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Thu Sep 15, 2016 6:26 pm

I know that there are better timing lights out there. Like Snap-on and the like. I just can't afford one of those high ends timing lights ATM. So I have recently burned out three HF timing lights and when I got fed up with those I went with an Actron model and it too burnt out in short order. All of those were constructed of very light weight materials. My engine is like most of yours here. Points, condenser, rotor, cap all stock-ish. Nothing exotic. When making the timing light connections to my ignition system I attach the inductive pickup on the #1 spark plug wire and the + connection to the generator lug with the large wire attached. The ground goes to an engine tin screw. Before this last year I have never burned out a timing light as I have had old metal bodied chrome timing lights that were ruggedly built.
On an E-bay search today I came across a Sears Penske timing light PN 244.2138. Anyone have any experience with this model?

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Thu Sep 15, 2016 6:38 pm

I have a couple of actrons, with and without the dial-back function for many years. No problems.

You say they are burning out?

Max

Thu Sep 15, 2016 6:48 pm

Generator positive lug is unregulated. You may be exceeding the voltage maximum input of the light.

Fri Sep 16, 2016 3:51 am

Max= They work once and then the next time. Nothing!
Murzi= Ok. So that lug is unregulated. Do you have a suggestion where to get power from in the engine compartment? The + - cables can't reach the battery when attempting to time the engine.
Any help would be appreciated.

Fri Sep 16, 2016 4:13 am

Hot side of the coil works for me :wink:

Fri Sep 16, 2016 4:16 am

madmike wrote: Hot side of the coil works for me :wink:
Really? I thought that was a no no!
I was thinking of mounting a power lug on the fire wall. But that might help a thief for a power supply to the coil for a bump start.

Fri Sep 16, 2016 5:14 am

yep + side of the coil has worked for me for over 40 years.
I have a Sears/Penske timing light but have to go look at the model number but it is 6 volt

Fri Sep 16, 2016 10:53 am

Ive alwaays used the alt or battery.

Fri Sep 16, 2016 1:29 pm

I had a Sears Penske timing light in the little white plastic case and used it for years. It's no-frills but rugged for sure. I gave it to a buddy and got a modern timing light from Auto Zone. The new one has digital tach and you can advance/retard the timing so it'll work spot on with motors without a degree pulley.

Sat Sep 17, 2016 11:50 am

I use a Ferret 84 (a quality Michigan product) when I'm in my own garage,

but I keep one of these in the bag of tools in my trunk:

It runs on 2 "D" batteries, and can be used as a flashlight in a pinch.
It works well with all ignitions including multi-spark CDI.

Good luck, Mondshine

Sat Sep 17, 2016 12:12 pm

Lo Cash John wrote: I had a Sears Penske timing light in the little white plastic case and used it for years. It's no-frills but rugged for sure. I gave it to a buddy and got a modern timing light from Auto Zone. The new one has digital tach and you can advance/retard the timing so it'll work spot on with motors without a degree pulley.
That's what I purchased from fleabay. Thanks for a glowing review 8)
The Actron unit I killed was one of those with the tach and advance/retard models. I liked it when it worked. But alas it died a sudden and painless death at my fumbling hands and thought processes :oops:
I have a good degree pulley on my engine, so a no frills timing light will do just fine.
Thanks for the reply.

Sat Sep 17, 2016 4:35 pm

If you want some fun...

Credit

Sat Sep 17, 2016 5:46 pm

So after buying 4 timing lights a single good one is too expensive? :roll:

Mon Sep 19, 2016 6:17 pm

I've got a similar Sears timing light and an engine analyzer that I've been using for about 35 years. if either of them die I'll find an identical replacement on Ebay

That thing will last you for the rest of your life, no reason to get all fancy.

Tue Sep 20, 2016 7:45 am

pb_foots wrote: I've got a similar Sears timing light and an engine analyzer that I've been using for about 35 years. if either of them die I'll find an identical replacement on Ebay

That thing will last you for the rest of your life, no reason to get all fancy.

I've also got a Sears unit of that vintage; I've even dropped the sensor part and still works fine.