What timing light will work with MSD ign

[FL911]

Do any of you have any input on what is the preferred timing light to use with an MSD digital ign box?

I have read that a lot the digital timing lights with the advance feature will not work with an MSD box.
I need a timing light but once I put on my MSD unit, I obviously want the timing light to work!

Thanks
Frank

[tharbert]

The timing lights I'm familiar with use the #1 plug wire to fire the strobe along with a second lead to power the strobe lamp. Seem to me that it would work pretty much with any ignition setup.

Then again, I guess I don't know anything about the digital lights.

[FL911]

I do think they work at low rpms but supposedly the digital lights go crazy at the higher rpm range. So I would not be able to check the advance at this higher range.

[Formerly Steve Wilkinson]

Interesting...I had a moderately good DIY timing light, and that was my experience--bounced all over at 5,000-6,000. I assumed the problem was a not-good-enough timing light, threw it out, and took the car to a local Porsche shop to have them do it.

So you may be right, you can't use just any timing light. I suspect the truth is that you need a really good, professional timing light, not that there's some weird special light that works with MSDs.

Why not just call MSD and ask them?

[Steve@Rennsport]

Digital, dial-back timing lights do not work reliably with MSD's. I have two Snap-on ones: one is digital and the other is an older version that has a knob for dialing advance for these things.

This one works and isn't too expensive:
http://www.msdignition.com/Products/Tools/Ignition_Tools/8990_-_MSD_Timing_Light.aspx

[Formerly Steve Wilkinson]

You just cost me $147.50.

[304065]

For you SC guys, can't you trigger off the pulse in the green wire?

I trigger my timing light off the points.

[911pcars]

The MSD timing light Steve linked to looks suspiciously like the Sears/Penske timing light I have, but I could be mistaken. I haven't used mine for quite a while. A search on the net will reveal the any similarities or differences.

BTW. Minimally, the timing light must have an inductive (clamp-on) sensor for the spark plug wire.

Sherwood

[Steve@Rennsport]

Originally Posted by Formerly Steve Wilkinson

You just cost me $147.50.

Yeah, but you helped the economy in its hour of need.

[MBruns]

We use a light made by French-Grimes it has worked well with everything to date, all the way thru 9000 on some

Mike Bruns JBRacing.com

[RoninLB]

"The French Grimes Race Systems

Pro Series Timing Light: Preferred by most Winston Cup teams, this timing light is both accurate and easy to use. The Pro Series timing light is designed to work in the most rugged environment. This timing light stands accidental exhaust header contact. The potential for false readings has been eliminated because of the inductors ability to be connected to the spark plug wire in either direction. Ample lead has been included to make timing easier. The Pro Series Timing Light can be used on any points or electronic ignition."





Both the MSD and French-Grimes' light don't show if they're dial back

both around $150-200

[cole930]

Don't waste you money on all those high dollar timing lights. Old Sears A-2134
works perfect every time on any MSD. Can be found, easily, used for 15-40 dollars.


Cole

[RoninLB]

Summit msd info says no dial-back on the two msd lights




::: DRO ::: Tech Section - In Tune with the Times - 10/7/05

Autotronic Controls Corporation (makers of the MSD ignition systems) recognized this problem and began to test a rather large number of available timing lights. Through this testing, they decided to develop their own timing light (P/N 8990). Additionally, this testing also revealed that an older model Sears Craftsman Timing Light (P/N A-2134) was considered very reliable and accurate. Both lights are stable and accurate from zero to 8,000 RPM and because of this, they are well suited to a modified (as in “high performance super rod”) application.

[James Brown]

I use a old Craftsman powered timing light, on dial and yes it works great, steady all the way up to 6k. And you can't trigger it off the green wire, you just need a signal from #1 not all 6.

[911pcars]

Originally Posted by James Brown

I use a old Craftsman powered timing light, on dial and yes it works great, steady all the way up to 6k. And you can't trigger it off the green wire, you just need a signal from #1 not all 6.

Agree, but just to be cheeky, you will also get the correct timing signal from cylinder number 4.



Also agree re: the cost of an adequate timing light. Not necessary to purchase a timing light from Griot's Garage or equivalent (the Sears Penske is perfectly adequate). As long as it has an inductive pickup and the light is bright enough to see the timing marks, you're good to go.

Sherwood

[1982911SCTarga]

On a 911, you can time off any plug wire if you know what you're doing.

Brian

[James Brown]

I can also time it with my ear, better! But #1 works the best.

[RoninLB]

timing carbs by ear is easier than a CIS for me

and a reply from MSD




R,

Our timing lights are not equipped with the dial-back feature.

The reason we do not offer this type of timing light is because it is
not recommended to use a dial-back, or digital, timing light with a CD
ignition box.

Thank you,

MSD Tech
Customer Service
MSD Ignition

[911pcars]

Originally Posted by RoninLB

timing carbs by ear is easier than a CIS for me

and a reply from MSD

R,

Our timing lights are not equipped with the dial-back feature.

The reason we do not offer this type of timing light is because it is
not recommended to use a dial-back, or digital, timing light with a CD
ignition box.

Thank you,

MSD Tech
Customer Service
MSD Ignition

Curious. Wonder why. Most adjustable timing lights are not connected to and are independent from the ignition system. There's only a induction-type p/u on a secondary SP cable that triggers the strobe light. The electronics in the timing light merely adjust the strobe light delay according to the manual adjustment knob (pot).

Sherwood

[Kenonom]

I apologize for bump the old topic, but I have some interesting observations that I would like to share, maybe this will help someone in the future because once I was on the lookout for useful advice.Here are some Engine issues that my timing light told me about .Spark scatter due to badly worn distributor shaft with points ignition. (Dwell meter would have pointed this out too,)
Upside down centrifugal advance weights.
Worn centrifugal advance mechanisms.
Seized mech advance mechanisms.
Pooched vac advance canisters ( with mityVac pump).
Outer damper ring slipping.
Vacuum advance canister installed where a pressure retard canister was called for ( Turbocharged Corvair).
Adjusting a few centrifugal advance curves.
Testing coil wires, dist cap and rotor in No spark at plug situations.
Testing for spark in intermittent electronic ignition module failure situations.
Setting ignition timing of aftermarket CDIgnition on dirt bike that required repositioning the magneto rotor and running key-less.

As far as accuracy, it's always a nagging worry. The best I have is comparing 2 lights, after a wary informational static timing check when possible, since worn components can allow several degrees change when running. The old self powered orange Xenon light my dad gave me over 40 years ago seems to be pretty consistent so far.nce I run MSD unit https://mechanicguides.com/best-timing-light-for-msd-ignition/ (concealed under dash) I use a non dial back light, since the digitals won't work on MSD, and a timing tape to plot curve. and BTW, always use the positive stop method to first find TRUE TDC.
Tuning articles all over the web and in mags will tell you how much @ what rpm for all sorts of engines and builds from dyno tests. Those guys with the dynos can figger out just what the engine likes better than my ear, and the closest drag strip is 60 miles away, makinf that method inconvenient at best.
So I value a good timing light highly.