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Timing Light Recommendations: To Dwell Or Not To Dwell?

Discussion in 'The Tool Shed' started by Danefraz, Aug 9, 2016.

  1. Aug 9, 2016
    Danefraz

    Danefraz Well-Known Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Chico CA
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    Aug 11, 2012
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    OK,

    I haven't had access to a timing light since about 1990. And then I sort of set things 'by ear'.

    I have a decent vacuum gauge for fiddling and help fine tuning the carb.

    I don't have a timing light or a dwell meter.

    I was looking at buying a timing light, and found this one with a dwell meter:

    Amazon.com: INNOVA 5568 Pro-Timing Light with Tool Case: Automotive

    Is this a garbage brand? Is the 'all-in-one' a bad idea on these?

    What say you all?
     
  2. Aug 9, 2016
    Daryl

    Daryl Sponsor

    Bonney Lake, WA
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    Reviews say that it doesn't work with MSD units. That may be impact a few people.
     
  3. Aug 9, 2016
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
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    Whatever you choose, don't dwell on it.



    :whistle:
     
    Danefraz likes this.
  4. Aug 9, 2016
    Jeepenstein

    Jeepenstein Me like Jeep..

    North Central FL
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    Jun 15, 2003
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    you can get away without dwell by properly setting point gap, it's just an easier and more accurate way of seeing point gap..
     
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  5. Aug 11, 2016
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
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    Timing lights and dwell meters work well as diagnostic tools on older vehicles. Dwell bouncing around? Look at distributor bushings. Ignition timing marks moving around? Look at timing chain/gear wear or distributor issues. Other things as well.
     
    Danefraz likes this.
  6. Aug 12, 2016
    Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Virginia Beach, VA
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    my dinosaur tune up equipment . probity bought in mid 70's
    dwel meter.jpg timing light.jpg
    unlike tools of today timing light is metal
     
    Last edited: Aug 12, 2016
    dnb71R2 and cookieman like this.
  7. Aug 12, 2016
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    Nov 22, 2003
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    With a vacuum gauge & feeler gauges you should be able to get your timing & dwell right on.

    But the analyzers do come in handy for troubleshooting, I got my last dwell meter, actually engine analyzer, off of ebay. Just on the theory that He Who Has the Most Toys Wins I even picked up one of these-

    [​IMG]

    H.
     
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  8. Aug 12, 2016
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
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    I'll play.

    My Dad started relinquishing some of his treasure to me. :)
    [​IMG]
     
  9. Sep 13, 2016
    montanacj

    montanacj Member

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    I know this is an old thread, but I got a HF cheapie timing light recently and it works great. For the one time I've used it(y)
     
  10. Sep 27, 2016
    jeep2003

    jeep2003 Well-Known Member

    Upstate NY
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    I just tried to set my dwell. Couldnt get it to respond couldnt had 50 degrees all the time. I put new points in they were looking old anyway then realized I had the MSD box on it. Took it off that thing doesnt do anything anyway. Keep it simple stupid :) My equipment is as old or older that the stuff you guys pictured. Seems to be running stronger now. I certainly wouldnt spend $120. on one. They can be had for $5. at flea markets and swap meets all day long
     
  11. Sep 27, 2016
    Danefraz

    Danefraz Well-Known Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Chico CA
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    I picked up a chrome 'craftsman' vintage light with an adjustable knob and a dwell meter that looks like Focker's... even if I only use them once, I'll be money ahead...
     
  12. Mar 6, 2017
    johnny and sandy

    johnny and sandy Member

    San...
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    Just set the points then do a Static Timing. no need for a timing light
    Just a points gap feeler gauges and a test light. see

    this youtube is for a MG but its the same thing for all old cars
     
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