Timing Light
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 32
Likes: 4
From: Brookhaven, MS
Timing Light
A quick look around and every advanced timing light I've looked at has a bunch of bad reviews. Can anyone recommend me a timing light that will give both timing and tach?
Dr. Detroit
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,097
Likes: 4,027
From: New Braunfels Texas
I have this one:
It is reboxed as Actron or Innova as well....works great and has a metal inductive clamp....no more melt.
For MSD box or similar I have an ancient Craftsman strobe.......dial back style are inaccurate with ignition boxes.....
Others here use the $100 Innova fold up style and like those too.....
Jebby
It is reboxed as Actron or Innova as well....works great and has a metal inductive clamp....no more melt.
For MSD box or similar I have an ancient Craftsman strobe.......dial back style are inaccurate with ignition boxes.....
Others here use the $100 Innova fold up style and like those too.....
Jebby
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Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,930
Likes: 4,497
From: Virginia
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 11,183
Likes: 3,335
From: North of Toronto - Ontario
5568 without the MSD box
regular old strobe for the box (check for craigslist or garage sales for an old craftsman or something, most are just collecting dust now and can be had cheap)
M
regular old strobe for the box (check for craigslist or garage sales for an old craftsman or something, most are just collecting dust now and can be had cheap)
M
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,810
Likes: 469
From: Wichita Kansas
.....dial back style are inaccurate with ignition boxes.....
Also do not work with petronix??? Thanks
Think I answered my own question reviewing another post. MSD box is different than running a points distributor converted with Petronix I think?
Also do not work with petronix??? Thanks
Think I answered my own question reviewing another post. MSD box is different than running a points distributor converted with Petronix I think?
Last edited by kansas123; Oct 26, 2021 at 07:12 PM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 32
Likes: 4
From: Brookhaven, MS
I purchased the innova 3568. As I understand how the light works, you change the degrees of timing on the gun until the timing mark lines up with the 0* mark on the timing tab to find the current set timing. To set the time you want, change the gun to the desired time and rotate the distributor until the mark lines back up on the timing tab 0*. Is this correct?
I’m finally getting around to working on the car after taking care of a few things and having Lars do the rebuild. It fired right up, but the timing is funny. The only way I can see the timing mark is if the gun is set to 90* and then the mark is lining up at 14* before TDC.
Have I set the car up on the wrong TDC (exhaust vs compression… would it even run on that setting)? I haven’t verified that the timing mark is correct. What guidance can you guys give me here?
I’m finally getting around to working on the car after taking care of a few things and having Lars do the rebuild. It fired right up, but the timing is funny. The only way I can see the timing mark is if the gun is set to 90* and then the mark is lining up at 14* before TDC.
Have I set the car up on the wrong TDC (exhaust vs compression… would it even run on that setting)? I haven’t verified that the timing mark is correct. What guidance can you guys give me here?
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 1,508
Likes: 496
Sounds like your on cylinder 3 instead of 1 for the 90 degrees reading plus 14 , you are correct in operation but RPM must be set for the intended purpose such as base is low rpm and total timing is over 2500 or more rpm
Dr. Detroit
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,097
Likes: 4,027
From: New Braunfels Texas
I purchased the innova 3568. As I understand how the light works, you change the degrees of timing on the gun until the timing mark lines up with the 0* mark on the timing tab to find the current set timing. To set the time you want, change the gun to the desired time and rotate the distributor until the mark lines back up on the timing tab 0*. Is this correct?
I’m finally getting around to working on the car after taking care of a few things and having Lars do the rebuild. It fired right up, but the timing is funny. The only way I can see the timing mark is if the gun is set to 90* and then the mark is lining up at 14* before TDC.
Have I set the car up on the wrong TDC (exhaust vs compression… would it even run on that setting)? I haven’t verified that the timing mark is correct. What guidance can you guys give me here?
I’m finally getting around to working on the car after taking care of a few things and having Lars do the rebuild. It fired right up, but the timing is funny. The only way I can see the timing mark is if the gun is set to 90* and then the mark is lining up at 14* before TDC.
Have I set the car up on the wrong TDC (exhaust vs compression… would it even run on that setting)? I haven’t verified that the timing mark is correct. What guidance can you guys give me here?
If it started and it is smooth.....you are probably ok....but double check your firing order and rotor position at TDC #1.
Jebby
Last edited by Jebbysan; Nov 2, 2021 at 11:13 AM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 32
Likes: 4
From: Brookhaven, MS
After taking the advice, my plugs were out of order and the sensor was one wire #3…
Now I can check actual timing. At idle and with vacuum disconnected, initial timing is set at 12*. Maximum mechanical advance is in by 2200 rpm but it’s only about 22*. I’ve changed the springs out for lighter (gold). What do I do next to bring in more timing?
Now I can check actual timing. At idle and with vacuum disconnected, initial timing is set at 12*. Maximum mechanical advance is in by 2200 rpm but it’s only about 22*. I’ve changed the springs out for lighter (gold). What do I do next to bring in more timing?
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,930
Likes: 4,497
From: Virginia
Email Lars for his instructions, and follow them. If you have 10 total degrees of mechanical advance, and it's all in at 2200, you actually need heavier springs. You can mix and match to get them to be all-in at 2800-3000 RPM.
Is there something limiting the mechanical advance inside the distributor? Is it a late 70s L82 HEI distributor?
Is there something limiting the mechanical advance inside the distributor? Is it a late 70s L82 HEI distributor?
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 53,648
Likes: 878
From: Southern Cal Ca
St. Jude Donor '22
the weights and amount they swing sounds like only 10 deg of travel.
there is are bushings that limit travel.
or the weights are already moved at idle
from weak springs.
basically
12-14 at idle plus 20 from weights travel limit
gives 32-34 all in
there is are bushings that limit travel.
or the weights are already moved at idle
from weak springs.
basically
12-14 at idle plus 20 from weights travel limit
gives 32-34 all in