I'm interested in getting some kind of scan tool to check out my 307's vitals and want some advice on what to get. I want to be able to plug in and see all the engine data like RPMs, TPS readings, Open/Closed loop, etc. The only things I keep finding are OBD2 scan tools, OBD1 code readers or blinkers, or $350 OBD1/2 scanners that I just don't need. Does anyone on here actually use a scan tool for their OBD1 cars and if so what do you use?

 

Does OBD1 even support the things you want to do?

 

$350 isn't too expensive. I spent over $200 for an Innova OBD2 scan tool.

 

A paper clip, DVOM, tach and dwell meter.

 

OBD1 is not a national standard, so you need a scanner specific to your make of car. Here's a GM OBD1 scanner at Amazon for $20.

 

Isn't this just a code reader though? According to the FSM a scan tool can tell the technician engine data.

 

obdI was very limited in what it did.as ragz442 said paper clip,thats what we used to get flash codes.

 

Yes, that's a code reader, but I think that's all you're going to find. OBD1 was a crude system by today's standards, and I think Fun71's comment above is right. It's not clear the OBD1 even provides the kind of information you're looking for.

OBD1 is readable without a code reader at all. Depending on the automobile in question, codes can also be read by various combinations of jumping pins with paper clips and counting how many times the check engine light flashes.

Here's a video that shows how to do it for a '91 Pontiac.

 

I have the Innova OBD 1/2 scan tool. I paid $200 CAD on sale and I am sure I could view some data streaming on my 94 Olds powered 4x4 with factory TBI set up. Of course that ECM was the most advanced OBI 1 TBI ECM.

 

I found this site on the web:
http://aldlcable.com/

From the first statement on the site, it appears a lot of diagnostic data can be viewed and logged:

There are basically 3 things you need to record diagnostic data from a GM based On Board Diagnostic 1 ( OBD1 ) system on your 1982 - 1995 era car.
1 - A PC computer, preferably a laptop, to collect, log, and analyze the OBD data.
2 - An ALDL cable to interface your PC computer to the ALDL OBDI diagnostic port on your car.
3 - A software program running on your PC to capture the OBD data.


I didn't read through everything but it may have the information you are looking for.

 

You all need to read the CSM. Yes, the CCC system has a datastream available that lets you read temps, voltages, RPMs, etc. I use an OTC Genisys and I can read TPS voltage, O2 sensor voltage, mixture control solenoid duty cycle, and many other telemetry points.

 

I have a key-shaped tool that does the same thing as the paper clip so I already know the code, it's a code 21 for the TPS. I need to measure the voltage so I know if it's dead or just out of calibration. I also need to see the engine RPMs so I can set the base idle speeds and set the ILC adjustment for when the A/C is running.

That's great. So a laptop and a cable should do it just fine then. Very helpful, thank you.

 

Before you spend a bunch of money on an antiquated OBD 1 reader investigate if those tests can be done without it. You should be able to read the sweep of the TPS with a DVOM. That would at least give you minimum and maximum values. Use a tachometer attached to your ignition to measure RPM and set the idle speed. You can also use a dwell meter to measure the duty cycle of the mixture control solenoid on your carb. There really should be no need for an expensive code reader to properly maintain an Olds 307 with CCC carburetor and electronic ignition.