Timing without timing light

[rjkoop]

Not sure if it was mentioned but it's always good practice to run the timing light off a separate battery. Certain ignitions/alternators can reek havoc with the timing light.

Yep. I read this as well. I have a battery for my speed boat. I'll connect the timing light up to that, plug #4 wire and give it a try.

Richard

[majicwrench]

Been working in shops/dealerships all my life, never seen anyone do that. To each their own.

[rjkoop]

Ended up just uses the + off the ignition coil. Worked fine.

I found it real tough to see the paint mark I put on the notch of the crankshaft. I was able to get the timing close but I'd like to get it better. On another post they mentioned to use the hole in the indicator and that lines up with the 10 BTDC marker. I'll just have to extend my paint further back on the crank to see it.

[RRoller123]

Was the mark jumping around?

[rjkoop]

Was the mark jumping around?

Nope. It was pretty solid (maybe shifting a few degrees but not much at all). I could see the paint on the notch when it was before/after the indicator marks (ie. timing was off). Then I adjusted the distributor (to move the mark to 10 BTDC) and I couldn't see it because my paint marks were under the indicator marks. I think I just need to put paint further back on the crankshaft where it isn't covered by the indicator mark and I can see it through the hole.

I found pointing the timing light from just on top of the AFM worked best to line it up with the hole. Nice to see the timing light was really easy to use though. And I haven't been zapped yet moving the distributor cap!

I think I'll take a quick video once I get the best technique to help others like myself... (amateur mechanic)

[rjkoop]

Move to separate post...