What is the purpose of timing light?
The timing light is connected to the ignition circuit and used to illuminate the timing marks on the engine’s crankshaft pulley or flywheel, with the engine running. The apparent position of the marks, frozen by the stroboscopic effect, indicates the current timing of the spark in relation to piston position.
How does digital timing light work?
Instead of a dial, these lights generally use a digital display screen with not just the amount of timing dialed back but also all kinds of other information. Instead of a traditional knob, these digital lights generally use up or down arrows to adjust the timing mark.
How does the pickup work on a timing light?
Inside the timing light there is a section that steps up battery voltage. That high voltage is applied across a gas discharge tube bulb filled with xenon gas. The tube is long enough that the high voltage won’t arc over. The pickup detects when the plug fires in an inductive fashion.
How to make a motorcycle ignition timing light?
Simple LED circuit for checking ignition timing on motorcycles/scooters/small engines/some cars. Make sure you REVERSE the zener diode in the schematic. It was drawn backwards. Replace the 5-20v transorb diode with a 20V zener (you can use smaller ones in series to get the 20V). Lower the LED resistor (330 ohm to 10ohm).
How does the strobe on a timing light work?
Most timing lights have a magnetic pickup that will ‘detect’ current flowing through the spark plug wire. This triggers the strobe to flash. The signal is not amplified, it closes a switch.
How does a timing light work like a camera flash?
A timing light works like a camera flash. Inside the timing light there is a section that steps up battery voltage. That high voltage is applied across a gas discharge tube bulb filled with xenon gas. The tube is long enough that the high voltage won’t arc over.
How does an inductive timing light work on a spark plug?
How does inductive timing light work? These inductive timing lights are able to detect the jolt of electricity each time the spark plug fires, similar to a doctor using a stethoscope to determine your body’s pulse.
How does a timing light work when the engine is off?
With the engine off, you merely clamp the timing light’s red wire to the battery’s positive terminal, then the black wire to the battery’s negative terminal. Lastly, you take the signal wire and clamp it directly to the Number 1 spark plug wire. (If you’re not sure which is the “Number 1” spark plug wire, stop!
Are there any batteries in a timing light?
Like the Innova mentioned above, this timing light is useful for anyone experimenting with a bit of DIY. It can be powered by two standard D cell or rechargeable batteries. These aren’t included, but the timing light will function and live a long life even with the batteries.
How does a strobing timing light work on a car?
The engine has a mark right next to the pulley that represents TDC. The strobing timing light “freezes” the motion of the pulley and allows you to see how many degrees before or after TDC the spark is firing. By manipulating the distributor cap (turning it slightly clockwise or counterclockwise), you can adjust that timing of the spark delivery.