Thanks for the info Capt'n. Sounds like there are 2 types of timing lights then. The old type I remember where the high voltage lead went "through" the timing light to fire it. And John's much better type that has a power source and the spark plug wire simply triggers it. Cool.
ORIGINAL: captinjohn
ORIGINAL: Ernie Misner
Please tell us about your timing light. Is it the automotive type that simply runs from the spark plug cap, through the light, and then to the spark plug? I thought the shielded type plug wire we use kept a timing light from working somehow. Hey, if a timing light works that easily, a person could mount a degree wheel right between the prop and the hub, and take a look at your timing while it's running instead of static, by hand.
Ernie, I have used a older Sears timing lite that is 12 volt powered. I use a very small strand of copper wire and place it on the sparkplug tip so the cap when shoved on plug, holds it there. This give a good place for the pick-up wire to work the timing lite. Works great! I have used it on flywheel mags too...some do have advance....which was a surprize too me. I even held a camera and the flash from lite on the prop....''frooze'' the motion of the prop and in the photo the prop arc was a blur. Capt,n