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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Paragraph Page No.

SAFETY GUIDELINES.............................................................................................................. ...1

VEHICLE SERVICE MANUALS...................................................................................................2

GENERAL INFORMATION ..........................................................................................................3ENGINE TIMING AND TUNE-UPS ...................................................................................3ABOUT THE TIMING LIGHT.............................................................................................3

USING YOUR TIMING LIGHT......................................................................................................4BEFORE YOU BEGIN.......................................................................................................4ENGINE PREPARATION BEFORE TIMING ....................................................................4TIMING LIGHT CONNECTION .........................................................................................5INITIAL (BASE) TIMING CHECK ......................................................................................5TIMING ADJUSTMENT.....................................................................................................6ADVANCE TIMING CONTROL CHECKS.........................................................................6

TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................................................................................ .8

CARE AND MAINTENANCE .......................................................................................................8CLEANING THE INDUCTIVE PICKUP .............................................................................8REPLACING THE INDUCTIVE PICKUP LEADS..............................................................8

WARRANTY AND SERVICE .......................................................................................................9LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY ...................................................................................9SERVICE PROCEDURES ................................................................................................9

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Fire Extinguisher

Keep a f ire extinguisher suitable forgasoline/chemical/electrical fires on handwhenever working on a vehicle.

Fireproof Container

Store rags and flammable liquids only infireproof containers. Allow soaked rags to drythoroughly in open air before discarding.

Safety Goggles

Wear safety goggles when working on a vehicleto protect your eyes from battery acid, gasoline,and airborne dust and dirt from moving engineparts.

LOOSE CLOTHING AND LONG HAIR(MOVING PARTS)

Be very careful not to get your hands, hair orclothes near any moving parts such as fanblades, belts and pulleys or thrott le andtransmission linkages. DO NOT wear looseclothing or jewelry when working on a vehicle.

VENTILATION

ALWAYS operate vehicle in a well-ventilatedarea. If vehicle is in an enclosed area, exhaustshould be routed directly to the outside using aleakproof exhaust hose.

SETTING THE BRAKE

Make sure that your car is in Park or Neutral,and that the parking brake is firmly set.

HOT SURFACES

Avoid contact with hot surfaces such asexhaust manifolds, pipes, mufflers, radiator andhoses. Never remove the radiator cap while theengine is hot. Escaping coolant under pressurecan cause serious burns.

SMOKING AND OPEN FLAMES

Never smoke while working on your car.Gasoline vapor is highly flammable, and thegas formed in a charging battery is explosive.

BATTERY

Do not lay tools or equipment on the battery.Accidentally grounding the battery's positive (+)terminal can shock or burn you and damagewiring, the battery or your tools and testers. Becareful of contact with battery acid. It can burnholes in your clothing and burn your skin oreyes.

When operating any test instrument from anexternal battery, connect a jumper wirebetween the negative terminal of the externalbattery and ground on the vehicle under test.When working in a garage or other enclosedarea, the external battery should be located atleast 18 inches above the floor to minimize thepossibility of igniting gasoline vapors.

HIGH VOLTAGE

High voltage is present in the ignition coil,distributor cap, ignition wires and spark plugs.When handling ignition wires while the engineis running, use insulated pliers to avoid ashock.

JACK

The jack supplied with the vehicle should beused only for changing wheels. Never crawlunder car or run engine while vehicle is on ajack.

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SAFETY GUIDELINES

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VEHICLE SERVICE MANUALS

Contact your local car dealership, auto parts store, bookstore or public library for availability ofservice manuals for your vehicle. The following companies publish valuable repair manuals. Write tothem for availability and prices. Be sure to include the make, model and year of your vehicle.

FACTORY SOURCESFord/General Motors Service ManualsHelm Inc.14310 Hamilton Ave.Highland Park, Michigan 48203Telephone (800) 782-4356

NON-FACTORY SOURCESChek-Chart Publications1515 Grandview ParkwaySturtevant, Wisconsin 53117Telephone (800) 662-6277Haynes Publications861 Lawrence Dr.Newbury Park, California 91320Telephone (805) 498-6703

Mitchell International9889 Willow Creek Rd.P. O. Box 26260San Diego, California 92196-0260Telephone (619) 578-6550Motor Publications5600 Crooks Rd.Troy, Michigan 48098Telephone (800) 426-6867

IMPORTANT!

Timing procedures vary from vehicle to vehicle. ALWAYS refer to the Vehicle Emission Labelor service manual for your vehicle to obtain the proper timing procedures, specifications, andlocation of timing marks. OBSERVE ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WHENEVER WORKINGON A VEHICLE.

ENGINE TIMING AND TUNE-UPS

Proper ignition timing is critical in order toachieve peak engine performance and to ensuremaximum fuel economy. An ignition systemtiming check is critical during any tune-upprocedure. Your timing light provides a simpleand efficient means of checking your vehicle'signition timing, and provides the additional abilityto check the operation of your vehicle'smechanical or vacuum advance timing controls.

You may also need tools and equipment tocheck breaker point dwell (for conventionalignition systems) or to apply vacuum to thevacuum advance diaphragm on the distributorduring advance checks. Your supplier offers awide range of tools and equipment necessary toperform these tasks.

With reference to today's "self-tuning" vehicles,the meaning of the term "tune-up" has changedsignificantly. A tune-up consists essentially ofchecking engine operation with Original Equip-ment Manufacturer's specifications. Adjustmentsare made and parts are replaced ONLY if engineperformance is not within specifications.

ABOUT THE TIMING LIGHTYour timing light is designed for use on all 12-volt negative ground vehicles equipped withconventional breaker point and electronicignition systems.

Timing Light Controls

Controls for the timing light are shown in Figure 1.

1. Xenon Bulb — Used to illuminate timingmarks for checking timing.

2. Swiveling Head — Contains the xenonbulb. Rotates over approximately 90° toallow for easy illumination of timing marksin hard to reach locations.

3. Control Panel — Contains the controlsnecessary to operate the timing light.

4. Inductive Pickup Leads — Detachableleads assembly connects timing light tobattery and ignition system:

■ Red Battery Clip — Connects tobattery positive (+) terminal.

■ Black Battery Clip — Connects tobattery negative (-) terminal or baremetal chassis ground.

■ Inductive Pickup Clip — Clampsaround No. 1 spark plug cable.

5. LCD Display — Provides a digital display ofengine operating parameters includingengine speed (rpm) and advance (degrees).

6. Advance Increment Switch —Increments through degrees of advance.

7. Advance Decrement Switch —Decrements through degrees of advance.

8. Zeroing Switch — Returns LCD advancedisplay to 0 (zero) degrees.

9. Flash Switch — Push to turn strobe lighton. Push again to turn strobe light off.

10. Ignition Mode Indicator and Symbol

11. RPM Display — Shows current enginespeed in revolutions-per-minute.

12. Advance Indicator and Symbol

13. Advance Display — Shows engine timingadvance in degrees.

14. Flash Symbol — Blinks when strobe lightis operating.

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GENERAL INFORMATION

For 6-Volt Electrical Systems

■ Requires a separate 12-volt auto-motive battery.

Your timing light may be used on vehicleswith 6-volt electrical systems by using thefollowing connection procedure:

1. Connect the RED battery clip to thepositive (+) terminal of the 12-voltbattery.

2. Connect the BLACK battery clip to thenegative (-) terminal of the 12-voltbattery.

3. Using a length of 18AWG jumper wire,ground the negative (-) terminal of the12-volt battery to a known-good groundon the vehicle under test.

4. Perform remaining connection and testprocedures as specified in theappropriate sections of this manual.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Make a thorough check before starting any testprocedure and fix any known mechanical prob-lems before performing any test. Loose or dam-aged hoses, wiring, or electrical connectors areoften responsible for poor engine performance.

Refer to your vehicle’s service manual forproper connection of vacuum hoses, electricalwiring, and wiring harness connectors. Checkthe following areas:

■ All fluid levels

■ Spark plugs and spark plug wires

■ Air cleaner

■ Vacuum hoses

■ Belts

■ Electrical wiring

■ Electrical connectors

ENGINE PREPARATION BEFORETIMING

Always prepare the engine for timing beforeperforming a timing check. Refer to the VehicleEmission Control Label or service manual fortiming procedures and specifications for yourvehicle. The Vehicle Emission Control Label islocated under the hood in the enginecompartment. The label is typically located onthe underside of the hood, on a fender well orvalve cover, or near the hood latch.

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3 4

5

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7 8

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11

10

12

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Fig. 1 Timing Light Controls - General

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USING YOUR TIMING LIGHT

As a minimum, make the following prepar-ations before timing:

1. Locate the timing mark and referencepointer. The timing mark and pointer areusually located on the crankshaft pulley orvibration damper (on the front of the engine)or on the flywheel (between the engine andtransmission). Refer to Figure 2.

Make sure the timing mark and pointer areclean and clearly visible. Chalk the marksif necessary.

2. Make sure all spark plugs are in goodcondition and are properly gapped.

3. Start and run the engine until it reachesit's normal operating temperature. TURNTHE ENGINE OFF BEFORE CON-NECTING TIMING LIGHT.

I f applicable, check and adjust dwell tomanufacturer's specifications.

TIMING LIGHT CONNECTION

To ensure personal safety and reliableoperation of the timing light, use the followingprocedure to connect the timing light:

1. Turn the ignition off. DO NOT CONNECTTHE TIMING LIGHT WITH THE ENGINERUNNING OR WITH THE IGNITION ON.

2. Clamp the inductive pickup clip around theNo. 1 spark plug wire. See Figure 3.

DO NOT ALLOW THE INDUCTIVEPICKUP CLIP TO CONTACT THEEXHAUST MANIFOLD OR OTHERENGINE PARTS. These parts becomeEXTREMELY hot while the engine isrunning, and will damage the inductivepickup clip.

3. Connect the battery clips to the vehicle'sbattery:

■ Connect the RED battery clip topositive (+) battery terminal.

■ Connect the BLACK battery clip tonegative (-) battery terminal.

4. Connect the inductive pickup leads to thebottom of the timing light handle.

INITIAL (BASE) TIMING CHECK

1. MAKE SURE the timing light is properlyconnected as described in TIMING LIGHTCONNECTION.

2. MAKE SURE the engine has beenproperly prepared for the timing check asdescribed in ENGINE PREPARATIONBEFORE TIMING.

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14 BTDC

10

6

0 TDC

6 ATDC

0 10 20 30

20

16

12

8

4

0

0 4 8 12 16

10 10TBTDC ATDC T

1020

BTDC

Fig. 2 Typical Timing Marks WARNING!

Always keep hands, timing light, leadwires and clips away from moving engineparts and hot surfaces. DO NOT SMOKE.

NOTE

Some ignition systems require that certaincomponents be disconnected, jumped orgrounded BEFORE ignition timing can bechecked or adjusted to specifications. Ifthese procedures are not followed, thechecked or adjusted timing will not becorrect. You MUST consult your vehicle'sservice manual for the proper proceduresand specifications.

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3. Start and run the engine until it reaches itsnormal operating temperature.

4. Adjust the engine's idle speed, if necessary,to conform to manufacturer's specifications:

5. MAKE SURE the timing light AdvanceDisplay shows 0 (zero) degrees. Press theZeroing Switch if necessary to obtain 0degree indication.

6. Adjust the timing light barrel, as needed,to adequately light the timing marks.

7. Note the position of the rotating timingmark in relation to the reference pointer.See Figure 4.

■ Compare the readings obtained instep 7 with the manufacturer'sspecif ications for t iming. If thereadings are within the specifiedtolerance (typically ±2°), ignitiontiming is correct.

■ If the readings are not within themanufacturer's specifications, parts

replacement or timing adjustmentMAY BE necessary.

8. Press the Flash Switch. The timing lightwill stop flashing.

9. Turn the ignition off and disconnect thetiming light from the engine. BE SURE toreconnect any vacuum hoses, etc., whichwere disconnected during the timing check.

TIMING ADJUSTMENT

Refer to your vehicle's service manual for theproper procedures to adjust engine timing. DONOT ATTEMPT TO ADJUST ENGINE TIMINGWITHOUT THE MANUFACTURER'SPROCEDURES OR SPECIFICATIONS.

ADVANCE TIMING CONTROLCHECKS

Advance and retard timing controls ensure thatignition occurs at the proper time during thecompression stroke. These controls include:

■ mechanical advance

■ vacuum advance

■ vacuum retard

■ electronic advance

■ electronic retard

■ electronic advance /retard

Depending on make and model, a vehicle may beequipped with a single timing control device, ortwo or more devices may be used in combination.

NOTE

If the timing light fails to operate or operateserratically, refer to TROUBLESHOOTING todetermine the most likely cause of the problem.

ROTATINGTIMING MARKS

REFERENCEPOINTERS

Fig. 4. Reading Timing Marks NOTE

Advance timing test procedures vary widelyfrom vehicle to vehicle. The following para-graphs provide general test procedures forchecking mechanical/centrifugal advance andvacuum advance. ALWAYS make sure initialtiming and dwell are correct before checkingadvance timing. ALWAYS refer to the servicemanual for the vehicle under test to obtain theproper timing procedures and specifications.OBSERVE ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.

INDUCTIVEPICKUP

#1 SPARKPLUG WIRE

ENGINE

Fig. 3 Inductive Pickup ClipConnection

Checking Mechanical/Centrifugal TimingAdvance

1. MAKE SURE the timing light AdvanceDisplay shows 0 (zero) degrees. Press theZeroing Switch if necessary to obtain 0degree indication.

2. While performing an INITIAL (BASE)TIMING CHECK as previously described,slowly increase engine speed to themanufacturer's specified rpm for mechani-cal/centrifugal advance, and observe therotating timing mark for change. The timingmark should appear to move smoothly, inthe opposite direction of engine rotation,away from the reference pointer.

3. Press the Advance Increment and Ad-vance Decrement switches, as necessary,until the rotating timing mark and thereference pointer realign at the initial(base) timing mark as previously re-corded. Read the degrees of mechanicalor centrifugal advance on the LCD display.See Figure 5.

4. Note the degrees advance shown on theLCD display, and compare this value withthe manufacturer's specif ication formechanical or centrifugal timing advancefor the rpm specified.

■ If the position of the rotating timingmark does not change during themechanical/centrifugal advancecheck, the mechanical weights asso-ciated with your vehicle's mechanicaladvance mechanism (if equipped)may be rusted or binding.

5. Repeat the test, as needed, for all enginespeeds specified by the manufacturer'sinstructions.

Checking Vacuum Timing Advance

1. With the engine off, disconnect the vacuumhose from the distributor's vacuum advanceport. Plug the vacuum hose securely.

2. Connect the vacuum pump to thedistributor's vacuum port. Do not applyvacuum at this time.

3. Start the engine and perform INITIAL(BASE) TIMING CHECK as previouslydescribed. Record the degree(s) of initial(base) timing.

4. Using the vacuum pump, apply themanufacturer's specif ied amount ofvacuum to the distributor's vacuum port.

5. Aim the timing light at the timing marksand press the Advance Increment andAdvance Decrement switches, asnecessary, until the timing marks arerealigned to the initial (base) timing markas recorded in step 3.

6. The difference between the readingobtained in step 3 {initial (base) timing}and the value obtained in step 5 is thevehicle's vacuum advance. Compare thisvalue with the manufacturer's specifica-tions for vacuum advance.

7. Repeat the test, as needed, for eachamount of vacuum specif ied by themanufacturer's instructions.

8. Turn off the ignition and disconnect thetiming light and vacuum pump from theengine. Unplug and reconnect the vacuumhose to the distributor's vacuum port.

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ADVANCEDISPLAY

ADVANCEINCREMENT

BUTTON

ADVANCEDECREMENT

BUTTON

Fig. 5. Advance Control Knob Operation

NOTE

If timing mark movement is rough or erratic,the mechanical advance system may be de-fective. Service and repair the mechanicaladvance system in accordance with the man-ufacturer's instructions before continuing.

NOTE

A vacuum pump equipped with a vacuumgauge is needed to check vacuum advance.

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Checking Vacuum/Electronic Retard andElectronic Advance

The procedures for checking vacuum/electronicretard and electronic advance vary betweenvehicles and manufacturers. Refer to your

vehicle's service manual for specifications andprocedures.

A vacuum pump equipped with a vacuumgauge is required to check vacuum retard.

TROUBLESHOOTINGIf the timing light fails to operate or operateserratically, make the following checks:

1. Make sure the battery clips are firmlyconnected to the battery terminals.

2. Make sure the battery clip polarity iscorrect (red battery clip is connected tothe positive (+) battery terminal, blackbattery clip is connected to the negative(–) battery terminal).

3. Make sure the upper and lower ferritecores of the inductive pickup clip areclean. If necessary, clean the inductivepickup cl ip as described in MAIN-TENANCE.

4. Make sure the inductive pickup clip isproperly connected to the No. 1 spark plugcable.

5. Make sure the No. 1 spark plug is workingproperly:

■ Connect the inductive pickup clip toanother spark plug cable, and pressthe Flash switch.

■ If the timing light flashes, service theNo. 1 spark plug before continuing.

NOTE

Low spark plug voltage or a faulty spark plugwire may cause the timing light to operateerratically. Try moving the inductive pickupclip to a new location on the plug wire toimprove operation.

Some ignition systems and/or specialty sparkplug wires (solid core wires, racing wires, off-road wires) radiate above normal Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI) and RadioFrequency Interference (RFI) which cancause improper operation of testing equip-ment. Contact the manufacturers of theseparts for instructions on how to use aninductive pickup with their systems.

CARE AND MAINTENANCECLEANING THE INDUCTIVEPICKUP CLIP

Dirt or grease on the inside surfaces of the induc-tive pickup clip can result in erratic flashing orpoor operation of the timing light. Periodicallyclean the contact surfaces inside the inductive pick-up clip by wiping with a soft cloth. See Figure 6.

REPLACING THE INDUCTIVEPICKUP LEADS

The timing light is equipped with detachableleads which can be disconnected from thetiming light for easy storage after use. If the testleads or clips become damaged, a replacementset can be obtained from your dealer or directlyfrom the service center.

CLEANCONTACT

SURFACES

Fig. 6. Cleaning the InductivePickup Clip

LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY

The Manufacturer warrants to the originalpurchaser that this unit is free of defects inmaterials and workmanship under normal useand maintenance for a period of one (1) yearfrom the date of original purchase. If the unitfails within the one (1) year period, it will berepaired or replaced, at the Manufac-turer'soption, at no charge, when returned prepaid tothe Service Center with Proof of Purchase. Thesales receipt may be used for this purpose. Allreplacement parts, whether new or re-manufactured, assume as their warranty periodonly the remaining time of this warranty. Thiswarranty does not apply to damage caused byimproper use, accident, abuse, impropervoltage, service, fire, flood, lightning, or otheracts of God, or if the product was altered orrepaired by anyone other than theManufacturer's Service. The Manufacturer,under no circumstances shall be liable for anyconsequential damages for breach of anywritten warranty of this unit. This warranty givesyou specific legal rights, and you may also

have rights which vary from state to state. Thismanual is copyrighted with all rights reserved.No portion of this document may be copied orreproduced by any means without the expresswritten permission of the Manufacturer. THISWARRANTY IS NOT TRANSFERABLE. Forservice, send via U.P.S. (if possible) prepaid toManufacturer. Allow 3-4 weeks forservice/repair.

SERVICE PROCEDURES

If you have any questions, please contact yourlocal store, distributor or the Service Center.

USA & Canada:

(800) 544-4124 (9:00-4:00, Monday-FridayPST)

All others:

(714) 241-6802 (9:00-4:00, Monday-FridayPST)

FAX:(714) 432-7910 (24 hr.)

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WARRANTY AND SERVICE