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Author Topic: Timing light  (Read 1606 times)

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jonathantaylor86

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Timing light
« on: April 28, 2009, 12:18:08 PM »
I want to set the ignition timiing on my cb500 from 72 and was curious if anyone had suggestions on a brand of timing light or if it doesnt matter?
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Offline TwoTired

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Re: Timing light
« Reply #1 on: April 28, 2009, 12:32:26 PM »
You mean a strobe type light?  Or, a little 12V bulb and alligator clips across the points?
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Offline Inigo Montoya

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Re: Timing light
« Reply #2 on: April 28, 2009, 12:48:45 PM »
I will assume you mean a strobe style. I used an induction and it worked great. Only $12 too at harbor freight. It is not high quality but then I do not use it daily.
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Offline punch455

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Re: Timing light
« Reply #3 on: April 28, 2009, 12:50:15 PM »
I've had a Sun for about 12 years now. Cheap but well made (Go figure).  You can probably pick one up for around 25 bucks.
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Offline lordmoonpie

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Re: Timing light
« Reply #4 on: April 28, 2009, 01:21:56 PM »
Stay cheap and simple - strobes with advance retard settings are meant for cars and suck on bikes - get a plain standard flashing light strobe that strobes and nothing else!  ;D

Old SUN lights are great!
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Offline r6100mph

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Re: Timing light
« Reply #5 on: April 28, 2009, 02:39:40 PM »
I bought a timing light from harbor freight, probably the same one you're looking at $12 or so, and it works great!  Got to love harbor freight!  They are really good about returns to, if for some reason it doesn't work
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jonathantaylor86

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Re: Timing light
« Reply #6 on: April 28, 2009, 03:52:07 PM »
I've never set the timing before so I am unsure which type of light is more accurate or easier to use. Also, I believe the timing has to be advanced. Is this because the engine has wear? And if it is because of wear, what could be fixed or replaced to correct this.
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Offline Gordon

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Re: Timing light
« Reply #7 on: April 28, 2009, 07:01:17 PM »
Quote from: jonathantaylor86 on April 28, 2009, 03:52:07 PM
I've never set the timing before so I am unsure which type of light is more accurate or easier to use. Also, I believe the timing has to be advanced. Is this because the engine has wear? And if it is because of wear, what could be fixed or replaced to correct this.

The cheaper, simpler strobe lights are generally easier to use because they don't have all kind of fancy stuff on them.  Just a trigger and a light. 

Setting the timing has nothing to do with engine wear.  Just follow the procedure in your manual (you do have one, right?) and it will be pretty straight-forward. 
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jonathantaylor86

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Re: Timing light
« Reply #8 on: April 29, 2009, 09:22:42 AM »
Where can i buy a cheap strobe light?
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Offline Gordon

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Re: Timing light
« Reply #9 on: April 29, 2009, 09:25:03 AM »
Quote from: jonathantaylor86 on April 29, 2009, 09:22:42 AM
Where can i buy a cheap strobe light?

Pretty much anywhere that sells automotive tools. 
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