Genius! Sounds pretty new skool to me...
Timing light
- Thread starter Donald
- Start date
I always thought a strobe might be useful. Is there a way to get an old light it to work with Coil on plug / no plug wires?
I'm 54 and have worked on many sets of points. When I worked at the radiator shop the shops in the area would bring me cars to put points in for them as they didn't teach that in the automotive schools any more.
I drove a 73 international pickup untill 2012 and it had points. The points in my case tractor are the same as a 65 jeep and 50's dodge or DeSoto. Probably other models too. They were actually in stock at AutoZone once I found the AutoZone number for them
I use to have a timing light and dwell meter.
Got rid of them years ago.
Now I own a code reader.
Got rid of them years ago.
Now I own a code reader.
Just short on energy/fuel economy.
I ripped all the MSD and Pertronix crap outta my '68 Vette. Still had the original coil. Put the coil and points back in and she runs like a champ. 2nd gear throttle will get you sideways.
I'll probably keep this around for a long time. I got this Heathkit scope from an ebay seller. The seller/builder was a bored to tears US Navy officer that was stationed in Iceland.
Last time I used it was on the Legend to find an intermittent misfire. I had to back probe the connector at the coil to get it to show the secondary pattern.
Last time I used it was on the Legend to find an intermittent misfire. I had to back probe the connector at the coil to get it to show the secondary pattern.
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- Jul 10, 2022
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I bet the age is closer to 45+
My 1975 Volvo had them and pretty sure by 1978 no more points (seeing as I drove my 1979 from 90-98 and never did anything with points). Come to think of it, a 1976 Buick had what they called HEI. High energy ignition
This thread brings back a lot of memories.
Jeff, another option would be to mix some 100LL aviation fuel. Really expensive, but would make it run good. Your car should also have the tach drive on the distibutor. Hang onto that, they are getting harder to find.
The post I replied to was saying he had a 60's high compression engine car. I doubt fuel economy is big concern compared to engine knock and detonation. Probably not a daily driver either.
Since you’re continuing to suggest this - what would you recommend for new main jet sizes, and new needles in his carburetor? How about fuel level setting? How about fuel pump changes? Initial timing? Vacuum advance? Total timing?
Wow.......Heathkit is still in business. Could have fooled me. https://shop.heathkit.com/shop
You would have to ask that as well as the mods required, on one of the E85 or vehicle specific forums. You can Google "E85 octane" if you don't believe me about the octane rating. It's a common mod for those wanting higher octane than premium but don't want to spend the money on aviation gas.
I'd be interested in hearing the suggestions here too.
Also, what about fuel line material? Coatings in the gas tank to keep it from being eaten alive? Materials for the hard lines from the tank? You mentioned the fuel pump-if it's a mechanical pump is there a diaphragm available for it that is E85 compatible? Otherwise, is there a good electric option?
To the bigger question in this thread-I'd not be without a timing light but then I have a car with points. With that said, there are electronic ignition systems(factory and aftermarket) that trigger off the distributor cap and can benefit from setting with a timing light also. The late MG ignition was like this.
I have used my timing light as a diagnostic tool even on 90s cars. They're a quick and handy to check for and monitor spark with the engine cranking or running. I say 90s cars because I feel like much beyond there you get into coil on plug so there's no good way to clamp the inductive pick-up, but they will work with anything where there's a plug wire you can get the clamp around.
Just one example,
https://www.holley.com/blog/post/tech_tip_e85_conversion_on_a_4150_qft_carburetor_/
Yes you would have to change lines and probably the fuel pump.
I know the octane is higher. We all do.
Point is: you have no idea what needs to be done to the car to make it run on E85.
You are making suggestions without knowing what they entail. Everything on the 427 that would need to be changed: carburetor jetting and adjustment. Timing. Distributor advance curve. Fuel delivery. All of it.
Yet, despite complete ignorance of what is required on a carbureted, points ignition, high compression engine, you continue to make the suggestion.
I can’t tell if you’re trolling, or actually think you’re helpful, but either way, it needs to stop.
@atikovi, can you please start a new thread on this if want to make other recommendations with added links? I didnt mean to hijack the OPs original post.
I don't push the cars; they are collectors. I keep them because they are a piece of Americana. Chevron 91* is fine. I just tune the cars based on available fuel.
The factory mechanical curve works OK, remember they were conservative, not performance optimal. The big problem is low load advance from vacuum cannisters. It makes iron headed high compression V8s ping like crazy.
My 68 Vette has the L36, base 427. It has the tach drive; my brother rebuilt it for me. You can buy aftermarket tack drive distributers. But my car is pretty original, just the way I like it. My Oldsey is one of the most original 65 4-4-2 left.
