Thank you, I’ve never used a timing light because I’ve only ever worked on modern distributor-less systems. But recently I got my late mom’s 1989 Honda Accord running again. I had to rebuild the distributor because the advance plate and bearing and all that was cooked. So now I have to set the timing but it has both mechanical and vacuum advance. Didn’t know how to actually measure that with the timing light I have but this summed it up perfectly.
Man in the 5 videos I’ve watched trying to understand how to use a timing light, yours was by far the best. Thank you for really sending home the concept for me
As Joe just said...plenty of guys know their cars need timing and have no idea how...Its guys like yourself, Joe, Tall John etc. that can guide some of these folk through some DIY to make the engines run better!! Thanks for sharing
This was super helpful, thank you Jonny! Recently bought a '67 charger 440, and having to learn old school tuning one step at a time :) really appreciate your channel!
I just got my Innova digital timing light today and thought I'd watch a video of how to use it. I am so glad that I found yours I subscribed. Thanks for sharing your knowledge .
You’re welcome USdefneder, glad it helped you. Hopefully it was clear. When I looked for a video on these I couldn’t find one that explained it very well.
Yes like a lot of the other reply’s I have been searching how to use an advance timing lite with total confusion from other u t post, this one answered my questions,basic details don’t seam to matter to most , quite annoying, thank you from an old mopar guy
@@gregoryworth6644 You’re welcome Gregory. Thanks so much for the nice comment. And you’re right there’s a lot of great comments on this video. I guess I’m helping people out there.
Dude i think i finally understand now thanks i have watched a hand full of videos and none as good as explaining as yours .... Trynna time my 87 monte carlo thanks again
So to get total timing you first set the mark to 0 at idle using the arrows, then rev it to 2200rpms? Or do you have to rev it to 2200rpms and then do the arrows just like you did at idle?
Make sure vacuum advance hose is disconnected. You don't have to go to zero at idle unless you want to check what the base aka idle timing is. You can just go straight to checking total timing. At the 2200 or so RPM you will adjust the mark to zero, whatever the number is on the timing light is your total RPM. Basically the procedure is the same for checking idle and total. The only difference is the RPM. At idle RPM might be 900, zero the timing marks, read the timing light. To read total, increase RPM to 2200 or until you don't see the timing lines advance anymore, zero timing marks, read timing light. Just as an example, idle might be 8 degrees advance and total might be 28 degrees. Good luck.
@@JonnyMopar you know it. It still looks brand new and works perfectly since 1990. It's the OG chrome unit, the one you pull out and people think it's a gat.
Fantastic video on how to use this! Got mine ordered today and I can't wait to see how it will perform. I'm working on an 87 Iroc and my pa got a 75 Charger, so this'll come in handy.
I been looking for a video like this to whew what the timing light is doing and how to adjust the timing at tue same time. I get it as base timing but what about ad total advance timing? Do you do the same just with high RPM? Dial it on the gun then bring it to 0 with the distributor? That’s the part that confuses me
@@geostorm9351 I’ve been meaning to do another video with a dist not locked out for clarity. But yes, you have it right. Make sure your vacuum advance line is disconnected when timing. Run the RPM high, usually around 2k RPM. But you will know how much when you increase the rpm and the line on the balancer stops advancing. In other words, at idle it’ll be in one spot, in crease RPM and it will move. When it stops moving it’s fully advanced. Then like you said adjust the timing light till the line is on zero on the timing chain cover. The number on the timing light is your current total timing. Adjust if necessary.
@ Got it. Thanks you. Every video I have watched misses exactly what to do at the same time working with the timing light gun and how to adjust it. Thanks for the info I think I got it now.
@@JonnyMopar I have a 69 satellite. 383 4bbl,it stalling after warm up,I checked everything,my friend says it can be the timing,and I'm gonna do this timing check,so when I first start it,what if its under 10? The timing ok?all stock,and what if its bouncing ? Thanks johny.
@ A little bouncing is normal. If timing is too retarded it will just be lazy. Too far and it won’t start. Too advanced will make it idle high and hard to start. Stock is usually 2 degrees advanced at idle. If you’re at 10, you should be fine. Is it stalling as you take off? That’s probably accelerator pump on the carb. Is it stalling while driving at high rpm? That’s probably a clogged fuel filter or fuel line. If ignition is breaking up, do you have points?
That means I set 10 degrees on the pistole and let it run on idle (chevy SB) until the mark matches the TDC? Same with total timing at 36 degress and 2500-3000 rpm? Got it right? AND disconnect the vacuum ...Problem is the mark itself is hard to see because of the surrounding assymblies 😅
Don’t pay attention to the number on the pistol at first. Just adjust it so the marks on the harmonic balancer are at zero. Then look at the number on the pistol. Whatever that number is, is your timing. If the engine is idling that’s timing at idle. To see your total timing, bring the rpm up to the 2500-3000, that’s total timing. To adjust, you have to loosen the distributer and turn it a little one way or the other to advance or retard the timing.
It depends on the car but you might be able to get the harmonic from the bottom easier and then I would mark it preferably with white model paint. Remember to use jack stands if you use a jack to raise the car.
The dist position dictates when the light flashes. The line on the balancer to the zero line on the timing chain cover is always TDC. Let’s say with a regular timing light your flash happens at 8 degrees advance as seen on the balancer. On a digital Timing light, adjusting it so the flash happens at the line, aka TDC is going to be seen on the timing light display as 8 degrees. In other words, you can see 8 degrees at the balancer and zero on the timing light or you can see zero on the balancer and 8 on the light.
I'm confused now. From other videos I saw, the car sticker tells you the degree BTDC and then there should be an arrow on the crankshaft. You then put a mark on the belt and set your timing to zero at idle. Start the engine and adjust the distributor until the mark line up with the arrow every time the light flashes. Some also tell you to short the two-pin connector out, I probably won't do that because if I got wrong connector it will not be good. I just want the basic steps, not go too deep into messing with the timing. Thanks.
Sounds like you’re dealing with a stock application. If you’re going to time it to the manufacturers suggested timing and you’re using a digital timing light, you do what I said in the video but time it to the degrees suggested. I don’t know why you would mark the belt unless you talking about timing belt. In most engines there’s a line on the harmonic balancer and a pointer on the timing cover.
@@JonnyMopar I bought a distributor and when I took it out of the box and checked, there isn't any marking or P/N on the distributor itself. Is this normal NOT to have marking or P/N on the item itself? How does the store knows what it is if they ever misplace it?
Thanks nursecuenca. For street use yes, vacuum advance will improve fuel economy. There’s 3 stages of advance, initial, mechanical then vacuum advance. For performance, you usually lock out the distributer and max out all the advance and just have the one stage.
@@TheRareCriticalThinker I can’t see how it doesn’t. Maybe it’s on the other side? Some cars or engines have the marks on the driver side while others are on the passenger. You’ll have to establish TDC. If you want perfect timing you’re gonna need an accurate way to find when the #1 piston gets to TDC. Then you’ll have to mark your harmonic balancer and the timing chain cover then time it. If just close is good enough. Pull the #1 plug, with your finger over the hole bump the engine over until the pressure is maxed, if you feel vacuum you went too far. Do it again if you went too far. Once you feel max pressure that’s TDC. It might be a couple of degrees off but it’ll be close. Now make your marks on the balancer and timing cover and then time it.
Thank God someone finally explained a timing light in more depth. You, sir, are the best guy on youtube. It is very much appreciated.
@@Aaron-hd8ql Right on Aaron. Glad the video helped. And thanks for the comment.
Bruh youre like the only dude on yt that actually explained the shit simply without adding in confusing unnecessary bullshit info thanks
Thanks Rippin. I greatly appreciate that comment.
Wow!!! clearly explained no bs or music. Thank you well done
You’re welcome. Thanks for the comment Brian.
Thank you, I’ve never used a timing light because I’ve only ever worked on modern distributor-less systems. But recently I got my late mom’s 1989 Honda Accord running again.
I had to rebuild the distributor because the advance plate and bearing and all that was cooked. So now I have to set the timing but it has both mechanical and vacuum advance.
Didn’t know how to actually measure that with the timing light I have but this summed it up perfectly.
@@Killian665 Thanks Killian. Glad it helped. I never had a Honda in mind but it makes sense they all worked the same back then.
Wow! i've been guessing this whole time when my light is smarter than i am.
That explanation of the digital advance was a great help. Thank you.
Thanks a rooster, I appreciate that.
Man in the 5 videos I’ve watched trying to understand how to use a timing light, yours was by far the best. Thank you for really sending home the concept for me
You’re welcome Patrick. I’m glad it helped. And thanks for the kind words.
As Joe just said...plenty of guys know their cars need timing and have no idea how...Its guys like yourself, Joe, Tall John etc. that can guide some of these folk through some DIY to make the engines run better!! Thanks for sharing
Thanks Ratwagon
@@JonnyMopar my alter ego
@@PeckerwoodKustoms Ah.
This was super helpful, thank you Jonny! Recently bought a '67 charger 440, and having to learn old school tuning one step at a time :) really appreciate your channel!
You're welcome Lucas. Thanks so much for the kind words.
I just got my Innova digital timing light today and thought I'd watch a video of how to use it. I am so glad that I found yours I subscribed. Thanks for sharing your knowledge .
You’re welcome USdefneder, glad it helped you. Hopefully it was clear. When I looked for a video on these I couldn’t find one that explained it very well.
And thanks for subbing.
Yes like a lot of the other reply’s I have been searching how to use an advance timing lite with total confusion from other u t post, this one answered my questions,basic details don’t seam to matter to most , quite annoying, thank you from an old mopar guy
@@gregoryworth6644 You’re welcome Gregory. Thanks so much for the nice comment. And you’re right there’s a lot of great comments on this video. I guess I’m helping people out there.
Just in time for Christmas! Nice one, Jonny. It’s amazing how many guys don’t have an idea how to do this. They smell the exhaust and say it’s good 😂
Lol. Hydrocarbons are no thing.
Lol. I wonder if you get high doing that.
Dude i think i finally understand now thanks i have watched a hand full of videos and none as good as explaining as yours .... Trynna time my 87 monte carlo thanks again
@@lilbbbbbbb You’re welcome buddy. Good luck with the Monte.
Very helpful, thank you Johnny
@@chrisrose6400 Thanks brother. Greatly appreciated.
So to get total timing you first set the mark to 0 at idle using the arrows, then rev it to 2200rpms? Or do you have to rev it to 2200rpms and then do the arrows just like you did at idle?
Make sure vacuum advance hose is disconnected. You don't have to go to zero at idle unless you want to check what the base aka idle timing is. You can just go straight to checking total timing. At the 2200 or so RPM you will adjust the mark to zero, whatever the number is on the timing light is your total RPM. Basically the procedure is the same for checking idle and total. The only difference is the RPM. At idle RPM might be 900, zero the timing marks, read the timing light. To read total, increase RPM to 2200 or until you don't see the timing lines advance anymore, zero timing marks, read timing light. Just as an example, idle might be 8 degrees advance and total might be 28 degrees. Good luck.
@@JonnyMopar Thanks! I will try it today.
I'm old school, I just break out the Sears timing light with the adjustable degree marks on it. Great video, Jonny B Goode!
Lol. I bet it metal right? Back when they made shit to last.
@@JonnyMopar you know it. It still looks brand new and works perfectly since 1990. It's the OG chrome unit, the one you pull out and people think it's a gat.
Fantastic video on how to use this! Got mine ordered today and I can't wait to see how it will perform. I'm working on an 87 Iroc and my pa got a 75 Charger, so this'll come in handy.
Thanks Kmas. Good luck on the Camaro and Charger.
@@JonnyMopar Thank you! Oh, you earned a sub! Looking forward to watch more of your videos! Have a great day!
Thank you so much, this was a great video with exactly the info I was looking for 👌
Thanks William. I appreciate the comment.
Thanks for explaining the advance feature on this timing light. You would think it would have been in their instructions.
Thank you Johnny , you are a big help !
Thanks Bill.
Thanks Jonny! Never used one of those.
You’re welcome Brad.
I love this guys vids.
Thanks Gary Lee.
Thanks Jonny Merry Christmas!
Thanks Larry.
I been looking for a video like this to whew what the timing light is doing and how to adjust the timing at tue same time. I get it as base timing but what about ad total advance timing? Do you do the same just with high RPM? Dial it on the gun then bring it to 0 with the distributor? That’s the part that confuses me
@@geostorm9351 I’ve been meaning to do another video with a dist not locked out for clarity. But yes, you have it right. Make sure your vacuum advance line is disconnected when timing. Run the RPM high, usually around 2k RPM. But you will know how much when you increase the rpm and the line on the balancer stops advancing. In other words, at idle it’ll be in one spot, in crease RPM and it will move. When it stops moving it’s fully advanced. Then like you said adjust the timing light till the line is on zero on the timing chain cover. The number on the timing light is your current total timing. Adjust if necessary.
@ Got it. Thanks you. Every video I have watched misses exactly what to do at the same time working with the timing light gun and how to adjust it. Thanks for the info I think I got it now.
@ Right on man.
Great video! Thank you!
@@motor_citymuscle288 You’re welcome, thanks for watching it and the for the comment.
Merry Christmas 👍
Merry Christmas. 👍
Thanks buddy.
Subded,thanks johny Mopar or no car.
@@josepenate7367 Thanks man. Greatly appreciated and welcome aboard.
@@JonnyMopar I have a 69 satellite. 383 4bbl,it stalling after warm up,I checked everything,my friend says it can be the timing,and I'm gonna do this timing check,so when I first start it,what if its under 10? The timing ok?all stock,and what if its bouncing ? Thanks johny.
@ A little bouncing is normal. If timing is too retarded it will just be lazy. Too far and it won’t start. Too advanced will make it idle high and hard to start. Stock is usually 2 degrees advanced at idle. If you’re at 10, you should be fine. Is it stalling as you take off? That’s probably accelerator pump on the carb. Is it stalling while driving at high rpm? That’s probably a clogged fuel filter or fuel line. If ignition is breaking up, do you have points?
it stalls going about 25mph,and will stall at a stop.
That means I set 10 degrees on the pistole and let it run on idle (chevy SB) until the mark matches the TDC? Same with total timing at 36 degress and 2500-3000 rpm? Got it right? AND disconnect the vacuum ...Problem is the mark itself is hard to see because of the surrounding assymblies 😅
Don’t pay attention to the number on the pistol at first. Just adjust it so the marks on the harmonic balancer are at zero. Then look at the number on the pistol. Whatever that number is, is your timing. If the engine is idling that’s timing at idle. To see your total timing, bring the rpm up to the 2500-3000, that’s total timing. To adjust, you have to loosen the distributer and turn it a little one way or the other to advance or retard the timing.
It depends on the car but you might be able to get the harmonic from the bottom easier and then I would mark it preferably with white model paint. Remember to use jack stands if you use a jack to raise the car.
@@JonnyMopar figuered it out. Thank you
how does it know where 0 degrees is at TDC?
The dist position dictates when the light flashes. The line on the balancer to the zero line on the timing chain cover is always TDC. Let’s say with a regular timing light your flash happens at 8 degrees advance as seen on the balancer. On a digital Timing light, adjusting it so the flash happens at the line, aka TDC is going to be seen on the timing light display as 8 degrees. In other words, you can see 8 degrees at the balancer and zero on the timing light or you can see zero on the balancer and 8 on the light.
I'm confused now. From other videos I saw, the car sticker tells you the degree BTDC and then there should be an arrow on the crankshaft. You then put a mark on the belt and set your timing to zero at idle. Start the engine and adjust the distributor until the mark line up with the arrow every time the light flashes. Some also tell you to short the two-pin connector out, I probably won't do that because if I got wrong connector it will not be good. I just want the basic steps, not go too deep into messing with the timing. Thanks.
Sounds like you’re dealing with a stock application. If you’re going to time it to the manufacturers suggested timing and you’re using a digital timing light, you do what I said in the video but time it to the degrees suggested. I don’t know why you would mark the belt unless you talking about timing belt. In most engines there’s a line on the harmonic balancer and a pointer on the timing cover.
@@JonnyMopar I bought a distributor and when I took it out of the box and checked, there isn't any marking or P/N on the distributor itself. Is this normal NOT to have marking or P/N on the item itself? How does the store knows what it is if they ever misplace it?
Why would you take vacuum advance on distributor? Wouldn't that make affect fuel efficiency? Great video. Just subscribed
Thanks nursecuenca. For street use yes, vacuum advance will improve fuel economy. There’s 3 stages of advance, initial, mechanical then vacuum advance. For performance, you usually lock out the distributer and max out all the advance and just have the one stage.
Harika bir sorum olacak hem mekanik ve yardimci vakkumlu distiributor de baslangic avansi yani mekanik avans kac derece olmali
Thank you sir!
@@TheRareCriticalThinker You’re welcome
@@JonnyMopar hi again! My 67 Mustang doesn’t have degree markings on the harmonic balancer. How do I move forward with my digital timing light?
@@TheRareCriticalThinker I can’t see how it doesn’t. Maybe it’s on the other side? Some cars or engines have the marks on the driver side while others are on the passenger. You’ll have to establish TDC. If you want perfect timing you’re gonna need an accurate way to find when the #1 piston gets to TDC. Then you’ll have to mark your harmonic balancer and the timing chain cover then time it. If just close is good enough. Pull the #1 plug, with your finger over the hole bump the engine over until the pressure is maxed, if you feel vacuum you went too far. Do it again if you went too far. Once you feel max pressure that’s TDC. It might be a couple of degrees off but it’ll be close. Now make your marks on the balancer and timing cover and then time it.
Where was this video 2 years ago lol jk good stuff bro!
Lol. Sorry Bro.
👍🏽🏁🏁🏁 nice post.
Thanks 👍
Remember this unit does not do correct t readings on 3 cylinders and below only 4 and above.
Never even thought about 3 bangers or less. And I did t know that. Good to know.
Digtal huh? I'm still using a sundial for timing... Err I mean a sun timing gun!😂😁👍
Lol. I have one of those too. An older buddy gave it to me at work years ago. All medal. Back from when they made shit good.
This is THE video Innova should have on their website. NOT the guy playing around for 20 mins on an MG....
Thanks man. Maybe I should reach out to them.
Lmao...Thanks Jonny.
Thanks Dan.