules.
  • A vacuum pump system which includes the motor pump, gauge and regulator control.
  • An analog cam angle meter to display the cam angle, points resistance, and condenser capacitance and condition.
  • Selector switching for testing electronic ignitions with and without coils as well as standard systems with and without coils. Selector positions are also provided for testing modules, coils, and pick-up coils. 

Base Cabinet (Model# AC-530)


(Click for larger image)
Available as an option, at an extra cost of $575.00

OPERATOR MANUAL FOR THE D1400 "DISTRIBUTOR TESTER"                             

INDEX

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

TEST LEAD FUNCTIONS

INITIAL SETUP INSTRUCTIONS           

ELECTRONIC DISTRIBUTORS WITH  COIL    

ELECTRONIC DISTRIBUTORS WITHOUT COIL

COIL TEST

STANDARD POINTS DISTRIBUTOR NO COIL

STANDARD POINTS DISTRIBUTOR WITH COIL

CONDENSER TEST

OHMMETER OPERATION

HELPFUL EXAMPLE

FORD DOUBLE DIAPHRAGM DIST.

FORD LOADAMATIC DISTRIBUTOR

FORD GOVERNOR TYPE DISTRIBUTOR

PICK-UP COIL TEST

MODULE TEST

MAGNETO TEST

 

D1400 DISTRIBUTOR TESTER

       The D1400 distributor tester is a complete service instrument designed to check distributor performance. This manual outlines a simple distributor test procedure that can be used with electronic and standard distributors. It also outlines special tests that can be preformed on electronic modules and coils.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

POWER SUPPLY    The D1400 distributor tester operates from 115 volts 50/60 hertz 8 amps.

DRIVE MOTOR A heavy duty motor and speed control provide a wide range of speeds (up to 7500 RPM) in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

VACUUM PUMP The vacuum system includes a vacuum pump and vacuum gauge with control for variable vacuum readings.

DIAL-A-TRONIC TEST SELECTOR  The DIAL-A-TRONIC test selector switch controls the operation of the test set. Ac power to the tester is controlled by a separate power On/Off switch with a pilot lamp.

       ALWAYS TURN THE MOTOR POWER 'OFF' BY TURNING THE SPEED CONTROL FULL COUNTERCLOCKWISE BEFORE TURNING TESTER ON.

       METERS

       The D1400 displays the following meters and gauges:

       DIGITAL RPM meter indicates distributor RPM 

       The CAM ANGLE meter includes condenser test, points resistance test and cam angle degree scale for 4,6,8 cylinder point dwell.

       RESISTANCE meter displays resistance values in 4 ranges  X 1 ohm, X 10 ohms, X 100 ohms and X 10k ohm.

       VACUUM GAUGE  displays vacuum

       Magneto current measures magneto primary current to 30 amps and secondary current to 300 ma.

TEST LEAD FUNCTIONS

WHITE  

BLUE

Yellow 

GREEN

RED

BLACK

HIGH TENSION

 LEAD

 25 amp. Ammeter Lead

1) Ohmmeter + lead      

2) Coil Test + lead 

3)Capacitor Test lead

1) Ohmmeter Test           Lead     

2) Coil Test Lead      

3) Capacitor Test 

    Lead

4) Pick-up Coil Test 

     Input Lead

5) Module Test 

    Output Lead

Points Input Test Lead 

 +12VDC Supply Lead

"Earth" Ground Lead

 Spark Plug Input

 20,000V\-100,000VDC

INITIAL SETUP INSTRUCTIONS

 

1.0    Turn the 'MOTOR SPEED CONTROL FULL COUNTERCLOCKWISE' and     'MAIN POWER' switch in the 'OFF position.

 

1.1    Connect the D1400 distributor tester to an AC power

         source    115volts 50/60 Hertz 8 amps

 

1.2    CAUTION DO NOT OPERATE MOTOR without a distributor

         mounted in the chuck. Select the distributor drive

         rotation BEFORE operating the motor. DO NOT REVERSE

         the motor direction with motor running. Always turn the

         speed control full counterclockwise (off) before

         reversing direction. Failure to do this may damage the

        distributor under test.

 

 

1.3    Mount the distributor in the V clamp and lower it

         into the chuck. Clamp the distributor firmly and

         align the clamp over the center position. Rotate the

         disk by hand until the clamp is properly centered and

         the disk rotates freely. Tighten distributor clamp

         knob.

 

1.4    Turn the Main power 'on' and adjust the speed control   clockwise until the   distributor is turning at a slow speed     to check for good alignment.

 

1.5    Turn the Main Power and the motor speed control full counterclockwise.  Continue testing by going to the section best describing the type 

         of distributor under test. These are as follows:

 

         Section 2.0 Electronic distributor with coil

 

         Section 3.0 Electronic distributor without coil.

 

         Section 4.0 coil test

 

         Section 5.0 standard points distributor without coil

 

         Section 6.0 standard points distributor with coil

 

         Section 7.0 Standard condenser test

 

         Section 8.0 Ohmmeter operation

 

         Section 9.0 Helpful test instructions

      

         Section 10.0 Magneto testing.

 

 

ELECTRONIC TYPE DISTRIBUTORS WITH COIL

 

2.0  A complete electronic distributor can be checked

       performance off the vehicle on the D1400. Remove the

       distributor cap (not required) coil, primary

       ballast resistor and electronic module from the

       vehicle. If a cable resistor is used replace it with a

       fixed resistor of the same value and wattage. Connect

       the system up the same as it was on the vehicle.

 

2.1    Connect the D1400 black test lead to the distributor case.

 

         Connect the D1400 red test lead to the distributor

        +12 Vdc (battery terminal).

 

2.2    To test the distributor with the distributor cap   connect all of the spark plug leads to the spark plug load provided, up to 8 plugs.

 

       If not using the distributor cap, connect the distributor cap then connect the coil spark lead to the spark plug load number one plug. If the distributor has an integral coil (GM HEI)  then all of the plug leads must connected  to the spark plug load.

 

2.3    Set the D1400 controls as follows

      

       a    Dial-A-Tronic switch to 'Electronic with coil'

       b    Ohmmeter settings do not apply

       c    Standard Dwell Test Switch does not apply

       d    Motor speed control full Off (CCW)

       e    Motor direction CW or CCW as required by the

            distributor under test.

       f    Vacuum pump   'Off'

       g    Ammeter switch 300 ma

 

2.4    Turn the D1400 Main Power 'On',  Turn the motor speed   control full counterclockwise.

      

2.5    Turn the Motor speed Control Clockwise until the motor

         begins to turn. The neon tube should flash indicating the

         number of plugs on the distributor.

 

2.6    Turn the motor speed control up until the  distributor is

         running at normal engine RPMs the flashes should indicate a

         stable pattern. 

 

Note the spacing of all the flashes in relation to the protractor 4,6, or 8 markers. flashes must be evenly spaced , within 3 degrees. Uneven flashes are caused by worn bushings, bent shaft or word or defective pick-up coil plate.

      

               

2.7    Vacuum tests for distributors with a mechanical vacuum

       advance. If the distributor has no vacuum control skip

       to section  2.10  .

 

       Turn the 'Vacuum ' pump switch 'On' Hold thumb tightly over

       the end of the 'Vacuum Hose' and adjust the "Vacuum Control

       'Vacuum gauge reads 18.  Now connect the hose to the

       distributor vacuum advance nipple. The Vacuum Gauge should

       return to 18 if is does not the Vacuum advance unit has

       a leaky diaphragm .

 

2.8    Turn the Vacuum control until the Vacuum Gauge reads 0 or

         pull the vacuum hose off of the nipple.

 

2.9    Vacuum advance test.

         With the hose or zero vacuum adjust the distributor flash

         to protractor zero. Gradually increase the vacuum and

         observe the movement of the neon flash. Replace the vacuum

         control or recalibrates spring tension when vacuum

         advance does not perform according to specified limits.

         any deviation over 3 degrees indicates wear in the pick-up

         coil plate or bearings.

      

2.10   Turn the 'Motor speed control' full CCW.

          Turn the D1400 'main Power' 'Off'

 

2.11   View the spark flashes on the spark plug load assembly OR    

          connect an adjustable spark gap to the coil or distributor     

          output and connect the ground side of the adjustable

          spark gap to the distributor case.

 

2.12   Turn the D1400 Main Power 'On'

 

2.13   Turn the Motor speed Control Clockwise until the motor

          begins to turn. The spark gap should indicate a bright

          strong blue spark . A weak thin pale spark indicates a

          faulty coil or weak module.

 

2.14   To stop the test Turn the 'Motor speed control' full CCW.

          Turn the D1400 'main Power' 'Off'

 

       Disconnect the Distributor and remove it from the Tester.

 

                Electronic Distributor test complete

 

ELECTRONIC TYPE DISTRIBUTORS WITHOUT COIL

 

 

       A electronic distributor can be performance

       checked off the vehicle on the D1400 Remove the

       distributor. and electronic module from the

       vehicle. Connect the system up the same as it was on the

       vehicle.

 

3.1    Connect the D1400 black test lead to the distributor

         case.

 

         Connect the D1400 red test lead to the distributor

         +12 Vdc (battery terminal).

 

         Connect the terminal that would have gone to the vehicle

         coil to the D1400 'Green' test lead.

 

3.2    Set the D1400 controls as follows

      

       a    Dial-A-Tronic switch to 'Electronic without coil'

       b    Ohmmeter settings do not apply

       c    Standard Dwell Test Switch does not apply

       d    Motor speed control full Off (CCW)

       e    Motor direction CW or CCW as required by the

            distributor under test.

       f    Vacuum Pump 'Off'

       g    Ammeter switch 300ma

 

3.3    Turn the D1400 Main Power 'On',  Turn the motor speed   control full CCW.

 

3.4    Turn the Motor speed Control Clockwise until the motor

       begins to turn. The neon tube should flash indicating the

       number of plugs on the distributor.

 

3.5    Turn the motor speed control CW until the  distributor is

       running at normal engine RPMs the flashes should indicate a

       stable pattern.

       Note the spacing of all the flashes in relation to the

       protractor 4,6, or 8 markers. flashes must be evenly

       spaced , within 3 degrees. Uneven flashes are caused by

       worn bushings, bent shaft or word or defective pick-up

       coil plate.

 

3.6    Vacuum tests for distributors with a mechanical vacuum

       advance. If the distributor has no vacuum control skip

       to section  3.10  .

 

       Turn the 'Vacuum ' pump switch 'On' Hold thumb tightly over

       the end of the 'Vacuum Hose' and adjust the "Vacuum Control

       'Vacuum gauge reads 18.  Now connect the hose to the

       distributor vacuum advance nipple. The Vacuum Gauge should

       return to 18 if is does not the Vacuum advance unit has

       a leaky diaphragm .

 

3.7    Turn the Vacuum control until the Vacuum Gauge reads 0 or

       pull the vacuum hose off of the nipple.

 

3.8    Vacuum advance test.

       With the hose or zero vacuum adjust the distributor flash

       to protractor zero. Gradually increase the vacuum and

       observe the movement of the neon flash. Replace the vacuum

       control or recalibrates spring tension when vacuum

       advance does not perform according to specified limits.

       any deviation over 3 degrees indicates wear in the pick-up

       coil plate or bearings.

      

3.9    To stop the test Turn the 'Motor speed control' full CCW.

 

       Turn the D1400 'main Power' 'Off'

 

       Disconnect the Distributor and remove it from the Tester.

        

 

COIL TEST

 

4.1    Insure that the D1400 'Main power ' is 'Off'.

 

4.2    Insure the motor speed control full CCW

 

4.3    Connect the coil up as follow

 

       a     Connect the coil + side (battery) to the

               D1400 'BLUE' test lead.

       b     Connect the coil - side (points or module) to the

               D1400  'Yellow ' test lead

       c     Connect the D1400 High Tension lead (red) to the

              the coil high tension output.

 

4.4    Set the D1400 controls as follows

      

       a    Dial-A-Tronic switch to 'Coil Test'

       b    Ohmmeter settings do not apply

       c    Standard Dwell Test Switch does not apply

       d    Motor speed control full Off (CCW)

       e    Motor direction CW or CCW .

 

4.5    Turn the D1400 Main Power 'On'

 

4.6    Turn the Motor speed Control Clockwise until the motor

       begins to turn. The neon tube should flash indicating the

       the coil is working . There should be two equally spaced

       marks on the neon tube. A good coil will produce  uniform

       marks on the neon display.

 

4.7    To stop the test Turn the 'Motor speed control' full CCW.

       Turn the D1400 'main Power' 'Off'

 

       Disconnect the coil and remove it from the Tester.

 

 STANDARD POINTS DISTRIBUTOR WITHOUT COIL

 

5.1    Insure that the D1400 'Main Power' and the Motor speed control is full CCW.

 

       Connect the D1400 black test lead to the distributor

       case.

 

       Connect the terminal that would have gone to the vehicle

       coil to the D1400 'Green' test lead.

 

5.2    Set the D1400 controls as follows

      

       a    Dial-A-Tronic switch to 'Standard without coil'

       b    Ohmmeter settings do not apply

       c    Standard Dwell Test Switch to 'Points Resistance'