Looking for input on timing lights. Good, better, best? Which to stay away from? Using both lights I have, it seems to be jumping around a lot, yet engine runs fine. Hard to get a good idea on where my timing actually is right now. Pretty sure the 2 I have aren't happy with the MSD ignition, causing the fluctuations. It's either that, or maybe I do have something going on ignition wise.

Thanks.

Pretty much any non-electronic / digital light will work with the MSD.
I have a Mac standard, and a Snap-on analog dial that both work well, but I also bought an Amazon cheapy self powered unit to use on my 6v tractor, and it's also quite adequate.

The "ultimate" timing light has always been the big chrome Craftsman or Sun, but they don't have the inductive clamp.

Get a vintage Craftsman off ebay or craigslist. I got one new in the box for practically nothing. Quality better than most anything made today.

quote:

Originally posted by Goob:
The "ultimate" timing light has always been the big chrome Craftsman or Sun, but they don't have the inductive clamp.

quote:

Originally posted by SlyFox:
Get a vintage Craftsman off ebay or craigslist. I got one new in the box for practically nothing. Quality better than most anything made today.

Thanks guys.
Both of mine are older Craftsman models from early 90's. One with the advance dial and other without. The one with dial intermittantly jumps around. large enough swings that I'd expect to hear something with the engine, if the light is correct. The other doesn't work at all it seems. I found another Craftsman my brother had at my parents house and will be trying it tomorrow. Kinda hoping with the advances in technology over the past 20-30 years, there's a nice, hopefully affordable upgrade from these older ones.

Are you using a Crank trigger or Distributor trigger for the ignition?

quote:

Originally posted by markemark:
Are you using a Crank trigger or Distributor trigger for the ignition?

Crank trigger.

What model MSD ignition?

It's 7AL-2 with HVC2 coil.

Doubt you have an ignition problem. Try timing with engine at 1500+ rpm.

I really like this timing light very bright and made in the usa.

https://www.esitest.com/P/42/1...tiveClampTimingLight

I paid the coin & bought the MSD light.

2BKING

I have the "gold standard" Sears chrome as well as a Flaming River that runs off of 2 D cell batteries.
Both have inductive pickups for the trigger wire. Both are very steady timing off of the MSD 8.
My only complaint is they both are not very bright. Pretty much impossible to see in direct sunlight.

I've tried about 6 or 7 timing lights, all of them are STILL in the trash bin. When back to my very, VERY old reliable $10 Craftsman timing light. Looks like a piece of junk but works perfectly EVERY time.

Like a Timex watch, "It takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'

Bob

Thinks for the input y'all. Asked this on Classracer as well and between here and there, I now have a few things I can try before dropping a paycheck on a new light. If successful, I'll update with what worked.

quote:

Originally posted by BTR69:
It's 7AL-2 with HVC2 coil.

The ONLY MSD failure I've ever seen where spark was still produced, was a 7AL2, and it was "scattering" spark, trashed a nice Big Block, didn't discover the issue until we were trying to time the new engine, since the other engine was "running fine".

Just sayin'.

quote:

Originally posted by Goob:

quote:

Originally posted by BTR69:
It's 7AL-2 with HVC2 coil.

The ONLY MSD failure I've ever seen where spark was still produced, was a 7AL2, and it was "scattering" spark, trashed a nice Big Block, didn't discover the issue until we were trying to time the new engine, since the other engine was "running fine".

Just sayin'.

I’ve seen a grid do it as well…

quote:

Originally posted by seabass:

quote:

Originally posted by Goob:
The ONLY MSD failure I've ever seen where spark was still produced, was a 7AL2, and it was "scattering" spark, trashed a nice Big Block, didn't discover the issue until we were trying to time the new engine, since the other engine was "running fine".

I’ve seen a grid do it as well…

Interesting! I’ve never heard of this MSD failure or seen it. Good to be aware of. What’s the symptom…… massive backfiring (exhaust/ intake) while cranking or running?

the one I saw was timing just all over the place, couldn't really tell where it was at, was running good at all... changed the grid and fixed it

Same deal, would never have known there was an issue, until we were setting timing. Apparently there were enough sparks happening on time, along with the extras.

I got my craftsman timing light on ebay years ago. I think it is the 2134.