There's a simple work-around. Pick up a small gel cell 12V such as one that's used on a kid's motorized toy car, and connect the power leads to the timing light to it. Then use the vehicle's #1 spark plug wire to trigger the flash. The timing light doesn't care where it gets its power- - - - -or the high voltage impulse, for that matter.
It's hard to beat a Snap-On MT 1216. Mine has been working on 6V, 12V, and magneto-ignition outboard motors, lawn mowers, etc. for years, using the auxiliary battery trick. It's also got delay-flash and tachometer functions. There are several of them on Ebay right now at bargain prices.
Jerry
Jerry is that a 1216 or a 1261? Found some 1261 but searching for 1216 i didn't come up with any.
