[Chad Speier]

I got my engine running yesterday and noticed something I have never experienced before. I have a new MSD 7A Plus ignition and a PRO coil. When I shine the light on the dampner, I can see two sets of timing marks. I can see what I want for timing and it reads the other side of the marks which looks like 85 degrees or so.

What do you think?

I was going to turn the pickup wires around.

 

[RCM Racing engines]

What Kind of light? are you close to the plug with the Lights pick up......

 

[Chad Speier]

What Kind of light? are you close to the plug with the Lights pick up......

It's a Snap on with no advanced knobs on it. Been there, LOL..

Yes, it was close to the plug.

 

[Graphic Man]

try the pick up on the coil wire and see if it goes away

 

[Chris Uratchko]

See it all the time. And on every light out there.... don't have an answer for you.

 

[68fastbak]

I got the same problem with my pertonix ignitor 3 distributor and a cheap pepboys light

 

[Gary Kubisch]

"D" battery powered light solved the same problem for me.

I use this one.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/fla-fr1001/overview/

 

[Coloradoracer]

Check your timing with the engine rpm above about 3000. MSD's multiple sparks mess with timing lights pretty bad, and can do some funny things....

 

[G-Code]

Check your timing with the engine rpm above about 3000. MSD's multiple sparks mess with timing lights pretty bad, and can do some funny things....

ditto

 

[MaxFlow]

ditto. I have one of these: http://buy1.snapon.com/products/diagnostics/time_mt2661ap.asp

It ain't worth a damn on MSD stuff.

 

[T-flow]

MSD light seems to work the best for us. Have seen that as well.

 

[Chad Speier]

That is weird. I received this light as a gift around 1992. Been in the trailer(s) ever since and only used on race cars and dyno. I have never seen this before.

I will say the new 7AL Plus box makes a bunch of noise! pops and bangs, resets, blinks....

 

[Barry_R]

No answers, but similar questions.
I have a cheap Sears dial back light hard wired for the dyno. Never leaves the room.
On some combinations (crank trigger & MSD 7) its so rock steady you may as well paint the timing marks in place.
On other stuff it seems to be insane at lower RPM, scattering all over the place. Scary.

 

[900HP]

ditto. I have one of these: http://buy1.snapon.com/products/diagnostics/time_mt2661ap.asp

It ain't worth a damn on MSD stuff.

Dial in +2º advance and it will stabilize (right in the instructions even)

That being said, the self-powered timing lights are the most stable I have ever used, even on a 3 cylinder 2-stroke at 10,300 rpm.

 

[desoto30]

I bought a new MSD timing light, & funnily it reads different to the other old but top quality brand one I have. Weird assed ***** trade stuff, lol

 

[joey]

Below 3000 rpm I believe you get multiple sparks.
I'd guess that is what you are seeing.
The other kv spikes are much less however.
You can usually see it on a scope pretty easily.

 

[Life's a Drag]

ditto. I have one of these: http://buy1.snapon.com/products/diagnostics/time_mt2661ap.asp

It ain't worth a damn on MSD stuff.

MSD clearly states no advance style timing lights and definitely no digital timing lights.

"D" battery powered light solved the same problem for me.

I use this one.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/fla-fr1001/overview/

I looked at and was ready to buy one of these Flaming River lights until I noticed they were made in China.

 

[MaxFlow]

Dial in +2º advance and it will stabilize (right in the instructions even)

That being said, the self-powered timing lights are the most stable I have ever used, even on a 3 cylinder 2-stroke at 10,300 rpm.

Thanks, I'll give it a try.

 

[Graphic Man]

MSD clearly states no advance style timing lights and definitely no digital timing lights.



I looked at and was ready to buy one of these Flaming River lights until I noticed they were made in China.

just like a lot of things,....and it's a damn shame, we use to have good quality parts at 1 time

 

[JeffMcKC]

I have used the MSD Self powered light worked real well and they dont say China that I saw but priced a little higher

http://www.amazon.com/MSD-Ignition-...d=1408498492&sr=8-3&keywords=msd+timing+light