Timing Light

T

tommyleea

Senior Member
Would I be able to use an inductive style timing light on my Model T to check for fire to the plug? I am asking, before I try it, so I don't damage anything. Thanks..1923 Model T..Stock
 
Thanks J Franklin for call attention to the bit I missed about checking for fire at the plugs. In that case just use a screwdriver. LOL me bad.
 
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If you need to know if the plugs are gettin "fire" just take the lead off and hold it about a half inch from the plug while the engine is running.
 
J Franklin said:
If you need to know if the plugs are gettin "fire" just take the lead off and hold it about a half inch from the plug while the engine is running.
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Yes, but, would a timing light work? Would it hurt anything? Thanks..
Also, with the coils buzzing, and cover off the coil box, should all four coils be sparking, or are they sequential? I only see one of them sparking. Thanks.
 
I would think a timing lite would work. Need 12v to pwer it tho. They can be used with MSD ignitions As for sparking points, it may be a symptom of a bad condensor
 
Each coil fire in it turn; 1243, not all at the same time. If just one is firing when you turn the key on just means the contact in the timer is inline with the rotor/brush.
 
redmodelt said:
Each coil fire in it turn; 1243. If just one is firing when you turn the key on just means the contact in the timer is inline with the rotor/brush.
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That is why in good condition you can usually get what is called a free start, no cranking needed.
 

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An inductive timing light will indicate when a high tension voltage is flowing in a plug wire if you want to check it but it may not give you the information you need. A high tension voltage has to have a ground path for it to flow. A bad spark plug may not provide a good ground path. A test with a good spark plug grounded to the head or with the high tension lead held with a gap to a ground source will confirm if the coil for that cylinder is doing its job. Take the plugs out and turn it by hand to test. This way it won't try to start on you. Once the timer reaches one of the terminals then the coil connected to that terminal will buzz and generate a high tension flow. It's not just one spark either. It will just keep sparking till the timer rolls off the terminal as long as the ignition is on battery.

High voltage release can bite you but only if you make yourself a ground path. If you insulate yourself far enough away from the high voltage terminal then it can't jump the gap to you.
 
rotorwrench said:
An inductive timing light will indicate when a high tension voltage is flowing in a plug wire if you want to check it but it may not give you the information you need. A high tension voltage has to have a ground path for it to flow. A bad spark plug may not provide a good ground path. A test with a good spark plug grounded to the head or with the high tension lead held with a gap to a ground source will confirm if the coil for that cylinder is doing its job. Take the plugs out and turn it by hand to test. This way it won't try to start on you. Once the timer reaches one of the terminals then the coil connected to that terminal will buzz and generate a high tension flow. It's not just one spark either. It will just keep sparking till the timer rolls off the terminal as long as the ignition is on battery.

High voltage release can bite you but only if you make yourself a ground path. If you insulate yourself far enough away from the high voltage terminal then it can't jump the gap to you.
Click to expand...

Ok..Thanks, I didn't need the timing light. I pulled all four plugs, connected the leads, laid them on the head for a ground, and then cranked the engine over by hand. I could then hear the coils buzz, and check each plug for fire. Model T is an amazing machine.
 
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