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MG MGA - Timing strobe light

My gunsons timing gun has finally given up after twenty odd years. Anyone recommend a good replacement (it worked just fine but I guess technology has moved on a little?)

Neil
Neil McGurk

Neil
As far as I can tell the technology has not moved on so far.
I bought a replacement Gunson lamp last year after running over the one I bought in 1989. They are remarkably similar.
The Gunson strobe works well and there is little to go wrong (as long as you don't leave it in front of the wheels when running the car out of the garage!!).

Neil
Neil Purves

Neil

You may want to consider replacing it with a version that allows you to dial in advance. Prices in Halfords for these are around £50 (I am guessing). This allows you, for instance, to dial in 32 degrees; then run the engine to 3000 revs (vacuum disconnected) and adjust the distributor so the strobe shows the mark at TDC.

In my opinion, a very useful bit of kit and worth the extra expense over a standard strobe.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Steve, sounds like thats exactly what I am after. Halfords is usually the most expensive place to buy anything automotive, anybody know of a specific gun/source?

Now I will do the usual Google.
Neil McGurk

Is there a brand name for this kind of timing light? Who makes the best? Sounds like a must have.
Fuzz
Russ Carnes

The generic name is generally "advance timing light" or timing light with advance. Don't know who makes the best. I have a Sears Craftsman about 20 years old that still works fine. Mine just has a dial with a knob to set the advance, but now I see a lot of digital ones that should have more accurate advance. They also have a digital display and tach built in so you can read RPM right at the light.
Jeff Schultz

Sealey TL93, at just under 80 pounds, gives a digital reading of rpm, advance as well as dwell (useful for confirming the points gap I assume) and voltage (sounds useful?). Apparently a Practical Classics Best Buy, I think it's the one.
Neil McGurk

Neil
Try www.toolsinstock.com. They have the sealey range at a good price.

Neil
Neil Purves

Neil M

Sounds a better spec than my 4 year old model.

As an aside, These are inductive systems and I had trouble getting a stabilised reading with copper wire plug leads. It was only when I put the carbon/silicon? leads on that I got sensible readings.

Steve
Steve Gyles

My 30+ year old Craftsman died earlier this year. I thought I'd make a leap into the 2000's and get a new one with the "advance" capability. I bought a Equus 3568 but had to return it. It false triggered no matter what I did with it. I then bought the Actron CP7529. I payed $67 US. It had a stable trigger and was easy to use and adjust. It was not a sexy as the Equus but I'd rather it worked well. It also has a "flashlight" operating mode where it continually flashes as rapidly as it can. It makes you feel like you are in a 70's night club. It does work well though.

I hope this one lasts me another 30+ years. At that time, I won't have any use for it as I will probably not be turning wrenches as I near 90.

Chuck
C Schaefer

Neil, thanks for the tip, but I already ordered it from eDirectory.co.uk (luckily for 25 quid less than toolsinstock.)

Steve, thanks for the heads up, its first job is for the wifes new BGT, which fortunately has silicon leads. However, I think I will make another cap/lead set up for the As just to use when tuning.

Chuck, I don't think it comes with disco mode!

Neil
Neil McGurk

Here in the US, Sears offers the most relaibel dial-back timing light and if I recall, they're still only about $75. Skip all the digital junk - I've personally seen a lot of issues with them in brands such as Equus and Innova.
Jeff Schlemmer

Or look on ebay. I picked up a Snap-on dial one for $40 when my Gunson one went tits-up.


dominic clancy

This thread was discussed between 14/10/2008 and 18/10/2008

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