I need to get a timing light that works with Hi Perf. plug wires. I have a set of msd wires on the 63 and my Equus pro digital timing light will not light with them. It seems it only works on regular carbon core wires according to the manufacture.... Have figured the MSD light should work and it looks like the Ferret light is the same as MSD. Does anybody have experience with a timing light that they know works with 8.5 mm wires, MSD distrib. and box. The light I have wasn't cheap so don't want to throw money at another piece of crap that is picky about what it will work with.
Ben

 

My Actron CP7529 Digital Dial-Back Timing Light from Advance Auto works on everything I have points, Pertronix, solid-core wires, 7mm or 8mm wires, etc.. It works by inductance so if there is a spark in the wire it should light. My Taylor wires on the Chevelle are spiral wound and it works on those too.

 

I went through two Equus pro digital timing lights and I still had problems using it with a Pertronix II, Flamethower (I know they are hated) and 8mm wires.

I switched to the CP7529 Digital Dial-Back and it always runs flawlessly. I got the best price on line and Amazon delivered it for free.

 

I have the earlier CP7519 dial-back light, and it works on everything I've ever tried it on. However, I've never tried it on an MSD 6A/6AL system - many timing lights don't like the MSD "multi-spark below 3000 rpm" electronics.

 

I have an Actron manual dial-back and it works fine. I also have a Harbor Freight dial-back and it also works well, at about half the price.....but I have only used it 2 or 3 times so I can't speak for it's longevity. Stay away from Sears.....they are not what they use to be. I paid 60 dollars for one, and it quit working after only a couple of uses, and man are they heavy.....drop it on your fender, and you have had a bad day.

 

i have the exact same tool and it works on all msd stuff that i have encountered, even with the pickup burned badly enough to loosen the spring tension......

 

The Sears Craftsman Dial-Back timing lights (like the #92194) are manufacturered by Actron.

Agree........they are heavy. I also found that if I stored it out in the garage with high humidity, the dial back feature would become erratic after a year or so. I assumed that it was due to corrosion on the dial **** contacts. I now store my new/replacement Sears Actron timing light inside the house.

Larry

 

Is there any reason you can't switch out the #1 wire temporarily with a standard GM (or other popular brand) wire just to set the timing?

You don't even need to route it normally, just run it from the cap to the plug and when you're done reinstall the MSD wire that you left (unconnected) in place.

I have a Snap-On dial-back that has worked fine on every vehicle I've used it on, but I can't say I've tried it on MSD wires either.

Good luck... GUSTO

P.S. I have a friend that has an Equus Pro timing light and I've used it in the past on much more than regular carbon core wires and it always worked superbly. I intended to buy one myself until I stumbled across a good deal on a Snap-On light.

 

Check off what you need on the left column
http://www.summitracing.com/search/p...timing%20light

 

Thanks for the info guys... Yes I have thought about using another wire of normal variety. Just thought I would get info on ones that did work to give me a option. I appreciate the input on all the brands.
Ben

 

Any multi fire ignition screws up a standard light. If you look at the link I gave above it narrows it down to a $139 Equus. I am not fond of those lights but it is what it is.

 

I have a Sears dial back and it will not work with most 8mm wires. Taylor or MSD it will not work. I also have a 6AL box that I never thought that might cause it. I keep an el cheapo plug wire in the box with it to install on the #1 plug when ever I am checking timing...

 

I have a 40 year old Sears Craftsman induction type that works on everything, including my Super Conductor 8.5mm spiral wound MSD wires, un-ballasted 40kV Flame-Thrower II, MSD6AL, and Pertronix Igniter II.

 

I use my Actron on 8mm Taylor wires with a Pertronix Ignitor III distributor on the Chevelle...the Pertronix has multi-spark throughout the RPM range. I think a lot depends on the quality of the induction pick up with a particular timing light.

 

Since the so-called high performance wires make no difference in performance despite costing much much more, couldn't the OP kill two birds with one stone and just use good quality standard wires?

 

C'mon Mike the mystical words "High Performance" have sold more goods and bolstered the economy more than the Federal bailout !! I think it will actually keep us from the "fiscal cliff" in January !

 

Hi Mike,

Well.........yes and no. The wires in themselves don't make the difference, but the spark plug gap does. It depends on whether your ignition system design requires them, or not.

Try this experiment just for shlts and grins:
Gap your spark plugs at .045". You'll almost certainly have to temporarily install a high energy coil because your standard coil will not consistently fire your plugs with such a wide gap. Drive the car normally for awhile and bring engine speed up past 5500 (6500 with solid lifters). Don't be concerned with the misfiring..............it's normal under these conditions. Take the car home and let it run when ambient lighting is very low. Notice the sparking/leaking that is probably occurring, especially in places where the 7mm wires are near ground, or any places where nos. 5 & 7 are in proximity of each other.

Did you ever wonder why auto manufacturers began using heavily insulated ignition wires once they began using high energy ignition coils?

 

No, I never wondered why- I was well aware of the reasons from the outset. As you well know, the shift to HEI and accompanying larger spark gaps had nothing to do with increased performance.

BTW-we don't see you on the VH board much these days.

 

Well.............yes and no. It depends on what your definition of "performance" is. If you're a cheap bastard then saving money on gas is important to you, so your definition of "performance" means lighting off those pesky lean mixtures. If that's the case, then you stumbled on the right answer.

Oddly......................or not........................the ability to light off those pesky lean mixtures provide distinct advantages to old school (dirty) high performance engines as well. Wide plug gaps require higher voltage to bridge and therefore create a fatter, hotter spark which promotes more complete and consistent combustion. It ensures more complete combustion at high engine speeds and very high cylinder pressures experienced by engines designed with very high DCR's. It also helps fire plugs that have been either gas or oil fouled, in most cases.

Does VH mean "Valhalla"? In Norse mythology, Valhalla (from Old Norse Valhöll "hall of the slain") is a majestic, enormous hall located in Asgard, ruled over by the god Odin. Chosen by Odin, half of those who die in combat travel to Valhalla upon death, led by valkyries, while the other half go to the goddess Freyja's field Fólkvangr. In Valhalla, the dead join the masses of those who have died in combat known as Einherjar, as well as various legendary Germanic heroes and kings, as they prepare to aid Odin during the events of Ragnarök. Before the hall stands the golden tree Glasir, and the hall's ceiling is thatched with golden shields. Various creatures live around Valhalla, such as the stag Eikþyrnir and the goat Heiðrún, both described as standing atop Valhalla and consuming the foliage of the tree Læraðr.

 

All true, but really not applicable to any but a minute percentage of people that have 'racin' motors. No tangible benefit to the rest of us.

I'm sure you'll disagree.