Author Topic: Need to buy a Timing light  (Read 3834 times)

Offline the_engineers

  • Resident
  • *****
  • Posts: 2639
  • Cheap, fast, reliable...pick 2
Re: Need to buy a Timing light
« Reply #15 on: October 23, 2009 - 10:17:34 PM »
Backfire through the carb is too much timing.  You're igniting before the intake valve closes.
Brooks

1971 'Cuda 360
2004 Infiniti G35 6-spd Coupe
2001 Toyota Solara Convertible
2002 GMC Savana 1500 Explorer Hightop Conversion
1972 Dodge Dart Swinger...keeping the Slant.  Rocking the turbos.




Offline dodge freak 2

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 825
Re: Need to buy a Timing light
« Reply #16 on: October 24, 2009 - 12:25:10 AM »
Most engines-even Fords and GM like around 32 to 38 degrees of total timing (without vacuum advance).

Somehow the check the timing at idle came about cause the factory dampers were not mark past 15 degrees or so. But it really matters more the amount of total advance and how fast it come in. Could be 4000 rpms and up, could be as low as 2500 rpms--some race cars have the total amount of timing all in at 1500 rpms. The lower the rpm the faster the advance is said to be.

You need some mopar performance timing tape that is to stick to the damper to show the timing marks up to 50 degrees or so. But its always flies off for me so I just scribe a mark at 36 degrees and then guess the 2 or 4 degrees. White paint works great but scratch a line first while holding the tape even starting at the zero mark.   

You can just measure the distance but I forgot the length

Offline 71chally416

  • Resident
  • *****
  • Posts: 3170
    • The Streetwalker
Re: Need to buy a Timing light
« Reply #17 on: October 24, 2009 - 11:01:11 AM »
Buy an adjustable light and marks aren't an issue  :2thumbs:
Once we had Ronald Reagan, Bob Hope & Johnny Cash. Now we have Obama, No Hope and No Cash!

Offline Changin Gears

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1011
Re: Need to buy a Timing light
« Reply #18 on: October 24, 2009 - 11:04:03 AM »
Yes I always time by ear

Race car/open headers too?


The goal never changes - Stop the 60' timer with your back tires

wagesofsin

  • Guest
Re: Need to buy a Timing light
« Reply #19 on: October 24, 2009 - 06:03:56 PM »
as much as i hate autozone, they have a nice light on sale for like 35 clams.

my son bought one of their 100 clam units and the thing is amazing.

Yes I always time by ear

 :iagree:   :bigsmile:
« Last Edit: October 24, 2009 - 06:06:20 PM by wagesofsin »

Offline vinb

  • Resident
  • *****
  • Posts: 2163
Re: Need to buy a Timing light
« Reply #20 on: October 24, 2009 - 06:39:14 PM »
As long as you don't drop it this will work fine...

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=40963

Offline dodge freak 2

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 825
Re: Need to buy a Timing light
« Reply #21 on: October 24, 2009 - 08:52:32 PM »
Race car/open headers too?

I use those gun firing ear muffs--even if it has mufflers. Makes it easier to hear cause its not ear pricing at 3500 rpms. They do make motor sports ear muffs too, my guess is they are the same thing.

Safety glasses-nice clear ones-are a good idea too but I never use them--expect when I use a wire wheel, one steel wire can go right through your eye and in your head...how do you think the doctors can get to it  :walkaway: