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Tricking timing light to work on MSD
#2986764
11/19/21 12:56 PM
11/19/21 12:56 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,704
central il.
second 70
OP
top fuel
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OP
top fuel
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,704
central il.
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A friend brought over a cheap Harbor Freight dial back timing light that he said worked fine with MSD on his car. So I hooked it up to mine and it was useless. So I tell him it didn't work but I heard a trick that if you hook it up to a spare battery and not the one in the car it might work? He laughs and says that's the way he always uses it since his battery is in the trunk. Sure enough hooked it up to spare battery and it worked perfect. Here's the light. https://www.harborfreight.com/timin...J5u-k9AIVY3NvBB20QQlJEAQYASABEgJ-TPD_BwE
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Re: Tricking timing light to work on MSD
[Re: TJP]
#2986815
11/19/21 02:24 PM
11/19/21 02:24 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,762
A collage of whims
topside
Too Many Posts
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Too Many Posts
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,762
A collage of whims
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Interesting - never thought of that. But I'm still using a simple timing light that dates back to the Nixon administration  Dead simple & idiot-proof, works on anything...
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Re: Tricking timing light to work on MSD
[Re: second 70]
#2986844
11/19/21 03:08 PM
11/19/21 03:08 PM
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 43,157
Bend,OR USA
Cab_Burge
I Win
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I Win
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 43,157
Bend,OR USA
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I've done the same thing on my S/P car with a 7AL2, never thought about it not working but now this pointed out I will do that on any car I need to time with MSD ignition. I do remember having issues with a Penske dial back light years ago and ended up buying battery powered brand to use on MSD, now they both work  Thinks for the tip  
Last edited by Cab_Burge; 11/19/21 10:25 PM.
Mr.Cab Racing and winning with Mopars since 1964. (Old F--t, Huh)
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Re: Tricking timing light to work on MSD
[Re: moparx]
#2986927
11/19/21 06:16 PM
11/19/21 06:16 PM
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,172
PA.
pittsburghracer
"Little"John
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"Little"John
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,172
PA.
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I wonder if I’ve never had trouble with the ones I’ve tried because I get power by my starter. 🤔
1970 Duster
Edelbrock headed 408
5.984@112.52
422 Indy headed small block
5.982@112.56 mph
9.42@138.27
Livin and lovin life one day at a time
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Re: Tricking timing light to work on MSD
[Re: pittsburghracer]
#2986975
11/19/21 08:56 PM
11/19/21 08:56 PM
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,102
Western Md.
skicker
"The Champ"
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"The Champ"
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,102
Western Md.
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I wonder if I’ve never had trouble with the ones I’ve tried because I get power by my starter. 🤔
Same here...Never an issue with my Snap-on light... 
...FAFO...
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Re: Tricking timing light to work on MSD
[Re: skicker]
#2987043
11/20/21 12:54 AM
11/20/21 12:54 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,175
Park Forest, IL
slantzilla
Too Many Posts
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Too Many Posts
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,175
Park Forest, IL
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Same here, no issues with my Snap On, but it's not a dial back. My battery is in the trunk also, and no alternator.
"Everybody funny, now you funny too."
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Re: Tricking timing light to work on MSD
[Re: 360view]
#2987073
11/20/21 07:34 AM
11/20/21 07:34 AM
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,172
PA.
pittsburghracer
"Little"John
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"Little"John
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,172
PA.
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Interesting discussion.
This has me wondering if the circuits inside a “dial back” timing light could be used to create a device to retard ignition tming while driving the vehicle.
Long ago MSD actually sold an aftermarket box that could retard timing up to 20 degrees using a knob mounted below the dash. Get a Grid ignition. Guys are cheating with them every week at the racetrack with them.
1970 Duster
Edelbrock headed 408
5.984@112.52
422 Indy headed small block
5.982@112.56 mph
9.42@138.27
Livin and lovin life one day at a time
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