Recommened Multimeter

[sowat]

What would be the best for testing a Hotwire install ?

[V8Smudge]

Fluke make the best multimeters, a lot of car manufacturers recommend them, and I use Fluke multimeters on the helicopters I work on. It depends on how much you want to spend and how much you'll use it. It also depends on the users interpretations of the readings, which is why it's always best to get an auto-ranging type of multimeter.

[DaveEFI]

What would be the best for testing a Hotwire install ?

One with a dwell function is still of use for car even without points - it can do a quick check on the LT side of any ignition system - and show the duty cycle of the injectors.
Which of course means getting an automotive one.

I bought this one to keep in the old car:-

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Laser-Automotive- ... 27b6bb0243

It wasn't from this seller and was new with packaging etc for about the same price. It works very well - but only time will tell how it lasts - although it seems well made.

[DaveEFI]

Fluke make the best multimeters, a lot of car manufacturers recommend them, and I use Fluke multimeters on the helicopters I work on. It depends on how much you want to spend and how much you'll use it. It also depends on the users interpretations of the readings, which is why it's always best to get an auto-ranging type of multimeter.

I do have a Fluke for workshop use - but I'm not sure I'd spend that sort of money for car stuff.

[kiwicar]

If you have access to a fluke for acurate measurments (they are very good) then the one you use for the car matters less as you can always check it. That one looks ok to me, it has a good size display and covers dwell etc. If you were feeling flush you could get a dwell meter from snap-on but that won't be cheep.
Best regards
Mike

[DaveEFI]

One complaint I have with Fluke is despite their high price they come with horrid inflexible test leads with just basic probes. You have to pay a lot extra to get decent silicone ones with clip on types. Then there's the cost of the special fuse they use. Which most newbies will blow on a car.
The unit I gave the details of prevents you selecting volts while the leads are plugged to the amps range.

[katanaman]

I own a Fluke and wouldnt be without it but then I do electronics where being accurate is important. For a car nothing has to be that accurate, your pretty much testing continuity and 12v. You could just about manage with a test lamp and bell set so just about anything will work for you. One thing I would say though is that cheap meters dont last very long so if its for one job then just get anything but if you want to keep it for a while then get a bit better so it lasts.