Oscilloscope advice
 

What features do I need in an oscilloscope for checking the condition of the ignition system in a W114 model cars?

I have an old Tektronix scope but I don't know if it really fits the application.

TIA

An ignition scope is quite specialized, however, with a high voltage probe, you can use about any oscilloscope. Remember, modern ignition systems produce 50KV and more. Point ignitions produced something in the area of 15KV.

Be careful,

Can you recommend any literature on the subject? Is a 1972 car electronics considered modern?

Most of what you want to see can be viewed on the primary, which can be viewed with most any type of scope.

As to the 72, it was point triggered electronic ignition and falls sort of in the middle. There were three versions of the point triggered electronic systems and they each have different points to look at primary. The first version had the coil constantly grounded. Dwell was viewed at the small round connector at the end of the wire comming from the points.

I think I've found one that would work. It's 55KM and 1090 Mega Ohms. Looks like a death ray wand.. anyway..

It looks like it may have the coorect connector for my scope as well. The next part will be to figure how to gauge the inputs and what connections to make ;-)

Since you are determined to look at secondary, what are you looking for?

Death ray wand, yes thats what they look like.

What kind of scope do you have? If it is old it might have a tube front end, they are a lot stronger.