Timing Light Question(s)
 

I recently put a new distributor in my '82 SC and set the timing statically. The car runs fine and passed CA Smog with flying colors, however I am noticing a slight pinging under load in the 3-4k rpm range and am wondering if my timing is off slightly.

I am trying to use a Sears timing light that someone gave to me which I have never seen work. I've got power at the rear fuse panel, plenty of good grounds and have the pick-up wire attached to #1 spark plug wire. I'm getting no light from the timing light when I press the trigger (yes, the engine's running).

Could I have the pick-up placed incorrectly - the Smog guy mentioned that he was having problems with the signal through the braided plug wires? How about the bulb in the light - do those fail on 20 year old units? Is the bulb replaceable or do I just need to bite the bullet and buy a new light?

Thanks for the suggestions.

Place the pick-up over the un-shieled part of the wire.

Ken

Thanks Ken,

I've tried the pick-up on both ends of the wire as close to the connector as possible, but don't know if that's bare wire or not. Should I be rolling back the rubber boots or should signal be fine wth the pick-up around the boot?

Thanks,

Mark,

You won't be able to get a good trigger signal over the braid, so be sure you are right next to the distributor, and slide the braid out a bit further if necessary to get access to unshielded wire on #1.

Have you considered testing the timing light on another vehicle?

Should be OK if there is no shielding. The braid of the shield should be very visible. Try the light on a car without shieled wire to see if it functions.

Ken

Thanks guys,

I'll try the light on another vehicle before I tear into the timing light to see if there are any user-serviceable parts!!!! It won't be nearly as much fun that way, though.....