

INDUCTIVE TIMING LIGHT SERIES
In few cases an engine is timed off another cylinder, such as the International Harvester V8 engines, which use #8, and the Isuzu 4Z series four-cylinder, which is timed off the #4 cylinder, or the 3 cylinder Saab two-stroke engine which is timed on the middle (#2) cylinder. On most automotive engines, the timing is set based on the #1 cylinder. The distributor can be rotated slightly until the reference pointer aligns with the specified point on the timing scale.įuel-injected engines, or engines with microprocessor controls may require special procedures to allow basic spark timing to be observed without control effects from the engine computer. A reference pointer is attached to the flywheel housing or other fixed point, and an engraved scale gives the offset between the spark time and the top dead centre position of the piston in the cylinder. The apparent position of the marks, frozen by the stroboscopic effect, indicates the current timing of the spark in relation to piston position. The timing light is connected to the ignition circuit and used to illuminate the timing marks on the engine's crankshaft pulley or flywheel, with the engine running. Modern electronically controlled passenger vehicle engines require use of a scan tool to display ignition timing. The black clamp connects to the battery -, the red clamp to +, the green one to the breaker side of the coil (for RPM), the big black clamp in the foreground is an inductive pick-up that clamps around a spark plug wire.Ī timing light is a stroboscope used to dynamically set the ignition timing of an Otto cycle or similar internal combustion engine equipped with a distributor. It is a simple and straightforward timing light.Timing light, combination instrument with RPM, volt meter and dwell angle meter. There are no special features or safety features. Otherwise, there is really nothing that makes this stand out against its competitors.

So if that is what you prefer, you will need to look elsewhere. It is worth noting that this is an analog timing light, not a digital. But MSD ignition lights are not the easiest to come by, which may be the reason for the higher price tag. The higher price does not really equate to a better quality. This timing light from MSD is definitely more expensive than its competitors. So if that is what you have, this is likely the best product for you. That would be expected given that this light is specifically made to work with the MSD box. The customer service from MSD is very good and they are responsive to questions or concerns. It weighs just under 2 pounds, so it is easy to handle. Its light is bright enough to be easily visible during the daylight, and it is detachable for storage. With a simple red design, MSD boasts that it is extremely accurate and tough.

This timing light from MSD is top-quality for a top price. Others report that the timing light might wear out too soon. Some users say the bulb is difficult to replace when it comes time to do that.
INDUCTIVE TIMING LIGHT PROFESSIONAL
However, DIYers and professional mechanics working on vehicles with 6-volt systems might want to look elsewhere because according to some reviews, this light does not work on those systems. The instructions that are included are in English, French, and Spanish. The housing is tough ABS plastic and the heat-resistant over-molding on the battery clips allows for long service. The display also shows two- and four-cycle RPM/advance lights, and has up and down buttons. The LED tach display is digital and reads from 0-9,999 RPMs and the advance display reads to 0.10. You can use the light on all gas-powered vehicles that have electronic, conventional, computer-controlled, DIS (distributorless ignition system), and two-cycle ignition systems. The mode indicator lights give you information about RPM, advance, centrifugal advance, and vacuum advance. This timing light has a micro-processor controlled circuitry for accuracy and longevity.
