MSD ignition timing

GUMBALL UK · #1 (**permalink**) 03-12-2003, 02:57 AM

Hi guys,

It has come time to buy a new timing light as my present one will not read the signal from the MSD6AL correctly (it's a dial back timing light).
Now, it is pretty well known that dial back timing lights do not work well with this set up, so what are you using or what do you recommend???
I don't want to spend a fortune on an MSD timing light unless I have to, as they are a lot of dosh in the UK, but if that is the only way - then so be it.

GUMBALL UK

mr0077 · #2 (**permalink**) 03-12-2003, 06:02 AM

MSD told me an electronic (dial-back) light wouldn't work due to the ignition energy, so I took mine back and got a conventional light. I didn't know MSD made a special light, but I just put a mark on the damper at 35 degrees advanced and use a conventional light...

Mr.Fixit · #3 (**permalink**) 03-12-2003, 08:20 AM

Mine works fine, it's a cheap craftsman dial back timing light. It was a christmas gift over 10 years ago. It hasn't found an ignition it couldn't "see".

chopper · #4 (**permalink**) 03-12-2003, 08:22 AM

I use a basic Craftsman light with the inductive pickup. Seems to work fine.

scottj · #5 (**permalink**) 03-12-2003, 08:36 AM

cheap Craftsman, non-back-up dial. The back-up lights might seem to be reading fine, but it won't necessarily be correct. I've seen back-ups read 35*adv when it was really 55*, ouch!

Hotfingrs · #6 (**permalink**) 03-12-2003, 08:56 AM

A self powered timing light will take care of all your problems

Excaliber · #7 (**permalink**) 03-12-2003, 10:05 AM

I use a standard light I bought in Michigan years ago. Inductive pickup clips on the plug wire. I never did like the "adjustable" style myself, to risky as to accuracy as the years go by.

My old trusty "keep it simple" light works on everything. Sometimes, less is more!

Ernie