Having seen a few threads asking how to use a timing light on your zeds and what type of light I took a few pics today to show this and how easy it is.

 

So starting with the light type, the Draper one shown here is an induction xenon light, prices range from £20 to £40 so well worth looking around Ebay is the best place.

 

 

The unit is designed to collect its trigger signal from HT leads via the clamp sensor, of course our zeds use direct coil packs so there are no plug leads, but no worries as the coil packs emit emf (electric magnetic fields / force ) each time they trigger and the timing light sensor can pick up this and use it to flash the xenon light at the correct time, however the sensor jaw must be open so here you can see a cable tie is used to keep it apart.

 

 

 

So now the easy bit, the induction sensor sits really nice in the coil pack well, make sure the silver sticker is facing forward as its more sensative this way around

 

 

Hooking up the light to the battery, connect the red clip to the 12v live terminal and the black clip to the plenum earth point this we find gives a cleaner supply ( electronic wise ) and hence a brighter consitant flash.

 

 

So we know the correct timing is 15 deg tdc this of course is at normal operating temperature, below the picture shows the light been pointed at the crank pulley where the timing marks can be seen, in the picture the engine was NOT up to temp and hence is showing an advance of timing, this is normal and will reduce as the engine warms up.

 

 

So if any adjustments are needed the cas unit (crank angle sensor ) will need the three 10 mm bolts slacking off and the unit rotating either right to retard or to the left to advance, once correct lock them up and your done, occassionally after the timing has been adjusted the tick over may need trimming, the timing been correct is essential to get the best prerformance and best mpg.

 

 

 

 

Jeff TT

Edited July 13, 201114 yr by JeffTT

No stock pully?

set the gun to 0* as your changing the timing on the car ...

make sure u shine the light at the top of the crank pully if your still having a hard time seeing the marker turn the crank manualy or in 4th gear untill u see it and then use some tip-x/white paint ( small amount ) to remark it and the gun will lighten it up better when u time it up ..

Thanks Mark, just done that and can only assume gun is at fault as even with the mark whited can't see it at all! Can't get gun any closer as fan blades in the way.

the light is flashing right ?

Yes, flashing fine, don't understand why I can't see the mark?????

Had another go and the light does work as can see other scratches on the pulley that move when turning the dial. Is it possible the pulley is on wrong, been a long time since I pulled an engine so can't remember???

Had another go and the light does work as can see other scratches on the pulley that move when turning the dial. Is it possible the pulley is on wrong, been a long time since I pulled an engine so can't remember???

 

highly unlikely as there is a "key" on the crank shaft that the pulley slides onto.

Had another go and the light does work as can see other scratches on the pulley that move when turning the dial. Is it possible the pulley is on wrong, been a long time since I pulled an engine so can't remember???

 

the pully is keyed init so cant be wrong...try marking the line from under the car with a white marker pen and it should light up like blackpool in december

the pully is keyed init so cant be wrong...try marking the line from under the car with a white marker pen and it should light up like blackpool in december

 

Already marked the line with white

Already marked the line with white

 

id say your timing light is flashing at the wrong time, are you getting the pick up from the PTU loop? or directly off of coilpack 1?

Already marked the line with white

 

ok ile get a slap for this BUT are you on number 1 coil???...try shinning it directly down as they have projecter lenses and can be hard to direct the full beam

Coil 1, front d/s, will try altering the angle it's pointing at

Coil 1, front d/s, will try altering the angle it's pointing at

 

yep got to be directly at line for best results...lot easier without full sunlight too

Ok all a bit wierd now, light is strobbing and can see the pulley wheel under that light and see scrathes/dimples and they move back and forth when altering the dial so seeing the wheel ok but still no mark??

A guy I know is selling these (about £10 delivered) and they make it a hell of a lot easier to do the timing....

 

(if it isn't obvious) one end on to the plug and the other into the coil pack leaving room to connect the timing light (like an extension).

 

they have tested them and they work well with coil packs and on modified engines.

 

Call freephone number - 0800 0 23 44 23 or 01803-850050 (and ask for a spark plug tester lead).

 

Edited July 29, 201114 yr by Medallion Man

That looks like the length could make it a bit awkward to pop on top of the plug?

That looks like the length could make it a bit awkward to pop on top of the plug?

 

agreed, that would be more helpful had the end that goes onto the spark plug been a bit longer and solid most of the length. but good idea non the less.

yeah, i see, there is no reason why a piece of plastic pipe (like hep20) couldn't be used to stiffen the lead (cut down its length and taped on...

I guess I could make one up and check it work... :)

yeah, just a piece of hard plastic pipe the correct length with a slot in the side so you could pop it over the cable could be included in the kit....