Timing Light?

[fdmsiv]

Could someone explain to me how a timing light is used.

From looking at photos and reading the postings I have figured out that it connects to something that sends out an electric pulse, but what does it lightup? What do you point the timing light at to see when the engine is running.

Please forgive the basic question, I have never really worked on engines but I have discovered a new pastime, just can't wait to start working on my 1974 and 1977 85's

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Timing Light?

Hmmm... I have only used timing lights on 4 stroke cars engines. On a car engine the light is hooked up to the #1 plug wire and the light pulses when the #1 plug fires. Then you shine the light on the crank pulley and align the mark with a degree mark there on every flash. To move the mark you loosen and rotate the distributer.

This does not apply to any of the smaller 2 strokes I have ever worked with as they do not have distributors. Maybe someone else can weigh in on how they work with 2 stroke distributed engines (if applicable)

 

[5150abf]

Re: Timing Light?

There are 3 cords, 2 hook to the battery the other should have a "clip" that goes on the #1 spark plug wire.What you point it at- on top of the flywheel there are a set of numbers on the out side edge of the flywheel and a pointer on the engine case, as the sparkplug fires the clip detects that and fires the light, with the engine running this happens very fast and it "freezes" the fly wheel so you can see where the timing is at.
I have taken a permanent marker and very lightly run over the numbers to make them more visible.
You want to be careful because the timing and the throttle are linked, if you move one you move the other and if you are doing this on muffs in your drive watch revving the engine over 1500RPM.
I would also suggest a manual, it goes over this in detail.

 

[larky]

Re: Timing Light?

just like a strobe light ( if you have ever played with one of those), it will make the flywheel appear that you have frozen it for a short time. when I use one, I will highlight the timing marks with some whiteout. when the motor is running and the timing light is hooked up,pointed at the timing mark, the timing mark will show up. then when you change the timing the highlighted mark will appear to move in relation to a fixed timing pointer. I am no expert mechanic but this is what I have learned from playin around.

 

[fdmsiv]

Re: Timing Light?

Thanks everyone for the replies. I have a manual, but it directs me to attach the light and adjust the timing, not much in between.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Timing Light?

This might help:

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=228183