timing light recommendation and engine area power source

[Don W.]

I'm looking for recommendations on a time light with adjustable advance features to purchase and also for where to connect the power clips in the engine bay. I was working with Duke this past weekend on tuning my 427/390 and we pulled power from the alternator posts but had several majors shorts to the adjacent chrome valve cover. Don

[Jim D.]

Re: timing light recommendation and engine area power source

I really like the Innova 3568 as it has a digital readout for both the advance and the RPM's making it easy to map your advance curve. I use an extra 12 volt battery for the power source for cars that are difficult to get power for a timing light, or if you don't want wires hanging all over the engine compartment while you're messing with the timing. Set the battery next to the car and the only wire you have to worry about is the one to #1 plug wire.

[Keith B.]

Re: timing light recommendation and engine area power source

I use the alternator as the power source I use a old Snap On dial timing light

[Patrick C.]

Re: timing light recommendation and engine area power source

I have a lightweight motorcycle battery that works great.

[Duke W.]

Re: timing light recommendation and engine area power source

I use the alternator as the power source I use a old Snap On dial timing light

That's what we used on Don's 427/390, but the alternator stud is so close to the valve cover a slight movement of the clamp can cause it to short against the valve cover. I added several layers of duct tape to the cover, then the damned cliamp shorted against the alternator housing. The timing light I used is an Acton, also sold by Sears. I think it's about fifty bucks, but has a couple of issues. The dial has little friction, which can cause problems holding the setting. Also the harness connector doesn't have much friction and easily falls off. More modern designs have a digital readout, but are usually more expensive. Duke

[Patrick H.]

Re: timing light recommendation and engine area power source

I use older Sears timing lights, both dial-back and standard. For power, I usually use the horn relay.

[Duke W.]

Re: timing light recommendation and engine area power source

Thanks, Patrick... now if I was still a young buck I may have thought of that, too. https://www.forums.ncrs.org/images/smilies/wink.png

[Frank D.]

Re: timing light recommendation and engine area power source

I use an Actron CP 7529 light...actually, somewhere along the line, I picked up two...
I always connect to the battery (both terminals) and carefully drape the wires away from hot manifolds...

[Steven B.]

Re: timing light recommendation and engine area power source

I liked the Innova 3568 because it has the split screen LCD digital readout so you can watch degrees and RPM in the same screen. However, after years of using a Craftsman light without inductive pickup and using a paper clip under the distributor number 1 secondary wire, I went with the Innova 5568 for a couple of reasons. I decided to spend a little more on myself and get the 5568. On Amazon the 3568 is going for $79.99 which is actually less than the CP7529 at $86.92 and has the split screen. Does the 5568 light work any better? I doubt it, but it has some nice features that go along with the light. You wind up with the split screen showing advance and tach, the leads are nice and long at about six feet, and it has a dwell and a voltage function so you can see whats going on with the charging system and battery health. On Amazon it's only $7.93 more than the Actron but has the additional features (I like the split screen) and it weighs about a half pound less than the Actron. Oh, and it comes in a stout carrying case as do the scan tools by Innova. I'm sure everyone has their favorites.

Steve

[Mark E.]

Re: timing light recommendation and engine area power source

Horn Relay for +; alternator ground for - is what I use for C3s. This avoids tampering with the boot over the alternator + post.