TIMING LIGHT OWNER’S MANUAL • Works on: - conventional, - electronic, - computer controlled, and - DIS* ignition systems.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Paragraph Page No. SAFETY GUIDELINES ......................................................................................................................1 VEHICLE SERVICE MANUALS ........................................................................................................2 GENERAL INFORMATION ...............................................................................................................3 ENGINE TIMING AND TUNE-UPS .............................................
SAFETY GUIDELINES SAFETY EQUIPMENT SMOKING AND OPEN FLAMES Fire Extinguisher Never smoke while working on your car. Gasoline vapor is highly flammable, and the gas formed in a charging battery is explosive. Keep a fire extinguisher suitable for gasoline/chemical/electrical fires on hand whenever working on a vehicle. BATTERY Fireproof Container Do not lay tools or equipment on the battery.
VEHICLE SERVICE MANUALS Contact your local car dealership, auto parts store, bookstore or public library for availability of service manuals for your vehicle. The following companies publish valuable repair manuals. Write to them for availability and prices. Be sure to include the make, model and year of your vehicle. FACTORY SOURCES Ford/GM/Chrysler/Honda/Isuzu/Hyundai/ Subaru Service Manuals Helm Inc. 14310 Hamilton Ave.
GENERAL INFORMATION ENGINE TIMING AND TUNE-UPS NOTE Proper ignition timing is critical in order to achieve peak engine performance and to ensure maximum fuel economy. An ignition system timing check is critical during any tuneup procedure. Your timing light provides a simple and efficient means of checking your vehicle's timing. The advance timing light provides the additional ability to check the operation of your vehicle's mechanical or vacuum advance timing controls.
1. Xenon Bulb — Used to illuminate timing marks for checking timing. 2. Swiveling Head — Contains the xenon bulb. Rotates over approximately 90° to allow for easy illumination of timing marks in hard to reach locations. 3. 4. Black Battery Clip — Connects to battery negative (-) terminal or bare metal chassis ground. ■ Inductive Pickup Clip — Clamps around No. 1 spark plug cable. Operating controls for the Model 3551 Timing Light are shown in Figure 2.
ENGINE PREPARATION BEFORE TIMING If applicable, check and adjust dwell to manufacturer's specifications. Always prepare the engine for timing before performing a timing check. Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Label or service manual for timing procedures and specifications for your vehicle. The Vehicle Emission Control Label is located under the hood in the engine compartment. The label is typically located on the underside of the hood, on a fender well or valve cover, or near the hood latch.
■ INITIAL (BASE) TIMING CHECK NOTE Some ignition systems require that certain components be disconnected, jumped or grounded BEFORE ignition timing can be checked or adjusted to specifications. If these procedures are not followed, the checked or adjusted timing will not be correct. You MUST consult your vehicle's service manual for the proper procedures and specifications. ■ 8. 9. 1. MAKE SURE the timing light is properly connected as described in TIMING LIGHT CONNECTION. 2.
Depending on make and model, a vehicle may be equipped with a single timing control device, or two or more devices may be used in combination. Fig. 7. Advance Control Knob Operation 30 25 A V 50 G D A N C 5 E While performing an INITIAL (BASE) TIMING CHECK as previously described, slowly increase engine speed to the manufacturer's specified rpm for mechanical/centrifugal advance, and observe the rotating timing mark for change.
4. Using the vacuum pump, apply the manufacturer's specified amount of vacuum to the distributor's vacuum port. 5. Aim the timing light at the timing marks and rotate the Advance Control Knob clockwise until the timing marks are realigned to the initial (base) timing mark as recorded in step 3. 6. 7. 8. Turn off the ignition and disconnect the timing light and vacuum pump from the engine. Unplug and reconnect the vacuum hose to the distributor's vacuum port.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE CLEANING THE INDUCTIVE PICKUP CLIP Fig. 8. Cleaning the Inductive Pickup Clip Dirt or grease on the inside surfaces of the inductive pickup clip can result in erratic flashing or poor operation of the timing light. Periodically clean the contact surfaces inside the inductive pickup clip by wiping with a soft cloth. See Figure 8.
TI www.TimingLight.com L OW • #3551 #3555 ® Innova Electronics Corporation 17287 Mt. Herrmann Street Fountain Valley, CA 92708 Impreso en Taiwan Instruction MRP #93-0122 Rev.
