Esso "Motor-Rator" Timing Light

[michaelg]

Hello forum members! Does anyone have any information on this old Esso "Motor-Rator" timing light I recently found at a yard sale. I'm not finding anything like it in my searches. Its missing the AC lead but other than that it appears to be complete. My goal is to restore it to working condition and then display it in the garage but I would love to know more about it as well.

Thanks for your help!

 

[tym]

Interesting...looks like a tach + timing light. Cool!

 

[lazer50]

I dont think that has anything to do with an engine.its electric motor related thats why you see the place for an ac cord.and if its actually e s s o the only reference i seen for that name is the standard oil co.

 

[454ragtop]

I dont think that has anything to do with an engine.its electric motor related thats why you see the place for an ac cord.and if its actually e s s o the only reference i seen for that name is the standard oil co.

Pretty sure it is auto related, not electric motor. What would you use a timing light for on an electric motor? Was probably AC powered to get a brighter flash, common complaint back in the points days was that the timing lights weren't bright enough. Pretty sure Esso was a chain of gas stations, not unlike Sunoco. Have to wonder if they went on to become Exxon.

 

[tym]

^ Agreed. The meter face is also labeled "Engine RPM."

 

[joecon]

Esso did become Exxon, before that it was stranded of new jersey.
In the old days ac timing lights were better because dc lights were
not bright .

 

[michaelg]

Thanks everyone for your responses! Do you think this was an official tool at Esso stations, part of a diagnostic tool set or maybe a promotional item?

 

[GForceJunky]

Esso still exists as one of the most common brands of gas/gas stations in Canada but yes, they are affiliated/part of Exxon/ExxonMobil

That aside, cool looking tool! Would love to see it back in action!

 

[michaelg]

I finished restoring this recently. Unfortunately it doesn't work after being rewired...I assume some of the 60 year old electrical components are bad but I don't have enough expertise to take it any further.

 

[tym]

If it has any electrolytic capacitors, those are likely no longer good and can be replaced with modern equivalents. If you're lucky, that may be all it needs.

 

[thehorse13]

Even if it doesn't work, it's still a cool display piece. I would certainly hang it on my wall. Nice job.