Timing Light

[Nima]

I want to a timing light but I never had one and never used one. Is there any particular things which I need to pay attention to when I buy one? I can't spend a lot but I believe in quality tool which last a while. Any info is appreciated.
Thanks.

[sdmahr]

Buy and inductive model. It simply clamps around the #1 spark plug wire rather than having to put a connection between the spark plug cap and plug. Most models are not very expensive, (less than $50.00). Try the AZone, Pep Boys, Harbor Freight, maybe even a department store with a decent size auto department. I got mine at Sears 15 or 16 years ago. Still works like a charm !

[stickshift_or_walk]

A previous thread on this subject:

Timing light help / advice

SSOW

[poff]

I have to agree that the Snap-on on is the best. About $350 with advance (non-digital). I had an inexpensive one for a long time and they work well. The thing I do look for that I dislike are the ones with removable leads, the plugs seem to wearout and disconect while you are using it. If you're on a limited budget, for an inxpensive, non-advance, model I like the old Sun Guns before the sold out to Sunpro. Advance is a must in my opinion, if you distributor or engine is not stock and your distributor is not dialed in, it is better to set your timing at full advance.

[Nima]

Thanks for the info. sears has one with advance knob on the back for 70$. I know snap-on tools are good but it is too expensive for me. About Harbor frieght, I heard not many good things about their tools. I never had experince with them but the way I see it, these timing light are not complicated tools therefore it may worth it to look into Harbor Frieght. Thanks again.

[COBALT]

Bought mine at NAPA for around $40. Never had problems. Just keep the wires out of the fan shroud.

[poff]

Harbor Frieght stuff is pretty poor quality. I only buy name brand stuff there i.e., IR, Visegrip, etc.

[jimfulco]

MSD tested some dialback lights a few years ago & they said the only ones that worked right were theirs (imagine that) & the Sears Penske unit.

[kingsolver72]

I don't want to sound cheap,but maybe check out some garage sales.I bought an old school Sears timing light from an elderly lady who was having a G/Sale.Her husband had past away and she was selling his tools. It was hard to buy it because of her grief.I know she just couldn't keep his belongings anymore.This elderly gentleman took really good care of his stuff.He kept the origanal box and instructional manual.I paid $5 for it.It is a great timing light.

[poff]

www.thetoolwarehouse.net has pretty good prices on OTC timing lights. They also carry Precision Instruments torque wrenches. Precision makes Snap-on and Cornwell torque wrenches.

[ScottH]

Not to steal the thread, but can someone explain how the dial function works on those timing lights with one?

Thanks.

[poff]

The advance knob is there so you can check the advanced timing. Since the pointer marks only go to 10-15 degrees you can not read the timing at full advance. At zero the light flashes at TDC #1. As you turn the knob it delays the light flashes by the degree that you set the knob. You can set your timming at full advance. You set the knob at 32 degrees, if your distributor/timing is set at 32 degrees full advance, when you rev. the engine up to full advance, the light will flash at the TDC mark on the pointer. If someone else can expalin it in a more simple way please chime in.