Timing light

[hrs1326]

I have a Mac Tools TL300 advance type timing light that I want to use on a 16 volt car. Does anyone know if I can do that without damaging the light??
Thanks in advance

 

[zendriver]

Hook it up to a 12v power source when using?

 

[LopezBart]

I assume this timing light uses an inductive pickup... 16 volts isn't very far above the peak "normal" voltages seen in 12V systems; the odds are very good you'd get away with it w/o any issues. However, Zendriver has a sure no fire solution .

 

[Bad Eye Bill]

I assume this timing light uses an inductive pickup... 16 volts isn't very far above the peak "normal" voltages seen in 12V systems; the odds are very good you'd get away with it w/o any issues. However, Zendriver has a sure no fire solution .

I used to use an extra 12V battery, or another vehicles battery, when timing 6V stuff.

Yes, it was an inductive pickup.

 

[no704]

Pics of 16v car?

 

[ALinCarolina]

I use my timing light on my air cooled beetle. It is easier to have one of my spare batteries sitting on the floor to power it. It doesn't have to be powered by the engine you are testing. Use the pickup as usual on #1 cylinder.

 

[darkzero]

"What's a timing light?"

Not me Bob, that's what the kids (youngsters) would say these days.

 

[APEowner]

16v is probably fine but without knowing anything about the specific circuit I wouldn't risk it. I'd just use a separate 12v battery as others have suggested. I'm very curious about this 16 volt car. I've been messing with cars for a long time and I've never heard of such a thing.

Edit: Just after I hit the post button I remembered the 16v turbostart batteries that some drag racers use.

 

[roc_on_the_rocks]

16v is probably fine but without knowing anything about the specific circuit I wouldn't risk it. I'd just use a separate 12v battery as others have suggested. I'm very curious about this 16 volt car. I've been messing with cars for a long time and I've never heard of such a thing.

Edit: Just after I hit the post button I remembered the 16v turbostart batteries that some drag racers use.

16V systems are common in drag racing, for more juice to the ignition system.

 

[rust in the eye]

I assume this timing light uses an inductive pickup... 16 volts isn't very far above the peak "normal" voltages seen in 12V systems; the odds are very good you'd get away with it w/o any issues. However, Zendriver has a sure no fire solution .

I tend to agree and the increased voltage might make the flash brighter(always a good thing outdoors)but at the expense of the bulb. That is a reasobably expensive timing light so to be safe I'd use another power source or a device to step down the voltage. One of those old slim 12v Makita battery packs could probably be strapped to the light. Hopefully someone familiar with the actual workings will chime in.

 

[LopezBart]

If a 12 volt battery is too awkward, there are 16 to 12 volt solid state converters made for use w/ golf-carts.

 

[no704]

 

[PBCampbell]

There are self powered timing lights that use a couple "D" cells too.

 

[driftpin]

Don't forget a flexible allen screwdriver for setting the dwell thru the pop-up window of the distributor cap, and a dwell meter!

 

[KSJeff]

I know it's safe up to 15v since it's timed while the alternator is running. I would think 16 would be safe, but I don't know for certain.

 

[Blt2Lst]

Don't forget a flexible allen screwdriver for setting the dwell thru the pop-up window of the distributor cap, and a dwell meter!

I still have my snap-on one, however it dosen't get used much these days.

 

[JradM]

I know it's safe up to 15v since it's timed while the alternator is running. I would think 16 would be safe, but I don't know for certain.

I figured the same - but then I wondered, is a 16v car also charging at an even higher voltage? Or maybe this isn't the sort of car that has an alternator...

 

[Mick56]

My first timing light did not need any power source. It was a super cheap RAC. The light had two spark plug wires coming out of it. You pulled the wire off the spark plug, then one end went on the plug and the other end went on the wire.

 

[RTM]

I figured the same - but then I wondered, is a 16v car also charging at an even higher voltage? Or maybe this isn't the sort of car that has an alternator...

Or a cigarette lighter and companion USB port.