Timing light questions

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Apr 4, 2004 | 11:34 AM

carpe_diem

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Timing light questions

I need a good timing light to be used on several different vehicles, including F250. Can someone recommend a good brand? Also, I know it getting connected to the battery and #1 spark plug, but where exactly do I aim it?

I suppose I competely don't understand how timing light works.

Apr 4, 2004 | 08:37 PM

rander101

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From: Virginia

You can get them at almost any auto parts store. Craftsman makes a fairly good one for DIY use at a reasonable price. Most new ones have an instructon book packed with them. But in general, to use one you put one lead on the battery terminal, the other on the #1 spark plug wire. Then you aim the light at the timing marks--usually on the harmonic dampener. Every time the #1 plug fires the light blinks, causing a strobe effect that makes it look like the timing marks are standing still. You can then adjust the distributor timing to the proper setting for the engine.

Apr 5, 2004 | 10:40 PM

carpe_diem

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Thanks for the explanation. I am in the process of getting one.

Apr 5, 2004 | 11:26 PM

Mil1ion

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I would say you don't need top of the line equipment unless you are in the automotive repair Business.
Thee are quite a few brand names then many Taiwanese tools.

Well,IMO
The brand * Equus *has a complete kit available that is moderately priced.

Apr 6, 2004 | 12:43 AM

carpe_diem

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Apr 11, 2004 | 10:53 AM

carpe_diem

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I noticed that Craftsman makes a few different models, inductive and inductive advance. What does the latter mean?

Apr 11, 2004 | 11:15 AM

Hossy

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Joined: Mar 2004

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The advance setting lets you Adjust the timimg light to show the zero mark on your timing scale on your engine when you enter the degrees you want. EX: you want ten degrees before top dead center, you set the scale on the light for that and aim it at your engine mark and it will show at the top dead center mark, Zero. I recommend getting one with the advance. Hope this was clear.