I finally gave in and went back to a manual timing light after years using digital

Stopped by an old parts house in rural Kansas last week, place had dust on everything. Guy behind the counter was probably 70, he pulled out a Snap-On timing light from 1982 and told me digital ones just complicate what should be simple. I laughed it off but tried his method on a 6.9 IDI Ford. He was right, got it dialed in on the second try compared to messing with my fancy unit for 20 minutes. Anyone else keep an old school light around for the stubborn stuff?

2 comments

2 Comments

shanegibson4d ago

You ever try using one of those old school lights on something like a Ford 300 inline six? They just work. I keep a vintage Craftsman in my box for the old diesels, no fuss no battery drain. Digital ones have way too many menus for a job that's supposed to be feel.

mason_foster684d ago

Yeah, "no fuss no battery drain" is exactly why I still grab my old school timing light for the Ford 300s. I've had digital ones get confused by the ignition noise on those old setups and just refuse to flash. Stick with the Craftsman and save yourself the headache, trust me on that one.