Timing lights ?

Dutie

Dutie

Senior Member
I have noticed the timing lights available today from auto stores and others are marked for 12 volt. Do they make one for 6 volt or can I use the one marked for 12 volt on either one. Would like to dial my timing in a little better with the degree marker by the crank and also exactly how much retard or advance I am running. Many thanks to all who reply, Dutie
 
I use a 12V timing light and degree marker by the crank. I use a spare 12V battery to power the light. I've been told that the 12V light will work with a 6V battery, just won't be as bright. Haven't tried that yet.
 
With the variable adjust style timing light you don't need the degree scale that looks out of place.. Just Mark TDC on the crank pulley and cover with a dap of white out
 
A friend didn't have a timing light for his old VW-Bug. He'd put a LOOOONG wire, in place of #1 wire & arc it over the timing marks, IN THE DARK, & set his timing. YES, he got ZAPPED a few times & his CHEEP watch quit working--LOL
How come I remember this, but don't remember really IMPORTANT THINGS????
Bill W.
 
Some of the clamp on inductive pickups won't work on the bare strap for the spark plugs. If I use my scope on my car I have to slip a short piece of clear plastic tubing over the strap, then it works fine.

I really don't understand the concern for such precision timing, since it is so easy to set it the factory way, then move the lever to where the engine runs best, which for me is about 2/3 down for 45 MPH and 1/2 down for idle.
 
Tom Wesenberg said:
Some of the clamp on inductive pickups won't work on the bare strap for the spark plugs. If I use my scope on my car I have to slip a short piece of clear plastic tubing over the strap, then it works fine.

I really don't understand the concern for such precision timing, since it is so easy to set it the factory way, then move the lever to where the engine runs best, which for me is about 2/3 down for 45 MPH and 1/2 down for idle.
Click to expand...

I have, at car shows, shown the owners of more modified cars how we time the A. That give a shocked look on how simple it is.

I find it sort of funny at the precision owners want on things like this, but we read how others that want to know the short cuts, farmers fixes, and devices to cover up real problems. I'm not saying that Dutie is like this specifically but threads in general run the gambit.
 
I marked top dead center on my pulley to help me find it again, Just pop the cap on the distributor and crank to the point where the rotor is getting cole to number one, then carefully nudge it over until the timing pin slip into the timing gear dimple. Very simple. I set the timing and double check with a 12V light hooked to the 6V at the junction box and a good ground. Plenty bright for daytime use un the shade. Never tried it outside. Works for me. I do get a jolt if I try that with bare legs and touch the fender, sometimes.
 
I recently bought a "self powered" timing light from Summit Racing that runs off of 2 "C" cells. It is just one wire with an inductive pick-up. I clamp the pick-up over the coil wire. Works fine. Good bright light. Very handy to take with you on the road.

I tour a lot with my Model A and carry my timing light, mostly to help others. I run points which you can time with the timing pin BUT some have electronic ignition and/or centrifugal advance where you really have to use a timing light to get the timing correct. Most owners do not carry a timing light with them.

My experience.

Chris W.
 
Thanks for the replies fellas, nothing like a few more minds to confirm my thoughts, I need all the conformation I can get....

thanks dutie.
 
Ford already gave the best and simplest timing tool attached to the front of the engine. Just use it and you should be fine. I can't figure why everyone wants to make it so complex.

I agree with Tom's comment below;
"I really don't understand the concern for such precision timing, since it is so easy to set it the factory way, then move the lever to where the engine runs best, which for me is about 2/3 down for 45 MPH and 1/2 down for idle. "

Learn to set it the original way and it should be running fine.
Larry
 
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