timing light recommendations
- Thread starter networx
- Start date
Elroy would like to bump this question up the page.
You see it is almost boating season. A good friend of mine has an old steel hull house boat built about 1963. He calls me up because he is having problems with the 413 Chrysler in it. Seams it has no oil pressure. Long story, but this marine engine ends up being the same thing as a Super Stock Max Wedge. Solid cam and all with like hugh 2.18" intake valves.
So we're down at the marina putting this thing back together and Elroy forgot to bring his timing light. So the boat owner says he'll be right back. He went over to another slip and came back with this real nice Snap-on timing light. I mean that thing was sweet. Digial advance / retard up to 180 degrees. Elroy wants one real bad but I don't like the $500 price tag.
Who makes that thing? What are you guys using?
You see it is almost boating season. A good friend of mine has an old steel hull house boat built about 1963. He calls me up because he is having problems with the 413 Chrysler in it. Seams it has no oil pressure. Long story, but this marine engine ends up being the same thing as a Super Stock Max Wedge. Solid cam and all with like hugh 2.18" intake valves.
So we're down at the marina putting this thing back together and Elroy forgot to bring his timing light. So the boat owner says he'll be right back. He went over to another slip and came back with this real nice Snap-on timing light. I mean that thing was sweet. Digial advance / retard up to 180 degrees. Elroy wants one real bad but I don't like the $500 price tag.
Who makes that thing? What are you guys using?
l_bilyk
Well-known member
Elroy said:Elroy wants one real bad but I don't like the $500 price tag.
*Elroy wants one real bad but Elroy doesn't like the $500 price tag.
motorheadjohn
Well-known member
LMAO
I have been eyeing those Snappy's as well. I know a guy with one and they are nice but for non-professional the price is a killer. Maybe even for a professional. I have seen similar-looking units for sale in the Northern and Tool-Warehouse catalogs, but you know the overseas manufacturers can copy anything these days. Without looking at them side by side, or inside, I would not presume they are made by the same company.
As for alternatives, I've got a Craftsman dial-back light. It has never given me problems, but everyone I know says they are unreliable or inaccurate. The dial-back appears correct on mine when I double-check using the 0 setting and a timing tape. But, I bought this unit about 15 years ago. Can't say they are all accurate, or that units sold today are as accurate. Mine might be a fluke, or I might not know what I'm doing.
I have been eyeing those Snappy's as well. I know a guy with one and they are nice but for non-professional the price is a killer. Maybe even for a professional. I have seen similar-looking units for sale in the Northern and Tool-Warehouse catalogs, but you know the overseas manufacturers can copy anything these days. Without looking at them side by side, or inside, I would not presume they are made by the same company.
As for alternatives, I've got a Craftsman dial-back light. It has never given me problems, but everyone I know says they are unreliable or inaccurate. The dial-back appears correct on mine when I double-check using the 0 setting and a timing tape. But, I bought this unit about 15 years ago. Can't say they are all accurate, or that units sold today are as accurate. Mine might be a fluke, or I might not know what I'm doing.
Uncle Buck
Banned
I have the same Cman dialback, there is nothing wrong with my light, perhaps some of those guys are not skilled enough to operate a T light as sophisticated as a Crafty unit.
Elroy has a dial back Craftman and it's OK. Nothing special. That snappy model being digital with the built in tachometer was nice! Next thing you know they will have a vacuum gauge built into it.
That was one sweet timing light! It has a sweet price too. I just might have to spring for one.
That was one sweet timing light! It has a sweet price too. I just might have to spring for one.
motorheadjohn
Well-known member
Built-in tach is a major plus, the main reason I keep eyeing those timing lights. Would be nice for setting the mechanical and vacuum instead of running around the car to check the RPM constantly.
oldskewl61
Well-known member
got one at sears when i started as a tech for now they sell for 50ish works great almost everyday for years now