Colourtune plug

[Mike Kelly]

Is this a gimmick, or the real deal ?

http://hondacg125.awardspace.com/colortune.htm

Some say it does work, but the test isn't done under load conditions , so may be misleading . The kits are available for various holes eg 14mm

MIKE

[Phil Waterman]

Hi Mike

The concept sounds really good, and different types of these have been around for many, many moons.

I think you hit the nail on the head though it is not testing the engine under load.

Can remember seeing a "Factory Trained Mercedes Mechanic" using something similar to set up the old dual solexs on a 190SL so some mechanics must believe they have specific applications.

What would be neat though is to set up an engine with all the cylinders having one so you could compare. Might work particularly well with Ford Pat 13 so the mechanic could look at the all while the engine is running under load.

If you get one do let us know what you think.

Cheers Phil

[David_Hayward (RIP)]

Gunson Colourtunes have been around since before I first rode a 'bike (1971)....they were advertising in car mags here in the late 1960s! Yes they do work as does Gunson's Carbtune for multi-carb setups. However, the 'not under load' point is relebant!

[Mike Kelly]

Originally Posted by David_Hayward

Gunson Colourtunes have been around since before I first rode a 'bike (1971)....they were advertising in car mags here in the late 1960s! Yes they do work as does Gunson's Carbtune for multi-carb setups. However, the 'not under load' point is relebant!

OK

Apparently these devices are more suited to multi-carb engines , like a motorbike with a carb for each cylinder: BMW ? And twin SU's on cars.

But reports indicate it is useful for getting a carb to a " in the ball park" tuning stage , even on a one carb multi cyl. engine . Don't know how relevant it would be to us ,as playing with jets and float levels is just about all we can do on our old clunkers .

MIKE

[David_Hayward (RIP)]

The Carbtune is a a device to plug into the bellmouth of a carb such as my later father in law's Lotus Elan's twin 40mm Dell'Ortos. They assess airflow etc. and enables carbs to be balanced. Colourtune is used in place of a plug and shows a coloured light indicating ignition quality...too rich, too weak, or just about right. That way it takes account of an engine's age and you can set the timing manually to get the best for that engine. They are brilliant for bikes and you used to be able to get a 10mm adapator for Honda say heads.

[DeltaMike]

Have you seen the relatively in-expensive inspection cameras you can buy to allow you to inspect the inside of your engine?

Would one enable you to watch a "Colourtune" plug in action under load.