RE: owner_of_a_lonely_CAR's answer to timing question posted by nvrsbr?

Question

I understand timing & the mechanics of it, I just do not understand from an electrical stand point how the timing light lead picks up or detects any sort of signal or impulse through the insulation of the spark plug wire. I have a timing light which I hooked up according to the manufacturer's specifications and still no flashing light. (And yes I know that there is a flippin' trigger to operate it). So I think it is broken

Answer 1

Good very well be the case. It is an induction pick up on the timing light. It works the same way a transformer does. It is the build up of flux that will energize the trigger. good luck

Answer 2

OK sorry.

The timing is picked up by "induction". In another words, when a jolt of electricity passes through the spark plug wire, there a small magnetic field generated around the wire. It is the same principle as the power transformers. The "pick up" sense the sudden jolt by sensing the induction.

If you connected the +/- wires (with the pickup) correctly and pull the trigger you should get some flashes no matter what (even if you connected to the wrong spark plug wire - you should get some sort of flashes when the trigger is pulled).

It sounds like the timing light is broken.

Answer 3

those are a simple hook up,one to the positive cable and the other one to the negative cable,and the one with the clamp on it goes to the number -1 plug wire,it should just clamp over it,then you have to follow the instructions on the tune up specification sticker as how and what to set it at,i hope you figure it out,good luck with it.