The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay timing light recommendations?

Evening! I'm going to invest in a digital timing light that can also function as a tachometer. One model boasted "works with almost all 12-volt systems", which got me wondering, would it work with a 6-volt system?

Do I need to buy a timing light that explicitly works with 6 volts? Do you guys have any recommendations for or against a certain brand or model? Digital with tach seem to run around $100, although I saw one model on Amazon for $60, but I need to confirm its features.

Thanks!

DJ,

I think you should look for one that states 6v & 12v

Post brands and part numbers here and members will help you look for specifications.

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

Thanks guys. Both good ideas. I actually have a spare 12-v car battery (it was lacking in CCAs but still had 12 volts, so I decided to keep it), so I'll probably go that route.

https://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/timinglight.html

You can pull up one of your 12V vehicles close and use it's battery for a one time deal.

If the light doesn't flash well, try attaching a ground wire between the vehicle body or frame and the 12V timing light battery (-) post. There's no possibility of getting an unwanted 12 volt input anywhere to the vehicle but a common ground would be beneficial.
Jerry

Jerry is that a 1216 or a 1261? Found some 1261 but searching for 1216 i didn't come up with any.

Yep, that's a 1261- - - - -fat-fingered the keyboard! I've been using one for 15 years or so and it does lots of stuff- - - - -checks RPM, timing advance, etc. Snap-On also has good warranty repair service, or at least they used to! They're designed for every day use by professionals.
Jerry