I have a sears Inductive Timing Light. It clips to the wire (I assume #1) and to power. I see no way of testing different levels such as total advance. Can anyone help me. It is # 161.2137. Thanks

you need the inductive advance light to see you total advance

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...id=00921023000

You guys'll laugh, but I bought the best damn timing light I've ever owned from J.C. Whitney. It's a digital type with an LCD display and I can check advance in one degree increments along with several other features.
Equus Timing Light
Price listed is the same I paid 7 years ago. I though it was expensive then. It's a bargan today.

Just add a mark to your balancer where total advance should be, then set it with your light. I set total advance, and let initial fall where it may (about 16* on my motors, total is set at 35*). This is more accurate than most of the dial-back lights. You can use the cheapie timing tape to locate the mark, but paint it on as the tapes only stay on for a very short time (about 10 minutes in my case).

-Greg

I'm with GregP

I also do it like Greg does. I mark the spot on the balancer with white paint using a toothpick to put it on.

Me Three!!!!

I shoulda done this the last time, but now that its back apart.......

Kinda,

I will this weekend!!

Stick with the regular inductive type, the roll back type are not that accurate.
If your motors are GENVI the timing degrees are stamped on the balancer. Just make a chalk or white paint mark at 34 degrees and you are ready.
I have had my Sears timing light for a number of years now and it has proven to be very reliable.

Thanks all, I have a gen V or VI, not sure, I will look on the balancer for the marks, if they are not there how do I know? They are 502s with a HP 500 kit if that makes a difference. I am thinking 32 will work. I heard to do top speed runs.

Poor mans method: Measure the circumference of your balancer. 36* is 1/10 of the circumference. Find the zero mark and align it with the "zero" on the timing tab. If you want 32*, start at 4* ATDC, then measure 1/10 of the circumference you had previously in the opposite direction (to get a mark BTDC), and that will be where your new mark goes, in this case 32* BTDC.

Be sure you go in the correct direction, or just play dumb and do it going both ways and you will be sure to have a new mark that aligns with the "zero" on the tab at full advance when you set it.

-Greg