Powering timing light options?

I used to be able to power my timing light from a vehicle parked to the left of the 308, but with my new setup, that isn't really possible.

Other than running long jumper cables from the Fcar battery, or removing a battery from another car, has anybody ever tried powering the timing light off a battery charger?

I don't want to damage the light, or the charger.

Based on battery location of my other vehicles, pulling up close behind the Fcar won't easily work, either.

Thanks,
Doug

 

(Assuming that you have a 1979 US version) The red wire attached to either the electrovalve controlling the air injection diverter valve (between cylinders 4 & 5) or the red wire attached to the electrovalve controlling the airbox flap (between cylinders 1 & 8) would be a convenient place on the engine to steal +12V when the key is "on" -- even if these electrovalves have been removed, the wiring harness should still be there. (You can just unplug the electrovalve controlling the air injection diverter valve, if still present, and tap into the connector as this electrovalve is "off" during engine idle, but you need to keep the electrovalve for the airbox flap plugged in and working if you tap in there so you'd need some sort of "Y" jumper).

 

I use a dedicate lawn tractor battery....Easy, simple and works on all cars, regardless of battery position.

 

I use a AC/DC 12volt adaptor. Similar to a pc charger.

 

I use a jump box

 

Modify the end to work in a cigarette lighter. I now use it with any car.... that has a lighter socket......

 

I use the +12V wire at the coil

 

+1

 

I also have the last battery i took out and keep it charged with my ctek battery charger. I put it on a rolling stand and roll it around near the rear where I can put my timing light and meter on. Ironically my fancy meter seems to jump around when I set the timing and the dash tach seems to be slightly more accurate ...

 

By the way the last time I used the timing light was back when I installed the pertronix unit. That was some 10+ years ago so I haven't looked at it since.

 

I just purchased a TL with a picup coil to place on the wires to check each one working.

The TL has an LCD screen reading info like RPM, advance, etc.

I'll be using a separate battery with the (-) connected to the car's body ground.


Also, has anyone accessed a copy of the 328 ignition diagnostics (using the plug in the left buttress).

Mine is running well, but I would like to learn the system as it was designed...common availabe references have diagrams but don't discuss anything about diagnostics.

 

The attached Service Bulletin 80-28 covers the MicroPlex ignition -- using the schematic you should be able to trace the MicroPlex terminal numbers to the terminals in the round diagnostic connector (which was meant to be plugged into a Jofatron device).
View attachment Service Bulletin 80-28 microplex ignition.pdf

 

Thanks, Steve.

I did have this; I was looking for drawings. Inside the ECU would be great. I may make some connector-level drawings at some point using SB 80-28 as a guide.

 

Separate battery, always seem to have one around. They dont like it when you take power from the coils

 

I ended up using the electrovalve by the oil filter, I made a spade terminal/pigtail to fit into the female red wire socket. That valve doesn't do anything anyway anymore, as I stored the air pump stuff many years ago.

I too, shy away from coil as the power source due to electro noise, and I don't like taking the coil boot off and on.

Doug

 

Last Sunday, I witnessed a virtuoso performance regarding diagnosing a misfire on a 308 using a timing light. Now I want one.

Shopping for them, I see three features with modern timing lights and I need advice as to whether I want all or any of the features:
- Advance
- Self-Powered (i.e. no 12v battery hook-up needed)
- rpm display

Do I need any of this for a 308? I am only going to use it occasionally, so hope to spend $50 or so max.

 

I haven't shopped for a timing light in a long time so I've never seen one, but I'd certainly look at the self-powered light. Handy for any car, but very nice for the 308!

 

I seem to have misplaced my Jofatron and need a replacement. Anybody got one they aren't using?






Just kidding; what the H#ll is a Jofatron? Sounds like some sort of Sat Night Live parody. I've seen the references in the shop manual but I've never actually seen the device. Is it essentially a Ferrari-only thingie that sort of mimics an OBDII reader?

 

Of the other two options that are listed for timing lights, "advance" and "rpm", I am thinking I need neither. Any value to them for a 308?

It seems like a big issue in the online reviews is just plain reliability. I hate buying junk tools so I am leaning toward this one, which is well regarded but more than I want to spend:
Amazon.com: ESI 130 Self - Powered Timing Light: Automotive

I didn't see the Jofatron option listed with any lights. Like the deep dish front spoiler, it must be an uncommon Euro option. I am guessing at this however. ;-)

 

For a Dinoplex 308, I don't think so. You can't really change and don't need to set the timing on them like a regular distributor car, so the advance feature is sort of useless. And the RPM feature is less useful also.

 

Bam

http://www.ferrariliterature.com/products/prodid/8526

 

I have that one too and the flash output is quite weak unfortunately, bit difficult to see in daylight.
My favorite one is a professional ETZ 003.09 Bosch timing light, it's nearly bullet proof, has a strong flash and used ones pop up on ebay now and then for around €40-60 (which is where i got mine). It works fine when supplied by plus on the coil, which usually confuses the adjustable electronic timing lights i have.
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Here is the one I have I think it is NLA buts works great for me

Craftsman Timing Light, Inductive Advance : Sears Outlet

If I was buying one it would be this one from just looking about

http://www.tooltopia.com/otc-tools-3367.aspx

 

I have a similar Matco brand (possibly same manufacturer) one that I've had for 10 years. Love it, works great. Bright. Use the rpm function quite abit. Advance function comes in handy time to time. Never needed the 2stroke option.

 

My car recently developed an irratic misfire. Smoking guns: Recently replaced the rear distibutor boot, which requires removal of the rear distributor. Also cleaned the contacts on my coils (note to self: if it ain't broke, don't fix it you idiot.) Also messed with other electrical stuff because the engine misfire.

Got my new toy from Amazon yesterday. Went out to play. Started putting it on the ignition wires to watch the flashing light. Within 2 minutes of playing, wadaya know: cylinder 1 is getting an irratic spark. "Adjusted" cylinder 1 ignition wire. Misfire gone. Will monitor.

Cool tool.