I bought an Actron 9145 computer scanner to help with swapping engines in a 96 Buick Century 3.1 (It is worth the extra money to get a better scanner instead of the code reader you find a discount auto stores).

I have a 1984 Camaro Z-28 with an L-69 (computer) carburated HO engine. THis scanner can be used on 1984-1995 GM cars if I purchase a special adapter cable.

My question, is how much useful information can be obtained by reading the computer values on this car?

Is it worth the $30 or so it takes to buy the adapter cable?

AtDhVaAnNkCsE

(Thanks in advance)

 

I don't know about the Actron, but the Auto Xray gives trouble codes and little else.

(FWIW, it gives a wealth of data on our '90 & '91 Bonnevilles, next to nothing on the '92 Lumina. Go figure.)

 

I don't know what model of the auto x-ray you have or have used, but I have the auto x-ray EZ-Scan 6000. I am able to do a complete diagnostic of not just my 89 Iroc-Z, but my 95 ford windstar, my 04 dodge caravan, wifes 01 aztek and not just the trouble codes. It covers all cars from '82 to the present, foreign and domestic. All needed cables came with it and I don't have to buy extra data cartridges for each individual manufacturer. It is also updateable through the internet.

The Trickster!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

But those aren't carb'd cars.

 

I forgot to add my brother-in-laws carburated '85 Trans-Am to the list. Sorry!

The Trickster!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Trickster,

Was your brother able to get more information from his carb'd car than simply codes.

ex.
Temp sensors, ignition, rpm o2 etc ?

Thank you
George

 

Hello Gclay,

He is out of town at the moment, but I will ask him when he gets back.

The Trickster!!!!!!!!!!

 

I have used the Diacom scanner for years. Carb and FI applications.

Short answer: It's worth the $30 for the cable.

You can't tell squat on ANY computer controlled engine without seeing things like the computer sees them. Typical areas of interest on a computer controlled carbureted car- TPS (usually shot), vacuum sensor (dead or nearly dead after 2 decades on the car), wacky O2 readings (ditto), CTS (ditto), etc, etc. A computer controlled carbureted setup can tolerate MASSIVE levels of wacky readings without actually throwing a code. If you intercept stuff like that BEFORE it gets bad enough to throw a code you can really make a cc-carbureted engine haul butt and get good mileage, even on a modified engine.

 

Does that connect through the ALDL? I assume not.

 

Thank you Damon.

That is exactly the information I wanted to know. You convinced me. I will buy a cable and REFINE my 84 Z

 

You assume wrong, it does.

The Trickster!!!!!!!

 

Should have been more specific - I meant the Diacom.

 

Yes, Diacom plugs in through the ALDL port, like most (all?) scanners do.

 

I guess I put too much stock in the part about "seeing things like the computer sees them". I'm certainly not trying to pass myself off as an ECM expert, but I was under the impression that the ALDL only puts out what the engineers let it tell about itself.

But what do I know...

 

gawd dam!

i myself have a carbed 85 t/a, and i didnt even know i had a computer in it!

what does the computer do? and where can i learn more about it?

 

Your car should have a CC q-jet Carb on it (computer controlled). Believe it or not your carb actually has quiet a few sensors that help adjust the fuel mixture. With a scanner you could probably view things like TPS position, MAP readings, ummm uh CTS readings. Stuff like that. I have no clue about computer stuff though. I ripped my TBI off long ago. Now I'm running mechanical everything.

 

Actually, manchesterbeast, based on your info that says, "Location: BC Canada" - you probably don't have a computer.

 

i live in canada, but my car is actually from california. i found this out by the vin number.

Im currently in the process of putting my car back together. (kinda struggling with the wireing) there is a blue wire that clips in to the passenger side of the carb.