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Timeing light

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jlaird

jlaird

Great Pumpkin
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So, the thread on timing taught me someing.

I needed a modern timing light, so went to eBay yesterday and did the deed. New in box inductive and advance.

Did not even know about the advance thing my timing light is so old, but just like new.

I did not need much excuse for a new tool.
 
Today I'm doing the installation of my new dizzy and I look forward to using my new timing light to get it set up properly. My old light is probably 40 years old and has to be plugged into the wall to operate. Lets hear it for new high tech toys.
 
Word of warning. I went all the way and bought a fancy new digital timing light - advance setting, tach, digital read-out etc. It doesn't work with copper wire ignition wires. The "radio noise" interferes with the operation and it continually resets to the default settings. Works OK as a basic timing light but the advance function is useless. I replaced the wires on my Healey 100 with resistance wires and everything is fine.

No excuse is needed for a new tool. That said, I "need" a leak-down tester.

Marv J
 
Marv, what brand of light did you buy that had the problem with copper wires? I have a homemade set of plug wires using Accel wires which are helically wound silver plated copper. I have an Actron advance light with built in tach. It doesn't' have any problems with my plug wires.

Before dismissing the light you have, take a look at its inductive pickup clamp. Some are marked with directional arrows to show what side should be towards the spark plug. It really does matter. Some pickups can also be confused if you place them in the middle of the plug wire in proximity to other wires. I have always had good performance paying attention to the clamp orientation/direction and by placing the clamp close to spark plug #1.

There are plans on the Internet to make your own leak-down tester. I have followed them to make my own and found the tool to be VERY helpful. All you need is an air regulator, a couple of gauges, a handful of plumbing fittings, a "T" fitting, and a small drill bit. Of course... an air compressor is needed to use the gauge and you will need to modify an old spark plug to connect the pressure to the head. Regardless, the leak down tester helped me quickly find problems a compression test missed. BTW, the Harbor Freight leak down tester has a terrible reputation. Don't be tempted to buy it instead of making your own.
 
Jeff of Advanced Distributors discussed timing light issues at his tech session at Midget 50th. I wish I had listened closer.
 
Trevor Jessie said:
Jeff of Advanced Distributors discussed timing light issues at his tech session at Midget 50th. I wish I had listened closer.
Click to expand...

I guess I paid more attention than you Trevor :smile: ha ha , Jeff said the best light he has found is the non-advance Craftsman timing light, he has noticed that the advance type are not accurate & many other more expensive brands are still not as accurate as the basic Craftsman timing light... there was some talk about plug wires as well but I'm drawing a blank, maybe someone else will remember that part !
 
Doug, It's an Equus or something like that. Works really slick with resistance wires. A pro friend uses the advance type that Moss sells. Non digital advance adjusts with a dial and he has no problems. I had a similar problem with an infrared thermometer. Get it close to the wires and it goes blank. Back it off a little and it comes back.

Marv J
 
Trevor Jessie said:
Jeff of Advanced Distributors discussed timing light issues at his tech session at Midget 50th. I wish I had listened closer.
Click to expand...

I thought he just advocated a basic HF light - not even Craftsman

I think what he said about wires was that solid core wires don't work with side entry distributor caps - had to do with the screw piercing the core and the core not liking it.

BTW Jer was cleaning the garage this week and found the reverse lights am out of town right now but I promise I will send.
 
"solid core wires don't work with side entry distributor caps"

Please don't tell Miss Agatha this, she has been running just fine for the past year.
 
Marv, I kind of expected you to say it was a Equus light. The following is not meant in any way to slam your purchase but the reviews I read about Equus lights were not good. Way too many people complained about them failing prematurely and having operating problems.
 
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