Basic Timing Light Question

[TenSeven]

85 Ranger 2.8

Using my Sears Digital Timing Light, for example when I set the light to 12 DBTDC, and aim the light at the damper, what mark on the damper am I lining the pointer up to?

1) The zero '0' degree mark on the damper?

or

2) The large mark just below the zero '0' degree mark?

https://goo.gl/photos/wjVLiEvxec15zSBv6

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I don't know about your timing light, it sounds like you can adjust when the light flashes. Any timing light I have used there is no adjustment and you would line up the 12 degree mark with the pointer as the light flashes. In other words, the light flashes when the sparkplug fires and that is supposed to happen at 12 dbtdc. Perhaps read the instructions on your timing light to see if it is different from what I described.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

If you are setting the desired timing on your timing light just use the 0 on the dampener.

A white paint marker line over 0* makes it much much easier.

 

[TenSeven]

Thanks guys.

Questions, do the large marks on the damper before and after the number markings represent anything?

Is the zero '0' mark also TDC?

 

[RonD]

I never liked the digital timing light but I am old, lol, and they weren't around that long.

But yes you set it for the degrees before TDC you want, then line up pointer and 0 deg.

Then set it to 0 and make sure it is 12deg BTDC

Yes when pointer and 0deg are lined up #1 piston will be at TDC, so will #5

 

[TenSeven]

I never liked the digital timing light but I am old, lol, and they weren't around that long.

But yes you set it for the degrees before TDC you want, then line up pointer and 0 deg.

Then set it to 0 and make sure it is 12deg BTDC

Yes when pointer and 0deg are lined up #1 piston will be at TDC, so will #5

Thank you Ron.