How do I use my timing light?

Christos · Mar 19, 2012

I got the my thrift store Sears timing light connected on my MF 135 and how do I use it ?

The timing hole is in the skirt below the starter and I have to lay down to peer in. The flywheel is moving so I can't figure out what mark it's on or advanced to when I give it some throttle.

I did check the spark at the points and it's a bright white, blue tinged spark.

Thanks,

Christos

wisbaker · Mar 19, 2012

Nothing says you can't paint marks on someplace you can see. Turn the motor over by hand until you got the marks lined up in the window. You can then take paint or chalk and mark the front pulley and the engine behind it and time off of that, remember the more accurate your markings are the more accurate your results. I assume you know how to hook up the light (usually leads to the battery + & -, and one lead to the #1 spark plug) start the engine and point the light at your marks (flywheel or made up front) can't do it in sunshine you'll need to be inside with no or minimal lights on or outside at dusk. When you squeeze the light's trigger the flash of light will "freeze" the mark so you can see it. If you speed up the engine the marks will move farther apart as the distributor advances.

Dave in GA · Mar 19, 2012

Almost every engine I had, I spread a thin paint line on the timing mark with some white paint or whatever was around. After cleaning off the grease and dirt, of course. Doesn't hurt anything, but it sure makes reading the timing a lot easier.

Billy Shafer · Mar 19, 2012

I agree find the mark you need and paint it. Trying to see the mark without paint is pain. I think white shows up best under the light.

RayP(MI) · Mar 19, 2012

If all else fails, a bottle of White-out is uasble to make the white mark.

Billy Shafer · Mar 20, 2012

They still make that stuff.

greygoat · Mar 20, 2012

Appliance stores...Hardware stores sell small
bottles of "Appliance touchup paint", it has a
small brush like White-out, it"s great for
highlighting timing marks. A squirt of starting
fluid on a dirty mark cleans it up nice!

How do I use my timing light?

Christos

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wisbaker

Well-known Member

Dave in GA

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Billy Shafer

Well-known Member

RayP(MI)

Well-known Member

Billy Shafer

Well-known Member

greygoat

Well-known Member

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