Inductive Timing Light Set Up

Ray A from PA

Ray A from PA

Senior Member
My 31 Slant has a timing degree gauge bolted above the crank shaft pulley that is filed and painted to show timing mark.
I want to check the timing with a Craftsman Inductive Timing Light Model # 21027 that I have.
I was told I could use this light if I:
a). Connect red clip on light to + terminal of a 12 volt battery.
b). Connect black clip on light to - terminal of the 12 volt battery.
c). Connect a jumper wire to the - terminal of the 12 volt battery.
d). Connect the other end of jumper wire to a ground of testing car.
e). Makes no difference if car is + or - ground system.
f). Connect inductive pickup to # 1 spark plug wire.

Before I try using this light with this hook-up, I wanted to check if anyone else used this model light with this set up.
 

Attachments

  • Timing Light 001.jpg
    Timing Light 001.jpg
    89.1 KB · Views: 26
All you need is a 12 volt source for the light. No need for any jumpers. The inductive clamp goes over the #1 spark plug lead.
 
i have used several on my car . i have a timing plate as you do , if running the copper straps for plug wires , cover #1 with clear tubing . clamp the inductor to the tubing cover , be sure to put in on correctly .. as toward the plug on the side of the clip .
you should have a TDC mark on your pulley to work with your timing plate . if you are a 12v - neg ground the hook up is correct . mine is still 6v .. pos grd . i hook my lite up .... red(+) to ground & black(-) to starter for a hot . works great ! .. steve
 
I have a couple of old Craftsman inductive timing lights,they both work fine on the six volt systems.I tried them on the A's just to see if they would work as I am not marked for a light.They worked fine.I have used them on Studebakers,Willys,Mopars,farm tractors,Volvos,VW's,and many others,all six volt.They all worked fine on the six volt systems.
 
Ray A from PA said:
...I was told I could use this light if I:

a). Connect red clip on light to + terminal of a 12 volt battery.
b). Connect black clip on light to - terminal of the 12 volt battery.
e). Makes no difference if car is + or - ground system.
f). Connect inductive pickup to # 1 spark plug wire.
Click to expand...

This is all you need, and you may well find that the light works with 6 volts as Steve and Keith say above. In that case you don't need the 12 volt battery--just observe polarity when connecting the timing light power leads to the A battery.

Some pickups are well-insulated and won't need Steve's plastic tube trick. Mine was but the plastic shell of the clamp has a chunk missing, so I have to insulate the plug strap.

Joe
 
just put the 12v close to the car so the timing lite leads will reach batt., hook uo the leads from timing lite to the right posts of battery, red to positive, black to negitive, and induction wire to spark plug wire and start engine and time
 
Hey Ray,

That's the same timing light I have but the sticker with the arrow that shows the direction to hook up the inductive clamp fell off mine.

Could you possible take a picture of the calmp showing the arrow and the cable so I can mark mine?

I sure would appreciate it.

Ted
 
For a power supply, I use a battery charger set to 12V, instead of messing with a modern car. It works fine and it's more portable.
 
Those timing lights will work on 6 volts just fine. Just connect red lead to ground if you still have your Model A setup with Positive ground. Put black lead on any convenient power source. Have fun!
 
I Have the same timing light ...I have run it with a small computer power supply that puts out 12 volts no problem ...THEN I got the idea to try it on the 6 volt battery in the model A just for grins guess what IT WORKS ! it is not as bright as it is on 12 volts but I had no problem setting the timing with it when the garage lights were off or at night it is plenty bright ...So try it on the 6 volts mine worked ok ...ReB0B
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top