Erratic Timing on Timing Light
#1
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Erratic Timing on Timing Light
I've previously used this adjustable timing light w/ my MSD 6AL before and it seemed to work fine. Tonight, I was trying to tune my timing, but it seems to jump all over the place and not respond to me moving the ****. Could this timing light only intermittantly work w/ my MSD or is something else going on? See my sig for my engine specs.
Thanks
Thanks
#2
Le Mans Master
Re: Erratic Timing on Timing Light (Langadorf)
I've previously used this adjustable timing light w/ my MSD 6AL before and it seemed to work fine. Tonight, I was trying to tune my timing, but it seems to jump all over the place and not respond to me moving the ****. Could this timing light only intermittantly work w/ my MSD or is something else going on? See my sig for my engine specs.
Thanks
Thanks
#3
Melting Slicks
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Re: Erratic Timing on Timing Light (Langadorf)
1. Borrow a timing light from a friend.
2. Check your harmonic balancer for slipping.
3. Check the advance unit in the distributor.
4. Check the timing chain.
I hope it's one, two or three. Good luck.
2. Check your harmonic balancer for slipping.
3. Check the advance unit in the distributor.
4. Check the timing chain.
I hope it's one, two or three. Good luck.
#4
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Re: Erratic Timing on Timing Light (1979toy)
How would I check the timing chain for stretching (besides pulling the timing cover)? What would symptoms of a stretched timing chain be? It seems to idle evenly and acellerate just fine (although I haven't REALLY gotten on it). I just put new heads on it and have been tweaking idle/timing etc. trying to get it up and running optimally.
#5
Race Director
Re: Erratic Timing on Timing Light (Langadorf)
If your timing light has the type of connector that clamps onto the plug wire make sure it has no cracks in the plastic, and also that it isn't leaning against another plug wire- either of these can cause it to pick up spark from another wire besides the #1 and cause the problem you're experiencing.
#6
Safety Car
Re: Erratic Timing on Timing Light (Langadorf)
I am in the same boat as you. My timing was allover the place last time I had a light on it, which was a non-adjustable light. Since, my MSD has craped out and is being repaired. I'll let you know what happens when I get it back and in, I'll have a band new adjustable timing light then also.
#7
Le Mans Master
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Re: Erratic Timing on Timing Light (Langadorf)
If you have the type where you clamp around the #1 plug wire, you might also simply try reversing the clamp on the wire. Just detach it and turn the clamp over and reattach.
Merry Christmas,
Merry Christmas,
#8
Le Mans Master
Re: Erratic Timing on Timing Light (Langadorf)
How would I check the timing chain for stretching (besides pulling the timing cover)? What would symptoms of a stretched timing chain be? It seems to idle evenly and acellerate just fine (although I haven't REALLY gotten on it). I just put new heads on it and have been tweaking idle/timing etc. trying to get it up and running optimally.
I sure am glad that Bubba "rebuilt" this engine before I bought the car from him :rolleyes: :lol: .
You should be able to simply remove a valve cover and manually rotate the crankshaft a few degrees (10-15) either direction while watching the valve train, if you see some dead space (i.e. valve train not moving) after changing the direction of rotation, then you could probably use a new timing set. Hope this helps.
#9
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Re: Erratic Timing on Timing Light (Jim Shea)
That worked - never would have thought the direction the clamp was oriented would have made a difference.
Thanks all!
Thanks all!