![]() Xenon flash is not as bright as suggested.īob Beacham is a writer for BestReviews. What we like: Clear LED display and easy push-button control. Our take: Good mid-range model works on two- and four-stroke engines. Performance Tool W80587 Digital Advance Timing Light : available at Works with almost all 4-stroke ignition systems. Checks advance / retard plus no spark condition. Our take: Popular budget model offers the home mechanic all they need for accurate ignition timing. Innova 3551 Inductive Timing Light : available at Though problems aren’t common, there are a few reports of malfunctions. What we like: Multi-function LED offers tachometer, advance, dwell, plus battery and alternator voltage on 2- and 4-stoke motors. Our take: High-quality model offers comprehensive information for the enthusiast or pro. As the name suggests, a self-contained timing light has its own onboard batteries, often D cells. Most connect to the vehicle battery with crocodile clips provided. What type of battery does a timing light need?Ī. Diesel motors don’t have spark plugs or ignition coils, so the same technique does not apply. ![]() They can be used on any two- or four-stroke gas engine, provided you can get the light onto the timing marks, so that might include boats, motorcycles, some lawn tractors, etc. Midrange models with displays are $50 and up, and an advanced multifunction timing light could top $100.Ĭan a timing light be used on all engines?Ī. You can get cheap timing lights for as little as $35, though their features are limited, and you’re unlikely to get a digital readout. Some models also offer a handguard, so you don’t bang your knuckles reaching into the engine bay! A spark plug tester is a useful extra because sometimes your timing isn’t out at all, it’s just a bad plug. That can make things difficult if you usually work on your vehicle in the yard. Many are perfectly adequate in an enclosed garage, but can be almost invisible in daylight. An often overlooked feature is how bright the timing light is. This will be particularly important if the battery isn’t in the engine bay, which is occasionally the case. If you’re choosing a model that connects to the vehicle battery, as many do, make sure you have plenty of cable so reach isn’t restricted. ![]() They might also include a tachometer function, give battery and alternator voltage, and dwell for optimum firing duration. Simple models do little more than provide that regular strobe, but a better timing light will provide a digital display that gives you accurate feedback as you make adjustments. When your timing is correct, the marks on your engine appear to be stationary, even though they’re moving. Even the best timing light may not cover every eventuality, so you need to check.Īt its most basic, a timing light flashes (strobes) on and off at a rate set by the user. A timing light also has a limited rpm range, which might be a problem if you’re working on modern high-revving motorcycle engines. The configuration of the cylinders can have an impact (four cylinder, straight six, V8, etc.), and some models won’t work with two-stroke engines. If you have a 6-volt or 24-volt system, for example, some timing lights may not work. Most, but by no means all, ignition systems are powered by 12-volt batteries. The type of timing light you need will depend to a large extent on the engine (or engines) that you want to work on. What to know before you buy a timing light Our favorite, the Innova 5568 Pro-Timing Light, is easy to use and offers valuable additional information about the health of your ignition system. ![]() Our concise review discusses the important features and highlights a few top models. It’s a job many people can do at home using basic tools and a timing light. Starting becomes difficult, idling will be rough, performance will drop and fuel consumption will suffer. Older vehicles with distributor-based ignition systems need their timing checked on a regular basis, otherwise you can have a host of problems.
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