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Timing Light Set Up

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M

magooster

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Hey guys, a newby here. Just came from the other side of the tracks to check in and see what all the hype is all about. I really like it so far.

My question has to do with the set up of a dial back timing light in order to get my car set to 35BTDC at 3500 rpm. I saw a demonstration of this being done but did not pick up on how you mark the timing pulley to get this high reading and how you adjust the dial back knob for the setting.

Anyone care to take a stab. Sorry if this is a repeat.
 
Are you trying to figure a timing curve with an adjustable timing light?
 
I was informed that the best timing adjustment can be had when it is set when the advance is maxed out. That would
be somewhere in the 3200-4000 rpm range with our cars.
 
There are different types of advance timing lights. Older style with a rheostat dial on the back and the newer digital display type. They all easy to use. Hook the battery leads to a 12 volt battery source{Car battery under hood, voltage supply under hood if battery is unaccessable or even an extra 12 volt car battery. Place induction spark lead on #1 spark plug wire. If a digital light with RPM display,hook up tach lead to distributor side of coil. Mark Pulley or harmonic balancer and pointer on timing cover to easily see Top Dead Center.Start engine. Dial or set digital advance to desired advance timing setting{example 35 degrees}Bring RPMs to 3500. Adjust distributor to read TDC at desired RPM. The timing light automatically brings the mark back to TDC. Just read what the light is set at. You can adjust timing setting on light while engine is running and see the mark move. Always make sure the light is set to Zero for regular use. Hope this might help. Merry Christmas.
 
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