Dumb Timing Light Question
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 557
Likes: 3
From: El Sobrante CA
Dumb Timing Light Question
Picked up a 'classic' but working Daytona inductive timing light on C.List. Seems the ignition wires on my engine aren't compatible - won't conduct juice to the light.
What do you guys do? Run an 'old school' radio-unfriendly wire from #1 plug to #1 distributor? Fashion - or purchase - some sort of 'insert' that both the plug and timing light clamp affixes to on the distributor ? Or just pretend you see the light when it isn't really there?
Any advice appreciated. I've got some tuning up to do.
Thanks.
What do you guys do? Run an 'old school' radio-unfriendly wire from #1 plug to #1 distributor? Fashion - or purchase - some sort of 'insert' that both the plug and timing light clamp affixes to on the distributor ? Or just pretend you see the light when it isn't really there?
Any advice appreciated. I've got some tuning up to do.
Thanks.
Limping across the line
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5,299
Likes: 109
From: Peoria Az
First I'd make sure the light actually works.
I've run all kinds of plug wires and my SO inductive light never has trouble flashing.
If you light is good and it truly is the wire get a el cheapo wire and use it temporarily on #1 cyl
I've run all kinds of plug wires and my SO inductive light never has trouble flashing.
If you light is good and it truly is the wire get a el cheapo wire and use it temporarily on #1 cyl
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 557
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From: El Sobrante CA
Definitely not going to attach near the exhaust. I hate molten metal smoke.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 557
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From: El Sobrante CA
Yeah, I'm thinking cheapo wire. But how does one find this at AutoZone? Or do you make something up with a known variety of crappy cable?
Still a bit confused.
Limping across the line
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5,299
Likes: 109
From: Peoria Az
You could probably get by with a piece of electrical cord if you had to.
try going to a local parts place and see if they have just individual plug wires. Or hit the local wrecking yard.
try going to a local parts place and see if they have just individual plug wires. Or hit the local wrecking yard.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 557
Likes: 3
From: El Sobrante CA
Will check with the neighborhood auto parts place. I'll try to find really cheap 'offshore' wire. If no dice there, a greasy old wrecking yard's just up the road a ways.
Thanks for the suggestions.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,756
Likes: 2,589
Exactly what type of plugs wires do you have? Did you try reversing the direction of the pickup on the #1 plug wire? Are you sure #1 plug wire is actually firing, did you pull the plug or hold the plug end near a ground?
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 557
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From: El Sobrante CA
When you say 'reverse the direction of the pickup' you mean rotate the jaws of the pickup 180 degrees on the wire? Hadn't tried that.
The wires are blue, insulated versions. Look fairly new as well. Don't know the brand, though.
Thanks!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2013
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From: El Sobrante CA
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,229
Likes: 643
From: Orange County Ca
Some of the older lights, before there was the inductive pick up to be used on the wire, used a adapter "spring". About 2" long and bellowed on one end to fit on the plug, and streight on the other end to fit into the wire boot. Then the TL lead was clamped on the spring.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,076
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From: Hunterdon Cty NJ
