whats the easiest way explain how to read a timing light for a car?

Question

If you was talking to an idiot, how would you tell them in lamans terms how to read a timing light?

Answer 1

Depending on the car, well damn, it depends a lot on the car. Let's see, depending on what the timing marks are supposed to be at, according to the manufacturer specs, line up those marks either by putting the timing light at zero and making the timing mark on the crankshaft line up with the one on the timing cover. Or, line up the mark on the pulley to the mark on the cover with the timing light at whatever the timing specs are.

Without basic knowledge I don't think you can explain it. Someone do better?

Answer 2

Find the Front Big Pulley on the Bottom of the engine that have the belt(s) on it. Look around the outer edge for a mark/indention and use some White finger nail polish to mark it. Hook up the Timing light according to instructions. Black clamp to Negative. Red Clamp to Positive and the other thing go on the Number one Plug wire. Start the engine and hold the trigger in and point at the Big pulley looking for the Scale to show the Timing marks. May need to move around but from the top you will see the marks in the light as it flash. Numbers before the 0 are BTDC.
The link has a little bit of a picture showing the mark on the pulley and the scale, with the numbers. And has some instructions.

Answer 3

Hook the wiring for it up between the #1 cylinder's wire and spark plug. Point the light at the spinning "drum" at the engine's front where there are markings for the timing. It will flash like a strobe light and the indentation on the spinning drum will correspond to a point on the markings, like "0" (or top-dead-center; TDC), -2, -5, etc. If it is -5, it is firing at 5 degrees before TDC.

You must pull the vacuum hose off the distributor, if it there is such a connection, and plug the hose (with a finger is fine). That could otherwise advance the timing.

I hope I have that right...I haven't actually used a timing light in about 25 years, LOL!

Answer 4

I was going to give you an answer,but I remember it was you who asked the question,and it will be you who will receive the answer.

Answer 5

i own a repair shop,and i have tried doing this also ,,its almost impossible ,,some people just don't get it and never will but you,ll probably pull your hair out trying to get them to understand,i had one earlier tonight with a similar question,i finally gave up,,good luck on getting the message through.