Timing?

[mbflemingkf]

OK, may have found a problem with my Kaiser.  timing was set at 4 degrees AFTER top dead center instead of 4 degrees BEFORE.  Geeze, why is it so difficult to find a real mechanic these days?     Wonder if that would make a difference in the engine running hot at idle??     Time will tell I guess.

[joefrazer]

Yes, that will make a difference. The car should run cooler and have more power since the timing is now advanced to where it should be.

[51Deluxe]

Timing is one of the easiest DIY things to do, just have to find a timing light, which is harder to come by than it once was. I'll be checking garage sales for them myself.

[BigDave LM6174]

Harbor Freight has some cheap, but great timing lights for the do it yourselfers.  They are fine with 6 volt too.

[51Deluxe]

Thanks for the tip Big Dave, I go there all the time but forgot they have automotive stuff.

[84RabbitGTI]

I have not been able to find 6volt compatible timing lights at Harbor Freight recently.  How long ago have you checked there for one?  Do you have a part number or stock number or something?  Thanks!

[51Deluxe]

I suspect it will work fine even if marked 12v. If I remember correctly, timing lights work on the high voltage from the coil, which shouldn't vary from 6v to 12v.

[84RabbitGTI]

The flash bulb is powered by the voltage.  The twelve volt I have does not work on 6V.  I have to have my brand X next to the Kaiser to power  the light, which is inconvenient.

[Fid]

I do the same thing 84RabbitGTI.  One thing that is important is to set the point gap/dwell angle before setting the timing as changing the point gap will change the timing.

[boatingbill]

The newer timing lights use a 12v source to power the electronics. It the 60's most
had a 6v/12v switch to be compatible. The old xenon units had one lead on the #1
wire and the other end grounded to fire the bulb. It was so dim we put a blanket
over our heads to see the timing marks. I have one and the bulb is burned out. Free
to anyone who wants it.

[dusty]

Kaiser member Paul Boehm, Moses Lake Wa. gave me info on how to time an engine with a vacuum  gage. remove the plug wires from 1-3-5 plugs and run the engine to get the maxinmum reading 17-22 in vac. He says you will be timing the car under LOAD as race car mechanics do. every engineg is slightly different so timing will be slightly different with each.