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dial back timing light & msd #91058
07/19/08 09:46 PM
07/19/08 09:46 PM
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 124
Northern Ontario
Hans Offline OP
member
Hans  Offline OP
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 124
Northern Ontario
I need to buy a new timing light but have heard that the dial back lights may not work well with my msd6al ignition system. Has anyone had any problems with this?
thanks

Re: dial back timing light & msd [Re: Hans] #91059
07/19/08 09:47 PM
07/19/08 09:47 PM
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,336
the house on the left.
C
cogen80 Offline
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,336
the house on the left.
they work. but your better off with one that doesn't hook to the battery for power.

Re: dial back timing light & msd [Re: cogen80] #91060
07/19/08 10:10 PM
07/19/08 10:10 PM
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 11,836
Florida
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mopar346 Offline
Let me tell ya about fat chicks!
mopar346  Offline
Let me tell ya about fat chicks!
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Florida
Or using a different battery source for the light. I have always used another one since the battery was in the trunk any way.


Careful, your character's showing!
Re: dial back timing light & msd [Re: mopar346] #91061
07/19/08 10:35 PM
07/19/08 10:35 PM
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 959
Cincinnati,Ohio
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jcastle1 Offline
super stock
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super stock
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Posts: 959
Cincinnati,Ohio
http://cgi.ebay.com/Equus-Innova-Digital...1QQcmdZViewItem
These are great! There's one on ebag now-John

Re: dial back timing light & msd [Re: jcastle1] #91062
07/20/08 02:47 AM
07/20/08 02:47 AM
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,213
Los Angeles, CA
Mobarge Offline
pro stock
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Posts: 1,213
Los Angeles, CA
I think it stops the multiple sparks over 2,500 RPM or something like that. You can also raise the RPMs to the point your distro is at total advance (for example, 38*), then dial the light back by 38*. Should read 0* if your timing is on.


'71 SSP - SOLD!
Re: dial back timing light & msd [Re: Mobarge] #91063
07/20/08 11:49 AM
07/20/08 11:49 AM
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,746
Riverside, California
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Lil Demon Offline
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Riverside, California
The dial backs do not work with MSD Dig 6 (At least in my case). I was having some issues at the track and a buddy brought his light over (dial back) and checked my timing - he said "you're at 48*" I said no way as my timing is locked at 34*. So I figured something happened and my timing slipped, set it to 34* by his light and went out and promptly lost .5 on my ET.

Got home and put my regular light on it - it was at 20*. I did buy the Flaming River self powered light from Summit and it works great.

Re: dial back timing light & msd [Re: Lil Demon] #91064
07/20/08 03:27 PM
07/20/08 03:27 PM
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 124
Northern Ontario
Hans Offline OP
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Hans  Offline OP
member

Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 124
Northern Ontario
Thanks guys!! now I'm really confused.
-this from the msd trouble shooting page

"Timing Fluctuations
If your timing seems to be jumping all over the place, check the following items:

What kind of timing light are you using? Many lights have trouble reading the MSD's capacitive discharge multiple sparks. Dial back timing lights are not recommended. Try another non-adjustable light and check the timing again. MSD offers a Timing Light, PN 8990.
Make sure you are not using Solid Core wires.
Inspect the routing of the Magnetic Pickup Harness. It should be routed clear of the coil primary wires and plug wires. It is best to route it along a ground plain such as the firewall, frame or engine block to form a shield around it.
Check the polarity of the magnetic pickup wires of the distributor. Reverse the connectors and check the timing again. The correct polarity is whichever connection gives the most retarded timing.
On Chevrolet engines, if the timing is retarding 10 - 20 degrees inspect for cam-walk. This is especially prevalent on engines with a chrome or stock timing chain cover that is actually bowing forward allowing the cam to "walk". "







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