Dumb question about timing light.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,943
Likes: 44
From: Florham Park NJ Port Credit Ontario
Dumb question about timing light.
I borrowed an adjustable timing light, printed out Lars' timing instructions and guess what. The friggin wires to attach to the battery are too short. Obviously made for a car with the battery in the engine compartment. Can I just pull my Intrepid up next to the Vette and use its battery?
Yeah I know, I am a intellectual but I had to ask.
Stew
EDIT: I didnt really type "Intellectual", but you get the picture.
[Modified by Stewart's74, 5:38 PM 8/21/2002]
Yeah I know, I am a intellectual but I had to ask.
Stew
EDIT: I didnt really type "Intellectual", but you get the picture.
[Modified by Stewart's74, 5:38 PM 8/21/2002]
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Re: Dumb question about timing light. (Stewart's74)
All you need is a 12 volt source in the engine compartment. Try the back of the alternator. I use the 12 volts at my horn relay which is very close to #1 plug. Any 12 volt source in the engine tha tyou can get power from is OK. The alternator is the easiest.
C6 the C5 of tomorrow
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,665
Likes: 2
From: Twin Cities Minnesota
Re: Dumb question about timing light. (The Dude)
Be VERY carefull that the timing light clip DOES NOT touch the case of the altenator or you will be replacing the fuseable link...
Don't ask me how I know :mad:
Don't ask me how I know :mad:
Pro
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 726
Likes: 0
From: Petaluma CA
Re: Dumb question about timing light. (Stewart's74)
But to answer your question, yes you could use another car's battery. However, I do suggest you use the plug wire from YOUR car...
or the timing might get real strange... :lol:
or the timing might get real strange... :lol:
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,183
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From: Des Moines Iowa
Re: Dumb question about timing light. (Stewart's74)
You can use any 12 volt source, you can use the hood light wire, if you have one, that's what I use since it's right there by the alternator, and # 1 spark plug, and no chance of grounding the + wire against a ground as is the case when you attempt to hook onto the alternator hot wire. Ground - should be to any engine metal bracket.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,322
Likes: 1
From: Living in the Hartland
Re: Dumb question about timing light. (Stewart's74)
Mine has a black rubber cover over the terminal and has a 90 degree bend. Pull the 90 cover back and it will expose the terminal.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
Likes: 46
From: Huntersville NC
Re: Dumb question about timing light. (Neo Fender)
Jumper cables.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,943
Likes: 44
From: Florham Park NJ Port Credit Ontario
Re: Dumb question about timing light. (Stewart's74)
OK I have another question.
Can you tell I am a little nervous here?
Anyway, thanks for the tips. I will use the Hot Alternator hook up and use the lifting bracket on the manifold as the ground.
Do I start the car and then hook up the light, does it matter?
Also I am assuming that the clip that goes to the #1 wire goes "around" the wire so that the contacts on the clip touch each other?
Stew
Can you tell I am a little nervous here?
Anyway, thanks for the tips. I will use the Hot Alternator hook up and use the lifting bracket on the manifold as the ground.
Do I start the car and then hook up the light, does it matter?
Also I am assuming that the clip that goes to the #1 wire goes "around" the wire so that the contacts on the clip touch each other?
Stew
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
Likes: 46
From: Huntersville NC
Re: Dumb question about timing light. (Stewart's74)
Also I am assuming that the clip that goes to the #1 wire goes "around" the wire so that the contacts on the clip touch each other?
Stew
Stew
I took my first timing light back to Sears (because it wouldnt work!!!!) and exchanged it for another one because I was clipping the thing onto the wire instead of surrounding the wire with it!! I finally figured it out! :lol:
MJ
