timing light advice?

[Mr.Nutcase]

I have used timing light when I was at school, I have some cars with Distributors, and coil on plug( which is not adjustable)
What brand would you recommend and why?
After Sears started making hand tools in China, I dont trust them any more..think about it what happens if Sears goes of business, Any warranty on timing light is out the window.

 

[malibu101]

I have an older Craftsman that has always worked fine for me.
I don't know what is a good value/brand today.

Are you looking for a dialback light?
I have never used or had a dialback, I have either ran a degree marked balancer or a timing tape with great success.

A non-dialback seems like a pretty basic and simple device but really I don't know.

I too am watching for the answers on your question.

 

[brtsvg]

get one of these older Craftsman ones -

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-CRA..._Automotive_Tools&hash=item20cedd5f3e&vxp=mtr

I bought one of these 25 years ago and it worked great, so naturally I was really uspset when it got stolen 3 years ago out of my garage. I looked around at replacements in the susual stores (including Sears) and they were all low-quality Chinese ********, so I got another of these great made-in-usa older Craftsman ones on Ebay - new still in the box for about $ 25 with shipping. Unbeatable deal and better quality compared to what they sell in the stores nowadays. Theres no wear and tear on these things.

 

[joedodge]

Run them to 2000 rpm advance them till it pings and back it off a lil and see how it starts. Seriously though basic timing lights for $15 work fine for most things

 

[CWP1616L]

get one of these older Craftsman ones -

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-CRA..._Automotive_Tools&hash=item20cedd5f3e&vxp=mtr

I have one of those too. Bought it brand new at Sears about 25 years ago like you did. It's always been an excellent timing light.

These days I'd probably buy an Innova.

 

[FiendFX]

I recommend Innova timing light. They are bright and cheaper than snap on.

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

does actron make any good timing light..
Might have take look on the innova timing light...

 

[buening]

Here is a handy chart for the Innova versions that help choosing which is right for you:

Me personally, I like the 3568 since it has the tachometer option. This would simplify things, as currently I have a spare tachometer gauge that I hook up under the hood when I do the timing. The pro version isn't that much higher ($100 shipped vs $74 shipped on Amazon) but doesn't really get you much more other than a backlit LCD and dwell/volt readings. The downfall with the fancy electronic versions is they are more prone to not work, as can be seen by some of the Amazon reviews.

 

[RM209]

get one of these older Craftsman ones -

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-CRA..._Automotive_Tools&hash=item20cedd5f3e&vxp=mtr

I bought one of these 25 years ago and it worked great, so naturally I was really uspset when it got stolen 3 years ago out of my garage. I looked around at replacements in the susual stores (including Sears) and they were all low-quality Chinese ********, so I got another of these great made-in-usa older Craftsman ones on Ebay - new still in the box for about $ 25 with shipping. Unbeatable deal and better quality compared to what they sell in the stores nowadays. Theres no wear and tear on these things.

I've got one as well; it's a basic, good quality timing light. You could spend a lot more money, and buy one that has an adjustable advance, but considering how little you'll probably use it, I suspect the Craftsman (also sometimes re-branded as Penske) will serve you well. You can pick them up all day long in new/excellent condition, on C-L or at estate sales for $15-20, and sometimes as little as $5.

RM209

 

[obsessive]

I've got an older Craftsman with advance dial that's like new. I've been planning to sell it on eBay. IM me your email address if you're interested and I can send you pictures. It's US-made, model 2194. (161.2194 on the light)

 

[91bronc300]

All I can recommend is get one where the inductive pickup is metal and not plastic. The inductive pickup can and will hit the concrete when you're using it and the plastic pickup can and will break at some point. Very frustrating to be epoxying your timing light back together when you NEED it.

 

[sberry]

We havnt had a light for 25 yrs and were designing something, just bought an iductive with adv for 30 from HF, nothing not to trust and for real world as was said, advance till it pings and retard a touch, run 89 octane fuel in them. 10 cents a gallon for 3.50 fuel difference in price dont mean a pinch of ****.

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

alot to think thru... So no HF? are ok?