Best Timing Light – Our Top 3

Top 3-5

Introduction

Timing lights are among the most important automotive tools on the market. They are practically stroboscopes used to dynamically set the timing of the ignition. You can use them on an Otto cycle and other internal combustion engines that are designed with a distributor. When it comes to modern passenger vehicles that are controlled by electronic means, you will require a scan tool to display the ignition timing.

Product
 OBDMONSTER
 Actron
 MSD
Image
 
 
 
Description
The OBDMONSTER Timing Light is high-end quality, has an excellent accuracy, and can be used by anyone. It’s also made of high-quality and heavy-duty materials to withstand any rough working environment.(Check price at Amazon)
The Actron timing light is pretty great as well and it’s very easy to set up. It’s a little pricier but it gets the job done.(Check price at Amazon)
The MSD is a much more expensive model but without a performance to match the price tag. However, it has a pretty long lifespan.(Check price at Amazon)

While the engine is running, the timing light has to be connected to the ignition circuit. This will allow you to use it to illuminate the timing marks found on the engine’s crankshaft pulley or flywheel. The timing light uses a stroboscopic effect to frozen the apparent position of the marks. Then you can tell the current timing of the spark in relation to piston position.

Best Timing Light

The flywheel housing has a reference pointer attached to it, although it can also be attached to another fixed point. Then the engraved scale is capable of giving the offset between the spark time and the top dead center of the piston’s position in the cylinder. You can rotate the distributor slightly until you manage to get the reference pointer aligning with the specified point on the timing scale.

If you’re dealing with fuel-injected engines or engines that have a microprocessor control, you might have to need to do a special procedure. This will allow you to observe the basic spark timing without control effects from the engine’s computer.

Generally, the timing is set on the #1 cylinder. But there are also cases where the engine is timed off another cylinder. This includes the International Harvester V8 engines that use #8, Isuzu 4Z series four-cylinder that use #4, and the Saab two-stroke engine that uses #2.

Best Timing Light – Types of Automotive Timing Lights

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Best Timing Light

There are two main types of automotive timing lights. These are the inductive and incline models. It’s important to know about both models so you can make an informed decision. The difference between these two lies in their connections.

More than that, one is better suited for DIY enthusiasts that don’t need to spend a lot of money on a timing light. And on the other hand, the other type is specifically designed for professional mechanics and people that need the best timing light on the market. Of course, you will also see models that include more functions or are plain and simple.

Let’s start with the incline timing light. This model requires the unplugging of the number 1 spark plug every time you use it. Incline timing lights are also much more affordable and a bit easier to use. Their biggest advantage is that they are excellent for DIY enthusiasts and beginners as they help reduce the risk of electrocution.

On the other hand, inductive timing lights allow you to clip around the spark plug wire with the help of an inbuilt sensor. This model is a little bit more pricey but when it comes to quality, it’s much better than the incline models. They’re excellent for professionals and people that work a lot on cars and need the best tools on the market.

You can also find simple or more complex automotive timing lights. The simple models are designed to work as nothing but timing lights. But you also have the chance to invest in “all-in-one” models that come with various other features. This includes a voltmeter, RPM meter, dwell angle meter, and even an engine analyzer. These are made for professionals.

Best Timing Light – How to Choose

Best Timing Light

The benefits of using an automotive timing light are endless. This is why it’s important to invest in a model that’s specifically designed for your vehicle and for your needs. And you should always start with the price tag. Even if the timing light is the best on the market, you should think thoroughly if you actually need all those functions if you’re on a budget.

The main reason why a good timing light matters is that it can increase the lifespan of your engine, as it can prevent the overheating of the engine. When your engine works at peak efficiency, you will also benefit from the maximum fuel economy. It also improves the overall performance of the vehicle. More than that, timing lights can provide a great solution to various electrical and engine faults.

It’s extremely important to understand your needs and have all the knowledge about your engine. This will help tremendously when you start looking for a good timing light. Not all models work the same and not all of them are capable of handling 4, 6, 8-cylinder engines. Then you’ll need to think thoroughly about whether you need an inductive or an incline timing light.

You should also be extremely attentive about the cover of the timing light. Don’t even think about buying it if it has a metal cover. Metal is a great conductor of electricity, which will greatly increase your chance of getting electrocuted. Make sure the timing light wires are secure and clear of any moving parts. A model with a microprocessor that controls timing lights is great if you’re willing to spend a little extra.

In this article, we’ll talk about Our Top 3 Automotive Timing Lights.

Best Timing Light – Comparison Table

Product Name
OBDMONSTER
Actron
MSD
Image
 
 
 
Easy to Use
Yes
Yes
Yes
Versatile
Yes
Yes
Yes
Advance Function
Yes
Yes
Yes
Pistol-Like Design
Yes
Yes
Yes
Safe Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Yes
Bright Light
Yes
Yes
Yes
Durable
Yes
Yes
Yes
Link

1 OBDMONSTER Automotive Timing Light

OBDMONSTER Automotive Timing Light

Description

The OBDMONSTER Automotive Timing Light is designed to help you re-time your vehicle’s ignition and enjoy the best performance your car’s engine can provide. Its job is to ensure your safety and offer you a long-lasting and reliable engine performance. If you notice you start using more fuel than usually for the exact same route, this timing light might be able to fix that problem. It comes at a very affordable price and it can be used by both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. If you love fixing your car all by yourself, this timing light is all you need.

Thanks to its versatility, you will be able to use it on a wide range of vehicles. This includes cars, trucks, snowmobiles, motorcycles, steamships, and a lot more. It only weighs around 15 ounces and is incredibly easy to use. If your engine is suddenly thumping or shuddering, you could easily check the engine’s timing to see if something is wrong. This is a self-diagnosing tool and can be used by anyone.

When you want to use it, make sure you’re connecting everything properly. The red clip goes to the positive terminal of the battery and the black clip needs to be connected to the negative terminal of the battery. Then, use the largest, red clip to connect it to the #1 spark plug. After that, you can safely switch on the engine. To operate the timing light aim it at the crankshaft scale of the pulley. It comes designed like a gun, which makes aiming a piece of cake. Then all you have to do is pull the trigger and check the timing.

This timing light is made in Taiwan and it doesn’t come with a carrying case.

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Best Timing Light

Features

The OBDMONSTER Automotive Timing Light is designed for all two-stroke and four-stroke gasoline engines. It can easily work on 12V ignition systems. This pistol-type handle is ergonomically designed and it features comfortable press keys. It works great with press feeling and offers an easy operation. You’ll receive a helpful user’s manual that will give you all the instructions you need. This model is also made to last a pretty long time as it’s constructed from high-end quality materials. It’s made of heavy-duty plastic that can pass the test of time.

Thanks to the differently colored sensor clips, you will be able to safely and easily hook everything up and get ready to use the tool. The different colors help you distinguish between the positive and negative poles. More than that, the clamps are designed with an inductive pick-up and sliding clamp-on to make the job as fast as possible as well. The cable is around 51 inches long. If you need a much longer cable, this product is not the right choice for you.

With various advanced functions, this tool is capable of testing the ignition timing scale and then adjust appropriately. It can work with both the engine flywheel or belt pulley. It’s also capable of detecting the automotive knock suppression control system, along with the vacuum advance angle control system. You can easily change the advance angle with the speed change.

This model is made for standard base timing with on/off touch control. It works with most ignition systems, such as DIS, conventional, domestic and import, electronic and computer-controlled systems. This provides a very simple but efficient tool for time checking. It can also diagnose a no-spark condition. It doesn’t work on diesel engines.

Best Timing Light

Pros

  • Easy to Use
  • Easy to Set Up
  • Widely Versatile
  • Advance Function
  • Pistol-Like Handle Design
  • Durable and Long-Lasting
  • Black and Red Sensor Clips

Cons

  • A bit pricey for its simplicity.
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2 Actron CP7528 Advance Timing Light

Description

The Actron CP7528 Advance Timing Light is another great model that can help you maintain a smooth-running engine. Its job is to allow you to quickly diagnose your vehicle so you can fix it and get on with your daily activities. This model offers a pretty good performance. However, it’s still a little bit pricey compared to other models within its performance range. It does come with a helpful user’s manual and it’s very easy to use. This makes it great for both DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics.

Actron is a Diagnostic Tools and Equipment manufacturer that offers various products that can help solve your car problems pretty fast. This includes timing lights, OBD scanning tools, battery load testers, brake bleed kits, video inspection scopes, and a lot more. All of the products are carefully designed and heavily tested before they make it out of the factory. They always try to make high-quality tools and equipment that can be affordable to everyone. They also continuously improve their products and are very attentive to their customers’ reviews and complaints.

This model might seem made of some type of metal but the case it’s actually constructed from plastic. It has a fine silver finish that makes the timing light look like it’s made of metal if you’re not really paying attention to the pictures. It’s a pretty good model that also comes with its sensor clips colored differently to help you distinguish the positive and negative poles.

The package will include everything you need to make the timing light work and it can be easily handled by anyone. This timing light is shaped like a gun and is also designed with an easy-to-press trigger.

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Best Timing Light

Features

The Actron CP7528 Advance Timing Light features a heat-resistant design. The battery clips are also carefully made to withstand great levels of heat to ensure your safety. You can confidently set the clamps on the positive and negative terminals of the battery and the largest black clip to the #1 spark plug. The clamps are also designed with a molded inductive pickup design over the spark plug wire. This will make the hook-up process easier and faster.

Thanks to the linear xenon flash tube and focused fresnel lens, you will benefit from an extremely bright light that can be successfully used in broad daylight as well. This advance timing light provides an accurate adjustment of dace and advance reading of the timing. You will also benefit from a 1-year warranty in case you’re not pleased with the quality of this product.

With various high-quality features, this timing light can work very fast and very accurately. You’ll love its adjustable knob that helps you measure centrifugal, vacuum, and computer advance. The tool is also designed with an all-metal inductive pickup. And the durable, plated ABS housing makes the tool safe to use by anyone. It also has a one-touch control design.

It includes advance analog dial, inductive pickup, and it quickly displays the advance readout. This model also works on computer-controlled ignition, electronic ignition, and points ignition. It doesn’t display dwell reading, volt reading, tachometer reading, nor an LCD readout. You should also know that it’s not multi-spark compatible.

We recommend to operate this product in a ventilated area and keep hands away from moving parts. Remove any jewelry and don’t wear extremely loose clothes. You should ask an expert for help if you’re not confident in yourself.

Best Timing Light

Pros

  • Easy to Set Up
  • Easy to Use
  • Durable
  • Great Quality
  • Heat-Resistant
  • Linear Xenon Flash Tube
  • Durable and Long-Lasting
  • Molded Inductive Pickup Clamps

Cons

  • Very Pricey
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3 MSD Ignition 8992 Timing Light

MSD Ignition 8992 Timing Light

Description

The MSD Ignition 8992 Timing Light is a great tool for self-diagnosing your vehicle as well. It’s very simple and it works flawlessly. However, it’s extremely expensive for such a simple timing light. But if you’re looking for a model that is very long-lasting and you don’t need any other features, this might be all you need. It has a very long lifespan and great accuracy. You also won’t have to struggle using it as it comes with everything you need to work. If you work in the field you might want to invest in a carrying case as well as this model doesn’t come with one.

This timing light is designed with two sensor clamps that are distinctly colored. The red and black clamp allows you to distinguish between the positive and negative poles. If they are switched up, you might end up in a dangerous situation. But the colored clamps allow you to know exactly which one goes where and enjoy a safe and secure diagnosing process. The big clamp is the easiest to install as it goes around the spark plug.

The package will include the timing light and a user’s manual. You will also benefit from a 1-year warranty and a lifetime of customer support.

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Best Timing Light

Features

The MSD Ignition 8992 Timing Light features a patented flash that ensures a brightness level that’s three times stronger than most timing lights. It’s a great tool to be used no matter where you are. This includes in your workshop, garage, or even outside in the sun. The light offers stable and reliable signals from 0 t 10,000 RPM. This will ensure you’re confident about your tune all the way through the red-line.

This expensive timing light is designed to work even in the toughest environments. Its casing is strong as it features high-quality materials. It’s also easy to clean and resists corrosive and other types of harmful chemicals. The light is made to withstand your daily working environment and offer you a stable performance. It also uses metal inductive pickup that is capable of resisting getting accidentally touched by hot components. This includes the exhaust manifold.

Thanks to the 6ft leads, you will also benefit from all the reach you need from the battery to most timing indicators. The battery clamps are also insulated and have a strong spring to provide a tight and safe connection. This timing light has detachable leads as well. The biggest spike plug can be detached. It allows you to make the timing light less bulky for storage and the inductive pickup can be stored in another compartment.

With the pistol-type design, you will enjoy an ergonomic design and a great press feeling. You can use it to test the ignition timing scale on the engine flywheel and even the belt pulley. It’s not designed for diesel engines and it’s not capable of working on vehicles that don’t have a spark plug or distributor.

Best Timing Light

Pros

  • Easy to Install
  • Easy to Use
  • Durable
  • Long-Lasting
  • Safe and Accurate
  • Made of Tough Materials
  • Provides Stable Timing Signals
  • Intense Strobe Visible During Daylight

Cons

  • Very Expensive
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Conclusion

Timing lights are very important in making sure your engine won’t overheat while you’re on the road. It can also help you solve a few other car problems without spending a lot of time and money on a repair shop. These tools are designed to be used by anyone, regardless if you’re a professional or just a DIY enthusiast.

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