Quick ? -Tune up tools -Craigslist - Timing light

[RickB]

I got a killer deal on some good old tune up tools, timing light, vac gauge, compression gauge & remote starter all in original packaging but definitely 20 - 30 years old.
I think that now that most people are driving modern cars they just don't use that stuff any more. ($10, delivered to me!)

I just went out to try out the timing light, noticed that it hasn't got the inductive clamp I am used to, instead it just has a big metal clip with a rubber hood over it.

Sorry for this seemingly dumb question, but how the heck do I use the thing? Of course it's got the red & black for power, where do I connect the clamp? To the #1 plug with the wire connected is my guess?

 

[jlaird]

There should be a spring thing that hooks to the top of the plug and the light then plugs into. The clamp then hooks to the spring.

They work just fine by the way.

 

[RickB]

Ok, that's how I hooked it up.
It flashed a few times then started arcing inside.
Guess it too was old & tired, like my previous one.
Oh well, if the rest of the tools work it will be well worth the $10 I spent.

 

[DrEntropy]

I'd say so, Rick. Nice score, apparently. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/thumbsup.gif

 

[Sarastro]

You might be able to fix the timing light, if it comes apart easily. Sounds like it might just be that the high-voltage lead has come loose. If you can see where it was connected (probably to a small circuit board), just soldering it back in place.

 

[RickB]

I'll give that a try tonight, thanks.
Come to think of it that sure is what it seems like, the symptoms do match your prognosis.

 

[RickB]

I took it apart, everything is tight.
Maybe the bulb burned out.
I put it back together and tried, same as before. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/frown.gif

 

[HandyAndy]

I am curious as to what you aim the timing light at? The timing marks are on the bottom. Have you made some marks on the top so you can see them?
Or you can static time it with a so-called ice pick (light probe)and just slowly rotate the engine and/or the distributor to effect top dead center (TDC)and mark the lower pulley. More information available if you need it.

 

[jlaird]

If this is a Bugeye just bend down and look under the radiator.

 

[RickB]

Yeah, you have to lay down on the ground & point to the bottom of the flywheel. I'm ordering the tape from Jeff since my new timing light wont be here until at least midweek next week.

He has a tape & pointer kit so you can time the thing standing upright as a human being should.