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Technical => Spud Miller's Cave => Topic started by: FEDNV on June 29, 2015, 11:10:24 AM

Title: Timing light for magneto?
Post by: FEDNV on June 29, 2015, 11:10:24 AM

So what kind of timing light do I need for a mag?  Can someone suggest or recommend one?  I heard or read that the newer ones with advance and stuff are not to be used on a magneto?  Is this true?
Thanks
Scott

Title: Re: Timing light for magneto?
Post by: dusterdave173 on June 29, 2015, 12:31:21 PM

I am interested in this answer as well--I use a plain jane old Sears and have had no trouble so far--I have never used the dial kind on anything--FWIW they say the Flaming River battery powered is the lick for mags--maybe, maybe not but...I have one--it is handy being self powered but the light has very little briteness and is almost useless out doors like in the pits --l like it in the shop but keeping d cells is a PIA

Title: Re: Timing light for magneto?
Post by: FEDNV on June 29, 2015, 01:07:13 PM

I also have a self powered summit timing light but like you said it is not bright enough to see in the day time in the pits.

Title: Re: Timing light for magneto?
Post by: H.G. Wells on June 29, 2015, 03:31:07 PM

I am on my second Flaming River self powered light. No, not terribly bright but sure is handy to use without finding a power source.

Title: Re: Timing light for magneto?
Post by: afuelcoupe on June 29, 2015, 07:34:35 PM

Ferret model 81 is the best you can get
its the same self powered light that MSD puts there name on and sells for $100.00 more dollars

Title: Re: Timing light for magneto?
Post by: ricardo1967 on June 29, 2015, 09:52:58 PM

I have the Flaming River (http://Flaming River) one, love being self-powered, but definitely not very bright...

Title: Re: Timing light for magneto?
Post by: wideopen231 on July 05, 2015, 11:19:13 AM

Have used both craftsman and the self powered ones.Both worked fine.

Title: Re: Timing light for magneto?
Post by: dreracecar on July 11, 2015, 08:05:05 AM

Never rely totally on your timing light as your sole source for timing your motor. Timing lights are typically D.C. and magnetos generate A.C. They also emit E.M.I. (Electro Magnetic Interference). In general, timing lights with mags are one (1) degree late for every 1000 RPM of engine speed. For best results, use a timing buzzer.

Posted off of Don Zig magneto's web page

Title: Re: Timing light for magneto?
Post by: FEDNV on July 12, 2015, 06:48:40 AM

I did get a timing buzzer with my setup but just looking to see if there was a certain kind or brand to use for a quick timing check.

thanks
Scott

Title: Re: Timing light for magneto?
Post by: dusterdave173 on July 12, 2015, 06:09:43 PM

It is not the engine is perfect on 34 or 36 or whatever--it is a reading you take when you do advance or retard it while Seeking the number the car runs best at--due to many things that number could be anywhere for a given combo--test run until you find what the car likes --then just use the same timing light to keep it there --to me it does not matter if it is off as long as it is the same. My old Sears and an old Mack I bought off Ebay for $6 both read about the same and seem to work great no issues---It was interesting to see if there was a timing light that was sure to work well with a mag but looks like use what ya got
Trust what the engine tells you with ET slips/mph/ plugs  is my mantra

Title: Re: Timing light for magneto?
Post by: dreracecar on July 13, 2015, 07:50:10 AM

Alcohol is so very forgiving that super precise timing is not nessasary , Its all about the timing slip after the run. Gas on the other hand is very timing sensitive