Timing Light

[John Pasinski]

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]

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

[mr48chev]

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]

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.

[Pont406]

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

[John Pasinski]

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

[snj8198]

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?

[boilrman]

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.