Timing Light - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

John Pasinski · 11-26-2009, 02:02 PM

Please pardon my ignorance on this subject. I have an old Sun timing light that works just great. But, I just picked up a Snap-On ADVANCE timing light. My problem is, I have no clue how to use the advance, nor what it's purpose is! I got it at the flea market, and there's no instructions. I looked online but I could not find any instructions, or how-to there either. Any help?

jpert · 11-26-2009, 04:22 PM

We used that light with the wheel to check timing advance on Caterpillar 3208 diesel engines

**mr48chev** · 11-26-2009, 04:46 PM

The advance knob on the advance light is used to check the total timing at higher rpm. Say your engine was supposed to have 38 degrees of total timing at 3600 rpm you would set the knob on 38 and then run the engine up to 3600 rpm and check the timing and the marks should line up at "0". You can also do it in reverse and run the engine up to X# of rpm and while pointing the light at the timing marks turn the knob so that it shows the marks lined up at 0 then read what the pointer on the knob is pointing at and you have the total timing at that rpm.
For engines that are hard to read the timing tags on I set my light on the degrees that I want to set the initial timing on and then all I have to do is line up the 0 on the tab with the line on the damper. That is what about 90% of the guys use them for.
Or you can set the knob on 0 and use it like any regular timing light.

PanelDeland · 11-26-2009, 04:51 PM

I always use a paint pen and mark the 0* mark on the pointer.This makes it easier to see the marks.I usually use a Black "Sharpie" to mark the balancer also.Just makes it easier to see things.

boilrman · 11-27-2009, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PanelDeland

I always use a paint pen and mark the 0* mark on the pointer.This makes it easier to see the marks.I usually use a Black "Sharpie" to mark the balancer also.Just makes it easier to see things.

I like to use a piece of the kids sidewalk chalk to help illuminate the markings on the balancer and timing mark. You dont have to be so accurate and you can smear it into the grooves with your finger seeing numbers and marks.

Pont406 · 11-26-2009, 06:16 PM

That timing light might give you a wrong reading if you are running MSD stuff.

John Pasinski · 11-27-2009, 06:25 AM

OK........Now I understand. Thanks all.

snj8198 · 11-27-2009, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pont406

That timing light might give you a wrong reading if you are running MSD stuff.

Why? Any particular MSD components or combinations?

11-26-2009, 02:02 PM	#1
John Pasinski Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: orlando Posts: 456	Timing Light Please pardon my ignorance on this subject. I have an old Sun timing light that works just great. But, I just picked up a Snap-On ADVANCE timing light. My problem is, I have no clue how to use the advance, nor what it's purpose is! I got it at the flea market, and there's no instructions. I looked online but I could not find any instructions, or how-to there either. Any help? __________________ A man's thoughts devise his ways; but it's GOD that directs his steps.

11-26-2009, 04:22 PM	#2
jpert Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Bismarck North Dakota Posts: 56	Re: Timing Light We used that light with the wheel to check timing advance on Caterpillar 3208 diesel engines

11-26-2009, 04:46 PM	#3
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,708	Re: Timing Light The advance knob on the advance light is used to check the total timing at higher rpm. Say your engine was supposed to have 38 degrees of total timing at 3600 rpm you would set the knob on 38 and then run the engine up to 3600 rpm and check the timing and the marks should line up at "0". You can also do it in reverse and run the engine up to X# of rpm and while pointing the light at the timing marks turn the knob so that it shows the marks lined up at 0 then read what the pointer on the knob is pointing at and you have the total timing at that rpm. For engines that are hard to read the timing tags on I set my light on the degrees that I want to set the initial timing on and then all I have to do is line up the 0 on the tab with the line on the damper. That is what about 90% of the guys use them for. Or you can set the knob on 0 and use it like any regular timing light.

11-26-2009, 04:51 PM	#4
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	Re: Timing Light I always use a paint pen and mark the 0* mark on the pointer.This makes it easier to see the marks.I usually use a Black "Sharpie" to mark the balancer also.Just makes it easier to see things. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

11-26-2009, 06:16 PM	#6
Pont406 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: West Hills, California Posts: 679	Re: Timing Light That timing light might give you a wrong reading if you are running MSD stuff.

11-27-2009, 06:25 AM	#7
John Pasinski Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: orlando Posts: 456	Re: Timing Light OK........Now I understand. Thanks all. __________________ A man's thoughts devise his ways; but it's GOD that directs his steps.

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