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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ Timing Light

Posted by: obscurity Mar 14 2006, 03:15 PM

I need to buy a timing light (I think)

Two questions:
1. Do I need one to time my 1.7L? )as I recall I didn't need one for my beetle)

2. What should I look for/avoid in a timing light? I was going to stop by pep boys but I can't count on them to know anything about the lights except cost.

Thanks for any help,

Posted by: Aaron Cox Mar 14 2006, 03:19 PM

you can borrow or rent one from FLAPS....

my favorite are the adjustable delay ones...
so that way you ONLY need ONE mark (TDC) on your pulley.

E.g. "i need 12 degrees initial advance at idle, and 29 degrees full advance at 3000 rpm"

you set the light to delay 12 degrees... and when timed correctly, you see the TDC mark.....

Posted by: bd1308 Mar 14 2006, 03:22 PM

I have TWO of the regular ones...and I really want a adjustable one....

b

Posted by: URY914 Mar 14 2006, 03:33 PM

I need to replace mine too. I'm thining Sears but I think they sell Sun Automotive stuff too.
Any comments?

Posted by: lapuwali Mar 14 2006, 03:41 PM

You needed on to time your Beetle PROPERLY.

You can statically time any car with a distributor and points, and as long as you're happy with the results, no problem. However, dynamically timing a car is usually a much better idea, as you generally want to time the ignition to work at max advance (where you spend most of your time with the engine running), not at idle.

An adjustable timing light is almost a must on the 914, since the timing marks are hard to see, and there's generally only one mark.

If you're sticking with points, getting one of the snazzy digital jobs with a built-in dwell meter and tach would be best, though they're fairly spendy.

Posted by: URY914 Mar 14 2006, 03:49 PM

http://buy1.snapon.com/products/diagnostics/time_mt2661ap.asp?partno=MT2261AP&DIR=catalog

+$500!!

Posted by: URY914 Mar 14 2006, 03:55 PM

How about this one

http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16182

Posted by: URY914 Mar 14 2006, 04:04 PM

here's a deal

http://www.etoolcart.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=4683

Posted by: lapuwali Mar 14 2006, 04:06 PM

http://www.drivewerks.com/catalog/shopcart/TOOL/POR_TOOL_CAT448_pg7.htm

No experience with this item, but this is what I was referring to. Tach, advance, dwell, voltmeter, and can handle timing for a DIS setup (wasted spark), too.

As I recall, a basic adjustable unit from Sears is about $80, or less than half the price of the digital thing.

Posted by: URY914 Mar 14 2006, 04:07 PM

QUOTE (lapuwali @ Mar 14 2006, 02:06 PM)
http://www.drivewerks.com/catalog/shopcart/TOOL/POR_TOOL_CAT448_pg7.htm

No experience with this item, but this is what I was referring to. Tach, advance, dwell, voltmeter, and can handle timing for a DIS setup (wasted spark), too.

As I recall, a basic adjustable unit from Sears is about $80, or less than half the price of the digital thing.

That one is like the last one I linked on.

Posted by: obscurity Mar 15 2006, 12:03 PM

I'm sure there are better ones but can you see any problems with this one for the beginner on a budget?

http://www.iequus.com/item.asp?cid=20&pid=3555

Posted by: Mueller Mar 15 2006, 12:27 PM

QUOTE (obscurity @ Mar 15 2006, 11:03 AM)
I'm sure there are better ones but can you see any problems with this one for the beginner on a budget?

http://www.iequus.com/item.asp?cid=20&pid=3555

that would be fine.....personally, I spend a few more bucks and get a digital unit since it's nice to see the RPM and battery voltage and such......

expect to pay about $125 for one...should be able to get one at any of the chain autopart places.......

Posted by: Mueller Mar 15 2006, 12:33 PM

I have this one made by the same manufacture...http://www.iequus.com/item.asp?cid=20&pid=5568