You may think a timing light is something you need only during a race but this handy device can also be used to find various issues in your car. Timing lights are ideal for diagnosing engine problems because they allow you to see the inside of your car engine.
For instance, if the timing belt on one of your pistons begins to slip and break, it will be captured on a timing light as images of “burning” or “fading” marks on the belt. Leaks from cylinder compression and oil leakage due to damaged seals can also be captured.
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As a pre-requisite for setting ignition timing, we must first understand about how engines operate. Small bursts of gasoline cause pistons to move up and down in an engine, which is how it operates.
This motion causes the engine to turn, which then causes the gears to rotate and the wheels to spin. This ignores a slew of other activities that are taking on at the same time, but it is the engine’s main job.
Electric spark plugs are used to ignite the fuel, therefore when we speak about the timing of a car, we mean ensuring sure the spark plug ignites at the optimal time.
When the piston is moving up-and-down, we want to ignite the plug just when it is reaching its maximum.
It may be summarized by saying that a timing light aids in fine-tuning how and when a spark plug ignites the gasoline in your vehicle. An engine’s power and efficiency are directly related to how well the timing is regulated. It’s something that everyone wants, after all.
Timing lights come in a wide variety of designs and sizes. Some of these elements are basic, while others have many features. A pen-shaped timing light is the smallest and most affordable option, although many people prefer a timing light that resembles a laser pistol. The pistol grip style is more comfortable to use when crammed into a tight space like an automobile engine.
Most timing lights are equipped with adjustable dials that allow you to find the exact time for engine speed. Also, they are simple to use and come in various styles, shapes, and sizes. There are two main types of timing lights: digital and analog. The type you choose depends on your needs.
Digital timing lights offer more features than analog ones. You can now use them for more than just diagnosing engine problems. For example, they can also be used as an indicator of how the car’s running condition is affected by various factors such as weather conditions or driving style. Overall, digital timing lights are ideal for checking the time of each engine’s speed in addition to being easy and convenient to use.
Analog timing lights are simpler and more traditional than digital ones. Because of how easy it is to use them, they’re very common and can be found in most professional settings, including mechanic workshops. Most of them have a single dial that displays engine speed or time, and some even provide extra information such as oil and oil filter levels and fuel levels.
To make your selection a breeze, we’ve compiled a list of the best 15 timing lights the should meet all your expectations. We’ve made the list as comprehensive as possible since human preferences are diverse and what is ideal for Mr. A may not necessarily be so for Mrs. B.
Hence, we’ve included timing lights that serve a wide variety of uses and come from different manufacturers. Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of each timing light.
The INNOVA 5568 PRO is a powerful and fully functioning timing light that comes at a reasonable price. It can be used for timing lights, electrical motor testing, engine analysis, and spark plug analysis.
This timing light is designed with a patented skip circuitry that enables it to check both four-cycle and two-cycle engines and test up to 9990 RPM, a strong performance for this grade of timing light. More specifically, the INNOVA 5568 PRO has a rotating barrel with the following four functions:
One unique feature of the 5568 PRO is that it can be used upside down due to its innovative design. This feature will help you get into almost any position while working.
It’s a great gadget, albeit a little clunky to use. The instructions aren’t very clear, so I had to spend a few minutes searching out how to set up the gadget on the internet.
In addition, several customers have expressed concern about the spark pickup sensor, which is made of ordinary plastic and could melt.
The inductive pickup enables a one-handed operation, while the boots come in handy when placing the light on metal surfaces where it would create unwanted electrical sparks when simply resting on the surface. The inductive pickup makes this timing light more secure by having it change orientation when not being used to avoid any damage to the pickup. The INNOVA 5568 PRO has a digital readout that helps in the measurement of voltage.
This timing light has a sturdy and durable design. It is a strong timer in a strong case that protects it from rough use. It is very versatile in its application and is designed for professionals who need accurate measurements to determine what kind of electrical current is flowing through their machines or if there are any faults with equipment like motors, transformers, switches, gongs, and circuits. A 12-volt system is required for use of the device.
The INNOVA 5568 PRO digital timing light is a state-of-the-art electrical timing device designed for those who need an accurate and precise reading of electrical current, voltage, or RPM.
ACTRON CP7529 can function as either a digital timing light or an RPM indicator. It can measure the vacuum advance on your vehicle up to 3% in 1 point increments and also measure up to 9999 RPM which it indicates in 1/10 increments.
If you are looking to know how well your car’s engine is running, or when the next timing adjustment should be done, then this digital timer is a must-have for you since it does all of that and more with its easy-to-use interface and unique features.
The ACTRON CP7529 has a storage capacity for 4 readings (does not store vacuum readings). It can also hold the timing setting for up to 50 different vehicles, including the make, model, year, and number of cylinders. This allows you to quickly identify the vehicle that you are about to set the timing on. The lamp could use more light; it’s not as powerful as promised. However, the advanced and RPM options function well.
The ACTRON CP7529 has a power indicator light that shows when it is powered on and in working order. Its timer uses a xenon flash that comes with an inductive pickup in a durable and high-temperature resistant ABS housing. There’s also a mode indicator light that enables you to know the particular mode the timer is in.
This timing light works on vehicles equipped with electronic, computer-controlled, DIS, or 2-cycle ignition systems. It can be applied to both diesel and gas engines. The product package includes an instruction booklet with extensive instructions in English, Spanish and French to help you learn how to use it.
The best thing about the OBDMONSTER is its ease of use because it isn’t tied down with complicated instructions. It is therefore easy to understand and not hard to operate at all. This product’s design makes the job it is meant to do more comfortable.
It can be used with 12V power sources and works on cars, motorcycles, and marine engines, as well as all two-stroke and four-stroke gasoline engines. However, it does not work on diesel. It also has the ability to detect the automotive knock suppression control system and vacuum advance angle control system and change its advance angle with the speed change.
It comes with a pistol-type handle with comfortable press keys and a great press feeling which makes it easier to operate than some other products in the market. The inductive pick-up makes it easy to notice a positive signal fast. I’d say it’s a good deal for the money. At idle, though, it’s quite difficult to obtain an accurate reading.
Besides detecting vacuum leaks on the engine oil supply system, it is also able to help your engine back to normalcy. Say for example that you notice your engine hit an emergency speed and short-circuits because of a vacuum leak, you can simply adjust the advance angle and the compression timing to fire off the fuel injectors and prevent your engine from losing power and running into trouble.
BOSCH FIX 7529 digital timing light comes with four different modes which are convenient for saving time on the go, and you can convert it to work on 6v or 12v vehicles. You can also measure engine RPM and advance with this light as well as set initial timing.
It has an all-metal inductive pickup which helps to make it last longer since it doesn’t break easily. There’s no need to worry about burned fingers because of the molding on the battery clips which makes it heat resistant. And the 2-4 cycle selector button makes it easy to switch between the different types of cycles.
BOSCH FIX 7529 works on different gasoline-powered vehicle systems including conventional, electronic, computer-controlled, DIS, and 2 cycle systems.
The display reads 0-9999 RPM and has a handy 1/10 increment which makes it easier for you to measure the correct amount of advance. You can also check and measure both centrifugal advance and vacuum advance.
This product gives you a number of advanced features such as a bright LED display, mode indicator lights, and a flashlight which is very convenient to use when working at night or in the dark. All this at an affordable price too!
The GUNSON G4113 Timestrobe timing light is suitable for vehicles with petrol engines and operates on all 12-volt ignition systems. It has an onboard inductive pickup that can be attached directly to the spark plug wire of your vehicle – bright workshop or normal daylight conditions are no problem thanks to the built-in xenon flash tube.
This unit has overload protection and is easy to carry due to its compact design. It has a special reverse polarity feature that prevents short circuits in vehicles with negative earth ignition systems. GUNSON has a xenon flash tube that can be replaced in four simple steps if/when required, making it an economic investment for its intended lifespan of nine years based on an average use of three times per week. It is also good to know that even in strong light, the time markings are clearly visible.
The inductive pickup of the GUNSON G4113 Timestrobe ensures that you only have to flash the timing lights when it is connected to the vehicle’s battery. There is no danger of accidentally damaging an electronic system when using this timing light, so you can concentrate on getting your vehicle running perfectly! The timing light flashes when the ignition is turned on and indicates ignition timing as well as allowing adjustment to the manufacturer’s specification.
In order to properly adjust the ignition timing on a vehicle or motorbike, the light is a must-have accessory.
The INNOVA 3568 is slim, lightweight, has a dimension of 14.5 x 10 x 3.5 inches and weighs approximately eight ounces. It comes with detachable leads and an inductive pick-up for quick and easy setup and storage. In addition, the detachable leads make for easy use in any roadster or even motorcycle application. And it can read up to 90 degrees in 0.1-degree increments in both conventional and electronic modes!
Use this precision tool for all your timing needs: domestic and import engines, computer-controlled ignition systems, or even older models without built-in advance controls. It has a patented skip circuitry test that detects from 0-9990 RPM! Get ready to see some major increases in performance with this exciting new product from INNOVA Engineering.
We scored the INNOVA 3568 digital timing light 10 out of 10 because it can read up to 90 degrees in 0.1-degree increments, making it an easy timekeeper for most engines. It has a digital tachometer that ranges from 249 to 9990 RPM, and a split-screen for a quick read. The easy-to-use INNOVA 3568 comes with a rotating barrel system that can fit into any timing situation.
Its digital readout displays are split into two parts: one half is the tachometer, the other is the advance scale. As noted above, this digital timing light even allows you to change from conventional to electronic advance settings on some vehicles! The INNOVA 3568 is a full-function digital timing light that is ideal for virtually any engine – and even some more advanced applications.
The included instructions are straightforward and simple to understand. After changing the timing, the integrated tachometer comes in handy for establishing idle. My only quibble is that it should have come with a carrying case.
ESI 130 timing light is designed for any automotive engine that requires accurate engine timing. It features a bright flash at all speeds and can be used with any type of ignition system including inductive types. It also offers the perfect length of lead wire attached which makes it the most convenient tool in your arsenal when it comes to changing spark plugs in carbureted or fuel-injected engines.
It is designed with an accurate DC timing light that allows you to see the exact firing order of the spark plugs. This tool has no moving parts and this makes it perfect for any mechanized operation.
But what it does has is a unique double-locking design, meaning that it can be locked at both ends. The double locking mechanism can be used as a working wrench, making the ESI 130 the most versatile small engine timing light in the market today.
The non-contact sensor features an auto-reset tester that will not let you turn that tester on if there are no sparks being delivered to the spark plugs. This timing light is great for any 4 cycle engine requiring accurate timing and has a very long lifespan because of its rapid cooling capability.
It provides an accuracy of up to 14000 RPM. The ESI 130 has undergone some changes since its original release. It now includes heat-resistant sheathing to prevent heat damage. Also, the timer now has a one-hour safety feature to prevent accidental overuse. This was not possible with older versions.
The ACTRON CP7527 inductive timing light is one of many timing lights that can be used to find the initial timing, set centrifugal advance, measure vacuum advance, and more. The different features found on this inductive timing light help reduce the number of trips to the engine bay. The CP7527 features a bright xenon flash that makes it easy to see everything in your way as well as an all-metal housing that is durable. And the battery clips are attached to the housing for easy mounting.
The instructions are simple enough to follow and well contrasted to make sure you easy and broad understanding of the product. It comes with a small rubber gasket that goes between the housing and clip, so if you have it mounted on your valve cover, your timing marks won’t rub off on it. Directly behind this are two double-sided adhesive pads with an adhesive on both sides for easy mounting.
The CP7527 features an easy on/off touch control. There is a faceplate on the front of the housing which you can slide down to turn the xenon light on or off, and there is also a knob for controlling the amount of timing advance that you want. It can be used on conventional, electronic, 2-cycle ignition, computer-controlled, and DIS gasoline-powered vehicles.
The Bosch 7527 inductive timing light is another of the most popular brands in the professional, technician, and novice DIY markets. Whether basic to advance timing functions, this model will handle almost any need you might have. This inductive timing light works on vehicles equipped with electronic, conventional, computer-controlled, dis, or 2-cycle ignition systems.
This model is very simple to use. It utilizes on/off touch control for its basic timing functions. This power on/off switch is located on the front of the tool on top of what would be the transition between the pistol grip style body and the transition to the light head. This location makes the switch easy to find while holding the light or wearing gloves and eliminates the need for settings adjustment buttons that may get bumped during operations and cause some unwanted actions (such as change some settings you did not intend to change).
You can trigger it with your thumb, forefinger, or even your palm depending upon the position of your hand when it hits the trigger. The trigger is a light touch type lever and is located in the center of the light head. It is a simple switch, nothing fancy. It can be turned to the right for normal operation or left for no operation.
The light’s body is made of durable ABS plastic that can withstand extreme temperatures and due to its compact size, it is easy to place this product in tight spaces. The most advanced feature on this timing light is the swivel head that allows you to point the head in almost any direction of choice during testing or adjustment. A simple twist of a knob opens or closes this head, enabling full movement.
As a new member of the ESI family, the 150 is taking inductive timing lighting to new heights. With its removable leads, you’ll be able to use it for all 12V systems. It has break-resistant housing that will withstand tough job site conditions. The precision-focused flash tube provides you with bright flashes without blinding headaches or sensitive eyesight. It comes with a simple, easy-to-use user interface that has an ergonomic handle and a large trigger switch that helps to extend the lives of both the tube and circuit.
This ESI 150 is designed specifically for automotive, wetland, agriculture, mining, and construction machine use. It features a sealed case build quality so it will not overheat when in contact with the surrounding environment. With an induction-type power supply that is specified to work up to 8000 RPM, you can be sure that your equipment will operate at peak performance while still maintaining accuracy within seconds of measurement.
The removable/replaceable leads are a unique feature of the ESI 150 and are designed for you to replace them rather than purchase an entirely new timer. They are also color-coded to help the user understand if the setting is for 6 or 12 volts.
Finally, all ESI timers are equipped with an easy on/off switch on the rear of the unit that allows for awkward testing positions while still allowing you to interact with your machine.
Thistiming light measures engine RPM and degrees of advance from 0-90 degrees on 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines. It is detachable from the cable set, so it can be removed and replaced with another cable set for another vehicle.
It can also accurately measure up to 9000 RPM, as well as clearly show the engine speed and ignition spark advance. Its high-intensity xenon flashlight is the perfect aid when checking your spark plug gap, timing marks on your camshaft, diagnosing engine faults, and carrying out extensive maintenance. The ESI 125 is highly recommended for every auto enthusiast!
The OTC 3367 comes with a bright LED screen that makes large digits easy to read, and features a microprocessor-controlled circuitry that provides accurate readings at variable RPM levels. The tachometer display goes up to 9999 RPM, and the unit indicates1/10 of an RPM when in this mode.
To help avoid burnouts when taking off rubbers, there are light indicators for engine start position (when no pulse), engine idle position (pulsing), and approximate running time until take-off pulses.
This light features two up/down scroll buttons to help you easily navigate through the various modes. It also includes a handy flashlight that turns on the unit when triggered and turns it off when not in use. There are four different flashing modes for diagnosing faults or checking engine timing and durable plastic housing with a high-impact ABS case that protects from damage.
The OTC 3367 is equipped with over-molded grips for easy handling and protection from impact and heat. Plus, its carrying case makes for convenient storage and protection from dust and dirt. The gold-plated contacts and stainless steel diode ensure maximum durability or long life. It comes with a super bright xenon flash for optimum screen illumination, and its compact size makes it ideal for use in small engine applications.
Performance Tool W80587 digital advance timing light comes with a xenon flash, and a high vis LED display which allows for precise tuning of engines. It is designed for 4 or 2 cycle engines and has a push-button control to easily adjust advance and switch between both cycle engine types without having to remove the wire leads as well as inductive pickup leads. It has a 60-degree objective lens and works with 12V systems.
This product displays advance timing of up to 9000 RPM with an ignition spark from 0-90. It provides the accurate timing needed when diagnosing an engine that is running poorly or when adding performance enhancements such as camshafts, intakes, and exhausts, among others.
The push button control allows for simple operation while the ignition spark is controlled by an adjustable coil that provides the proper spark timing required for maximum performance and mileage.
It can decrease cylinder pressure, detect automotive knock suppression control systems and vacuum advance angle control systems with the trigger point of a high volt coil, and easily change its advance angle with the speed change so that you can find your favorite angle quickly.
The Houpiker timing light is ideal for car, agricultural, marine, and all gasoline engines of two strokes or four strokes and suitable for 12V ignition systems. Also, there’s the overload protection, a sensor clip, distinguished positive and negative poles, and other great features. It comes with an impact-resistant ABS housing and reverse polarity protected design to ensure security when working with mechanics or other professionals in the field of electricity.
Houpiker can withstand dust, dirt, humidity, snow, and other environmental conditions. So all in all, we can recommend this product!
The Sealey timing digital light is a very economical timing light because it combines key measuring functions usually found separately, for example, voltage drop measurement (tachometer), dwell function (advancing the ignition system), lighting power measurement (brightness), and other measuring functions.
It features a digital display that is easy to read through any type of lighting or darkness. It is equipped with an intelligent light sensor that automatically adjusts the brightness of the LED light in response to conditions in the engine compartment. It can be connected to a 12V power supply using lead connected with a coiled cord.
There are basically three modes for use, depending on the specific need of the user. In the Single Function Mode, only one of the following four basic measuring functions appear on the digital display: tachometer, lighting power measure, dwell and advance.
The Sealey timing light comes with built-in attenuation devices that can be used to suppress interference between the engine control unit and the ignition system. This kind of interference might occur especially when a sophisticated ECU is used with a distributorless ignition system which generates higher ignition pulses than conventional ignitions systems.
There is a special mode for measuring 2 stroke engines such as those found in dirt bikes, quads, and snowmobiles. This 2-stroke engine measurement can be carried out in the wattage mode by using the Dual Power Mode which allows measurement of both ignition power and total power output in wattage mode. This feature is unique only to the Sealey.
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