timing light
Contents
1. cares SAFETY GUIDELINES SAFETY EQUIPMENT Fire Extinguisher Keep a fire extinguisher suitable for gasoline chemical electrical fires on hand whenever working on a vehicle Fireproof Container Store rags and flammable liquids only in fireproof containers Allow soaked rags to dry thoroughly in open air before discarding Safety Goggles Wear safety goggles when working on a vehicle to protect your eyes from battery acid gasoline and airborne dust and dirt from moving engine parts LOOSE CLOTHING AND LONG HAIR MOVING PARTS Be very careful not to get your hands hair or clothes near any moving parts such as fan blades belts and pulleys or throttle and transmission linkages DO NOT wear loose clothing or jewelry when working on a vehicle VENTILATION ALWAYS operate vehicle in a well ventilated area If vehicle is in an enclosed area exhaust should be routed directly to the outside using a leakproof exhaust hose SETTING THE BRAKE Make sure that your car is in Park or Neutral and that the parking brake is firmly set HOT SURFACES Avoid contact with hot surfaces such as exhaust manifolds pipes mufflers radiator and hoses Never remove the radiator cap while the engine is hot Escaping coolant under pressure can cause serious burns SMOKING AND OPEN FLAMES Never smoke while working on your car Gasoline vapor is highly flammable and the gas formed in a charging bat2. Some ignition systems and or specialty spark plug wires solid core wires racing wires off road wires radiate above normal Electro Magnetic Interference EMI and Radio Frequency Interference RFI which can cause improper operation of testing equipment Contact the manufacturers of these parts for instructions on how to use an inductive pickup with their systems CARE AND MAINTENANCE 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 REPLACING THE INDUCTIVE PICKUP LEADS The timing light is equipped with detachable leads which can be disconnected from the timing light for easy storage after use If the test leads or clips become damaged a replacement set can be obtained from your dealer or directly from the service center Fig 8 Cleaning the Inductive Pickup Clip CLEAN CONTACT SURFACES WARRANTY AND SERVICE LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY The Manufacturer warrants to the original purchaser that this unit is free of defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and maintenance for a period of one 1 year from the date of original purchase If the unit fails within the one 1 year period it will be repaired or replaced at the Manufacturer s option at no charge when r
3. ALS www TimingLight com 3551 3555 INNOVA Innova Electronics Corporation 17287 Mt Herrmann Street Fountain Valley CA 92708 Impreso en Taiwan Instruction MRP 93 0122 Rev E
4. TIMING LIGHT OWNERS MANUAL Works conventional electronic computer controlled and DIS ignition Inductive Timing Light Advance Timing Light 31 2 Model 3551 Only TABLE OF CONTENTS Paragraph Page No SAFETY GUIDELINES 2 wees ees EC 1 VEHICLE SERVICE 186 0 2 GENERAL INFORMATION 444444 40 00 3 ENGINE TIMING AND TUNE UPS G i E ABOUT cass cider chen e Hr ae USING YOUR TIMING 044244000 4 BEFORE YOU EE A ENGINE PREPARATION BEFORE TIMING E eet 5 TIMING LIGHT CONNECTION 5 INITIAL BASE TIMING CHECK dei 6 TIMING ADJUSTMENT 55 6 ADVANCE TIMING CONTROL CHECKS 6 TROUBLESHOOTING 8 CARE AND CLEANING THE INDUCTIVE PICKUP Ss REPLACING THE INDUCTIVE PICKUP LEADS 9 WARRANTY AND LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY wots its SERVICE PROCEDURES
5. The Timing Light will stop flashing 9 Turn the ignition off and disconnect the Timing Light from the engine BE SURE to reconnect any vacuum hoses etc which were disconnected during the timing check NOTE If the Timing Light fails to operate or operates erratically refer to TROUBLE SHOOTING to determine the most likely cause of the problem TIMING ADJUSTMENT Refer to your vehicle s service manual for the proper procedures to adjust engine timing DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ADJUST ENGINE TIMING WITHOUT THE MANUFACTURER S PROCEDURES OR SPECIFICATIONS ADVANCE TIMING CONTROL CHECKS The following tests apply to Advance Timing Light Model 3555 ONLY Advance and retard timing controls ensure that ignition occurs at the proper time during the compression stroke These controls include mechanical advance vacuum advance vacuum retard electronic advance electronic retard electronic advance retard Depending on make and model a vehicle be equipped with a single timing control device or two or more devices may be used in combination NOTE Advance timing test procedures vary widely from vehicle to vehicle The following paragraphs provide general test procedures for checking mechanical centrifugal advance and vacuum advance ALWAYS make sure initial timing and dwell are correct before checking advance timing ALWAYS refer to the service manual for the vehicle under test to obt
6. ain the proper timing procedures and specifications OBSERVE ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Checking Mechanical Centrifugal Timing Advance 1 Rotate the Advance Control Knob counterclockwise to the 0 degree position 2 While performing an INITIAL BASE TIMING CHECK as previously described slowly increase engine speed to the manufacturer s specified rom for mechanical centrifugal advance and observe the rotating timing mark for change The timing mark should appear to move smoothly in the opposite direction of engine rotation away from the reference pointer NOTE If timing mark movement is rough or erratic the mechanical advance system may be defective Service and repair the mechanical advance system in accordance with the manufacturer s instructions before continuing 3 Rotate the Advance Control Knob clockwise until the rotating timing mark and the reference pointer realign at the base or initial timing mark as previously recorded Read the degrees of mech anical or centrifugal advance on the Advance Control Knob s calibrated dial See Figure 7 Fig 7 Advance Control Knob Operation Note the degrees advance indicated by the Advance Control Knob s calibrated dial and compare this value with the manufacturer s specification for mech anical or centrifugal timing advance for the rpm specified milf the position of the rotating timing mark does not change during the mechanical centrifugal advance check
7. ake a thorough check before starting any test procedure and fix any known mechanical problems before performing any test Loose or damaged hoses wiring or electrical connectors are often responsible for poor engine performance Refer to your vehicle s service manual for proper connection of vacuum hoses electrical wiring and wiring harness connectors Check the following areas All fluid levels Spark plugs and spark plug wires Air cleaner Vacuum hoses Belts Electrical wiring Electrical connectors ENGINE PREPARATION BEFORE TIMING 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 As a minimum make the following preparations before timing 1 Locate the timing mark and reference pointer The timing mark and pointer are usually located on the crankshaft pulley or vibration damper on the front of the engine or on the flywheel between the engine and transmission Refer to Figure 4 Make sure the timing mark and pointer are clean and clearly visible Chalk the marks if necessary 2 Make sure all spark plugs are in good condition and properly gapped 3 Start and run th
8. e distributor s vacuum port Checking Vacuum Electronic Retard and Electronic Advance The procedures for checking vacuum electronic retard and electronic advance vary between vehicles and manufacturers Refer to your vehicle s service manual for specifications and procedures A vacuum pump equipped with a vacuum gauge is required to check vacuum retard TROUBLESHOOTING If the timing light fails to operate or operates erratically make the following checks 1 Make sure the battery clips are firmly connected to the battery terminals 2 Make sure the battery clip polarity is correct red battery clip is connected to the positive battery terminal black battery clip is connected to the negative battery terminal 3 sure the upper and lower ferrite cores of the inductive pickup clip are clean If necessary clean the inductive pickup clip as described in MAIN TENANCE 4 sure the inductive pickup clip is properly connected to the No 1 spark plug cable 5 sure the No 1 spark plug is working properly Connect the inductive pickup clip to another spark plug cable and press the On Off switch Ifthe timing light flashes service the No 1 spark plug before continuing NOTE Low spark plug voltage or a faulty spark plug wire may cause the Timing Light to operate erratically Try moving the inductive pickup clip to a new location on the plug wire to improve operation
9. e engine until it reaches its normal operating temperature TURN THE ENGINE OFF BEFORE CONNECTING TIMING LIGHT Fig 4 Typical Timing Marks ATDC 10 T 10 0 4 8 12 16 BTDC If applicable check and adjust dwell to manufacturer s specifications TIMING LIGHT CONNECTION To ensure personal safety and reliable operation of the Timing Light use the following procedure to connect the Timing Light WARNING Always keep hands timing light lead wires and clips away from moving engine parts and hot surfaces DO NOT SMOKE 1 the ignition off DO NOT CONNECT THE TIMING LIGHT WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING OR WITH THE IGNITION ON 2 Clamp the inductive pickup clip around the No 1 spark plug wire See Figure 5 DO NOT ALLOW THE INDUCTIVE PICKUP CLIP TO CONTACT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD OR OTHER ENGINE PARTS These parts become EXTREMELY hot while the engine is running and will damage the inductive pickup clip Fig 5 Inductive Pickup Clip Connection INDUCTIVE PICKUP 1 SPARK PLUG WIRE 3 Connect the battery clips to the vehicle s battery Connect the RED battery clip to positive battery terminal Connect the BLACK battery clip to negative battery terminal 4 Connect the inductive pickup leads to the bottom of the timing light handle INITIAL BASE TIMING CHECK NOTE Some ignition systems require that certain components be disconnected jumped or grounded BEFORE ignitio
10. eturned prepaid to the Service Center with Proof of Purchase The sales receipt may be used for this purpose All replacement parts whether new or re manufactured assume as their warranty period only the remaining time of this warranty This warranty does not apply to damage caused by improper use accident abuse improper voltage service fire flood lightning or other acts of God or if the product was altered or repaired by anyone other than the Manufacturer s Service The Manufacturer under no circumstances shall be liable for any consequential damages for breach of any written warranty of this unit This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have rights which vary from state to state This manual is copyrighted with all rights reserved No portion of this document may be copied or reproduced by any means without the express written permission of the Manufacturer THIS WARRANTY IS NOT TRANSFERABLE For service send via U P S if possible prepaid to Manufacturer Allow 3 4 weeks for service repair SERVICE PROCEDURES If you have any questions please contact your local store distributor or the Service Center USA amp Canada 800 544 4124 9 00 4 00 Monday Friday PST All others 714 241 6802 9 00 4 00 Monday Friday PST FAX 714 432 7910 24 hr ASSISTANCE W d s dee WE EMPLOY TECHNICIANS CERTIFIED BY ASE ONLY LET US SHOW YOU THEIR CREDENTI
11. hown in Figure 1 Fig 1 Timing Light Controls General 4 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 Control Panel Contains the controls necessary to operate the Timing Light Specific controls vary between models Refer to the appropriate paragraph for a description of control panel functions 4 Inductive Pickup Leads Detachable leads assembly connects timing light to battery and ignition system Red Battery Clip Connects to battery positive terminal Fig 2 Model 3551 Controls TIMING meat 11188 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 1 On Off Switch Press to turn timing light on Press again to turn timing light off Operating controls for the Model 3555 Timing Light are shown in Figure 3 1 On Off Switch Press to turn timing light on Press again to turn timing light off 2 Advance Control Knob Selects timing light advance setting from 0 to 60 Fig 3 Model 3555 Controls TIMING mene LIGHT ADVANCE USING YOUR TIMING LIGHT BEFORE YOU BEGIN M
12. n 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 1 MAKE SURE the timing light is properly connected as described in TIMING LIGHT CONNECTION 2 MAKE SURE the engine has been properly prepared for the timing check as described in ENGINE PREPARATION BEFORE TIMING 3 Start and run the engine until it reaches its normal operating temperature 4 Adjust the engine s idle speed if necessary to conform to manufacturer s specifications 5 If using the Model 3555 Advance Timing Light MAKE SURE the Advance Control Knob is rotated fully counterclockwise to 0 6 Adjust the Timing Light barrel as needed to adequately light the timing marks 7 Press the On Off switch The Timing Light will begin flashing Note the position of the rotating timing mark in relation to the reference pointer See Figure 6 Fig 6 Reading Timing Marks ROTATING TIMING MARKS E REFERENCE POINTERS Compare the readings obtained step 7 with the manufacturer s specifications for timing If the readings are within the specified tolerance typically 2 ignition timing is correct lf the readings not within the manufacturer s specifications parts replacement or timing adjustment MAY BE necessary 8 Press the On Off switch
13. on Ave Highland Park Michigan 48203 Telephone 800 782 4356 NON FACTORY SOURCES Haynes Publications Motor Publications 861 Lawrence Dr 5600 Crooks Rd Suite 200 Newbury Park California 91320 Troy Michigan 48098 Telephone CA 800 442 9637 Telephone 800 426 6867 TN 800 242 4637 Mitchell International 14145 Danielson St Poway California 92064 Telephone 888 724 6742 IMPORTANT Timing procedures vary from vehicle to vehicle ALWAYS refer to the Vehicle Emission Label or service manual for your vehicle to obtain the proper timing procedures specifications and location of timing marks OBSERVE ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WHENEVER WORKING ON A VEHICLE GENERAL INFORMATION ENGINE TIMING AND TUNE UPS 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 tune up 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 You may also need tools and equipment to check engine rpm breaker point dwell for conventional ignition systems or to apply vacuum to the vacuum advance diaphragm on the distributor during advance checks Your supplier offers a wide range of tools and equipment necessary to perform these task
14. s With reference to today s self tuning vehicles the meaning of the term tune up has changed significantly A tune up consists essentially of checking engine operation with Original Equipment Manufacturer s specifications Adjustments are made and parts are replaced ONLY if engine performance is not within specifications ABOUT THE TIMING LIGHT Your timing light is designed for use on all 12 volt negative ground vehicles equipped with conventional breaker point and electronic ignition systems or with DIS distributorless ignition systems DIS Model 3551 ONLY NOTE Some DIS systems are not adjustable Consult your vehicle s service manual for procedures and specifications before at tempting to time vehicles with DIS systems For 6 Volt Electrical Systems Requires a separate 12 volt automotive battery Your timing light may be used on vehicles with 6 volt electrical systems by using the following connection procedure 1 Connect the RED battery clip to the positive terminal of the 12 volt battery Connect the BLACK battery clip to the negative terminal of the 12 volt battery Using a length of 18AWG jumper wire ground the negative terminal of the 12 volt battery to a known good ground on the vehicle under test Perform remaining connection and test procedures as specified in the appropriate sections of this manual Timing Light Controls General controls for the Timing Light are s
15. tery is explosive BATTERY Do not lay tools or equipment on the battery Accidentally grounding the battery s positive terminal can shock or burn you and damage wiring the battery or your tools and testers Be careful of contact with battery acid It can burn holes in your clothing and burn your skin or eyes When operating any test instrument from an external battery connect a jumper wire between the negative terminal of the external battery and ground on the vehicle under test When working in a garage or other enclosed area the external battery should be located at least 18 inches above the floor to minimize the possibility of igniting gasoline vapors HIGH VOLTAGE High voltage is present in the ignition coil distributor cap ignition wires and spark plugs When handling ignition wires while the engine is running use insulated pliers to avoid a shock JACK The jack supplied with the vehicle should be used only for changing wheels Never crawl under car or run engine while vehicle is on a jack 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 Hamilt
16. the mechanical weights associated with your vehicle s mechanical advance mechanism if equipped may be rusted or binding Repeat the test as needed for all engine speeds specified by the manufacturer s instructions Checking Vacuum Timing Advance NOTE A vacuum pump equipped with a vacuum gauge is needed to check vacuum advance With the engine off disconnect the vacuum hose from the distributor s vacuum advance port Plug the vacuum hose securely Connect the vacuum pump to the distributor s vacuum port Do not apply vacuum at this time Start the engine and perform INITIAL BASE TIMING CHECK as previously described Record the degree s of initial base timing 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 The difference between the reading obtained in step 3 initial base timing and the value obtained in step 5 is the vehicle s vacuum advance Compare this value with the manufacturer s specifications for vacuum advance 7 Repeat the test as needed for each amount of vacuum specified by the manufacturer s instructions 8 Turn off the ignition and disconnect the timing light and vacuum pump from the engine Unplug and reconnect the vacuum hose to th
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