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Engine Timing and The SUN

Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2014 9:52 am
by Underdog
What can I do to see engine timing at the track under the sun light, I tried it and it was almost impossible to set it. Any ideas? I tried making a bit of shadow with a cardboard but nothing :-k I have an 8992 MSD timing light.

Re: Engine Timing and The SUN

Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2014 4:51 am
by Kevin Johnson
I am guessing it uses a Xenon bulb, the spectral output of which is valued because it is similar to that of the sun. Now this following suggestion is a wild guess -- meaning that I do not know if it will work for you -- but you might try duct taping in place different color filters over the timing light lens. I am assuming you do not have some form of color blindness to complicate matters.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Orion-Color-Fil ... 43cf55a34b

There are also timing lights that are advertised as being visible in full sunlight.

Re: Engine Timing and The SUN

Posted: Thu Sep 18, 2014 12:10 am
by Underdog
I will try your idea Kevin, something is better than nothing at all and no I'm not color blind. LOL
Thank You!!!

Re: Engine Timing and The SUN

Posted: Thu Sep 25, 2014 2:59 pm
by Schurkey
Are you sure the timing light isn't just plain worn-out?

When I bought a Mac timing light, it was so much brighter than the elderly Craftsman it replaced I could hardly believe it. That Mac unit itself is now a thousand years out-of-production.

Re: Engine Timing and The SUN

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2015 3:26 am
by chevyfreak
Howzit guys i know it is a old thread but put a piece of hose over your timing light it works like a tunnel and bringing the light closer to your pionters. Another i saw was changing the lens ,which is like a mgnifying glass to one that enlarges more giving more light. Ive never tried it but ive used the hose extension.
hope it helps you as wel
cheers
chevyfreak

Re: Engine Timing and The SUN

Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2017 6:16 pm
by stealth
Paint pointer and timing mark on balancer with a dab of bright day glow paint...

Re: Engine Timing and The SUN

Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2017 4:35 pm
by old_chopper
A long long time ago I saw the crew checking the timing on Bob Gliddens car in a hot Ennis, Texas sun. They had an old blanket they held over the mechanic to shield out the sun.

Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2017 4:20 pm
by dwilliams
I use reflective pinstripe tape. I'm still using a roll I bought in 1978, but here's a link:
http://www.reflectivedecals.com/stripes.htm