Which timing light should I get?
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Urbandale, Iowa
Which timing light should I get?
Ok folks,
I need some advice on tune-up tools. I have a 68 Ranger with a 390 that I want to tune-up and keep in tune. I know that I need a timing light, and probably a tach/dwell meter as well. I have a Pertronix Ignitor module on the way to replace the points.
I know that I don't need the fanciest pro model out there, as I will be an occasional user. So - what would you tool gods recommend?
Thanks!
I need some advice on tune-up tools. I have a 68 Ranger with a 390 that I want to tune-up and keep in tune. I know that I need a timing light, and probably a tach/dwell meter as well. I have a Pertronix Ignitor module on the way to replace the points.
I know that I don't need the fanciest pro model out there, as I will be an occasional user. So - what would you tool gods recommend?
Thanks!
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,157
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From: Central Kali
Which timing light should I get?
If you get rid of the points, you won't need the dwell meter. I don't have a specific brand of timing light to recommend. I would spend a little money and get one that clips over the plug wire and is powered by the battery. Some types use a dial and a meter to read the advance. I prefer the plain one that you look at the timing marks to see the actual advance. 
New User
Joined: Jan 2008
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Which timing light should I get?
How much money do you want to spend & How long do you want this timing light to last?
Dennis
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Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Urbandale, Iowa
Which timing light should I get?
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 19-Dec-02 AT 11:22 PM (EST)]>How much money do you want to spend & How long do you want
>this timing light to last?
>
>
>Dennis
>
Well, I saw one that had the tach/dwell readout in the gun for around $70.00> It was at Summint or someone like that. As far as longevity is concerned, I don't want to have to buy more that one
>this timing light to last?
>
>
>Dennis
>
Well, I saw one that had the tach/dwell readout in the gun for around $70.00> It was at Summint or someone like that. As far as longevity is concerned, I don't want to have to buy more that one
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
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From: Atlanta GA
Which timing light should I get?
I have a timing light from Sears that has held up well to me dropping it from the fender onto the ground a few times. Cost about $30. I prefer the (+)(-)(#1 spark plug) type set up too.
A dwell meter is good to have, it has other uses besides just setting points. I bought one from Autozone for $35, by Actron I think. Good for voltage, dwell, tach. Properly set up you could probably use it to read a EEC-IV system for trouble codes.
I have not seen or tried it, but, NorthernTools.com has a $99 kit that has a digital timing light, vacuum tester, and other things. Seems like a sweet deal. Probably not the highest quality, but, good enough for light use.
A dwell meter is good to have, it has other uses besides just setting points. I bought one from Autozone for $35, by Actron I think. Good for voltage, dwell, tach. Properly set up you could probably use it to read a EEC-IV system for trouble codes.
I have not seen or tried it, but, NorthernTools.com has a $99 kit that has a digital timing light, vacuum tester, and other things. Seems like a sweet deal. Probably not the highest quality, but, good enough for light use.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 543
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From: LA
Which timing light should I get?
The Sears brand stuff works okay for timing lights. I have a silver craftsman with an adjustable dial in the back. This is nice to check your total advance at higher rpm. I second that you want solid state ignition. Points are a pain in the neck. I have converted all my points cars to HEI or pertronix.
George
George
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Joined: Jan 2008
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Which timing light should I get?
I would suggest the Inductive Timing Light from Sears.
Possibly the set of Diagnosis Tools.
Dennis
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Possibly the set of Diagnosis Tools.
Dennis
F.T.E. Assistant Administrator
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