timing light
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timing light
hi,guys , is it real than a dial back timing light are not the same precision than a conventional timing light ,when is the to tune a race engine ,thanks
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Re: timing light
The only dial back timing light I like is the MSD light and I use the 1 wire timing light from flaming river.
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Re: timing light
I use a Sears Craftsman dial back timing light and it works very well for setting and checking distributor advance. Also have an MSD #8990 (now superseded by #89921) timing light for checking timing at high RPM, as MSD claims that this light is reliable all the way to 10,000 RPM.
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AERA Certified Professional Engine Machinist
Re: timing light
I had the MSD dial back light. It lasted about 1 year and I used it only a handful of times. It just broke a few weeks ago and it was frustrating when it happened. I will never use a dial back light again.
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Re: timing light
The MSD lights seem to be the best, and have one of the brightest bulbs so you can see your timing mark during the day.
Doug Schriefer
Re: timing light
Depending on the manufacturer, dial-back timing lights are known for inaccuracy. Anywhere from 3 to 12 degrees inaccurate. Doublecheck with a MSD, Flaming River or Craftsman non-dialback. I threw our Chinese dial-back in the trash. It was 4-5 degrees off from mid to high rpm, using a MSD ignition box & 8mm MSD plug wires. -Dave-
Re: timing light
Ford-drag, see if you can borrow several dial-backs to compare to a conventional. You'll likely get 4 different answers on the same motor, leaving you to wonder if they're ALL wrong.... That should settle it in your mind. I use such a light from Snap-On but not in the dial-back mode. Remember, whatever number a light gives you, the engine doesn't care. All it wants is a spark at the right time.
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Re: timing light
thanks for all response ,so M.JSGARAGE ,do you think, it will be the same case with different flow bench or engine dyno , i have an old 80 snap on dial back ( not made in china ) and i take always the same timing light for my engine and the same thing for the engine dyno ,always the same dyno test after test .
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Re: timing light
I like timing by ear-sound and just use the light to double check where is at. The light is helpful if you just want to change the timing 2--3 degrees
Whats wrong with just using a tach to see the rpm's the engines at. I see no need for dial back timing lights
Whats wrong with just using a tach to see the rpm's the engines at. I see no need for dial back timing lights
Re: timing light
In my opinion, dynos, flow benches and timing lights are fine as comparison tools for tuning improvements. Where guys get into trouble is when they start using any of them as absolute-answer machines. You may find yourself so far down Wrong-answer Street there's no way back except to scrap everything and start fresh.
Re: timing light
I agree with this.Dodge Freak wrote: I see no need for dial back timing lights
get a timing scale on the engine that suits and use a regular light, Even then I still wouldn't gamble my left ball on the accuracy.