It is not necessary to get a mechanic every time you notice a fault in your car. The problem can be related to your ignition timing. But, if you don’t have a good timing light, then be ready to spend hundreds of dollars on getting it fixed.
There are few people in this world who find it difficult to set an ignition, and it is very simple – it is the type of job that doesn’t require a mechanic. There is no need to have any kind of technical knowledge to set the ignition. It only requires one important piece of equipment; a high-quality timing light.
However, it can be a bit difficult to find an efficient timing light in the market today, as there are so many brands and models out there that are equally amazing. Lucky for you, we’ve created a list of the top ten best timing lights that will help you set ignition timing on your car without any complications.
10 Best Timing Lights
1. INNOVA 5568 Pro-Timing Light” description
Specs
- Model: 5568
- Weight: 1 lb
- Brand: Innova
The professionally selected timing light manufactured to offer quality-performance – The Innova 5568. This is the best choice for a person who demands a professional and sturdy timing light. When it comes to compatibility, this timing light can be used with most domestic and foreign ignition systems, where timing on computer-controlled, electronic and conventional systems can be monitored with ease.
This product is best for those who have trouble setting ignition timing for their automobiles. Innova is a very useful tool that can offer a lot of importance to mechanic shop owners as it allows you to set ignition timing on different appliances and automobiles reliably and easily.
In addition to this, you can use this timing light regularly and it features an ABS and shockproof housing that provides protection via its molded boot from the fan blades of the engine.
Moreover, the Innova 5568 timing light comes with a storage case and detachable six-foot leads that offer an inductive pickup that makes it easier to store and setup. It is useful for both car owners and mechanics when a no-spark zone is diagnosed. In order to see well in dark places, this timing light is equipped with a backlit screen and a rotating, slim barrel that improves your timing aim.
Also, there are four digital control readouts for this timing light, Tachometer, Advance, Dwell, and Voltage. Thanks to its patented skip circuitry, the Innova timing light can investigate both two-cycle and four-cycle engines.
The Innova Pro Timing light works simply; just plug and play it. Its ease of usage is the main reason why a lot of mechanics and car owners prefer it the most. Also, we can’t praise its secure setup and storage enough, as it is the main reason why this timing light is on top.
Key Features
- Ease of usage
- Detachable leads
- Plug and play operation
- Adjustable barrel
2. Performance Tool W80578 Self-Powered Timing Light
Specs
- Model: W80570
- Brand: Performance Tool
- Weight:4 oz
Here’s another timing light that has received a lot of recognition and positive reviews from users all around the world – The Wilmar W80578 Self-powered Timing light. It is manufactured with awesome features that make it compatible with street rods, racecards and powerboats.
Basically, it is designed to cater to all types of appliances or vehicles, such as motorcycles, mowers, gas engines, outdoor power equipment, tractors, magnetos, snowmobiles, and electric generators that feature permanent magnets. It is known as self-powered equipment that operates with the help of two standard rechargeable D batteries.
Thanks to the detachable nature of this timing light, users can encourage both compact and even storage. Furthermore, there is always a removable inductive pick-up light in every package that offers easy hooking to your ignition timing.
The manufacturers of this timing light created it to turn race cars, powerboats, and street rods up. Everything aside, this is a long-lasting, high-quality and excellent automotive tool to own.
Key Features
- Can work with magnetos
- Suitable for race cars, powerboats, and street rods
- Detachable inductive pickup
- Powered by two standard or rechargeable D cell batteries
3. Actron CP7527 Inductive Timing Light” description
Specs
- Model: CP7527
- Brand: Actron
- Weight:08 lbs
Another reliable digital timing light is the highly effective Actron CP7527 Inductive timing light. It is built with high-quality technology, and it can spark fires and induce the perfect timing of an ignition system. With the help of this timing light, you can easily check the timing light on any electronic device, computer monitor, or conventional systems with simplicity at any time.
The Actron timing light is constructed with efficient ABS technology and features a bright xenon flash. Also, its design is very ergonomic, and when you combine its amazing illuminating capabilities, it is a very useful ignition tool.
In addition to this, every inductive metal pickup for the Actron timing light features an on/off one-touch control system. To promote efficiency, the strobe light investigates the fires and offers ignition timing each time the spark plug goes off.
In order to connect a direct pickup with the spark plugs and the wire terminals, you might have to remove the spark plug boot. In conclusion, the Actron CP7527 Inductive timing light is a high-quality entity that is suitable for every mechanic or a car owner, plus it offers a one-year warranty.
Key Features
- On/Off touch function
- One-year warranty
- Heat resistant timing light
- Durable
- Bright Xenon flash
4. Innova 3568 Digital Timing Light
Specs
- Weight: 9 lbs
- Brand: Innova
- Model: 3568
If you want the best timing light, then the Innova 3568 is the one you need. Carefully manufactured with a split-screen and a flashy digital LCD readout display, you will be able to investigate Tachometer, Dwell, and other technical functions you demand from a screen. Thanks to the split-screen, it is easy to adjust the reading advance dial.
The Innova 3568 timing can be used with most domestic and imported ignition systems, as it obeys all of the operations that are monitored by computers to the electronic and conventional systems.
You can work anywhere, from large to tight surfaces; this timing light will fix everything, thanks to its rotating and slim barrel. All of these features play a vital role in creating a better timing aim. Make sure to check all of your base timings, electronic advance or retard applications with the help of the Innova 3568 timing light.
Furthermore, there is a handguard that offers one-hand operation, original skip circuitry verification up to 9990rpm, and an inductive pickup. Proper fuel economy is guaranteed, combined with great engine performance, all achieved with a good ignition time.
Key Features
- Rotating, slim barrel
- Digital Advance
- Split-screen LCD readout
- Original Skip Circuitry Verification up to 9,990 RPM
5. ESI 130 Self – Powered Timing Ligh
Specs
- Weight: 55 lbs
- Model: 130
- Brand: Electronic Specialties
The ESI 130 Self-Powered Timing light is currently one of the best timing lights ever, and its quality is unmatched. It is manufactured for all types of users; mechanics, car owners, and DIY users all around the world to investigate ignition timing.
In addition to this, this tool can be used in four and two-cycle engines. It is featured with two D-cell batteries that offer a complete view with bright light, even in the daylight. This brand is totally different and reliable, as it does not involve a 12V battery for additional power. The best part about this timing light is that it works best for marine engines, industrial motors, snowmobiles, and others.
The ESI 130 timing light provides 14,000rpm, with rotation per minute. With the high temperature at 100F, this timing light is able to withstand all kinds of temperatures through its protective sleeves, and the cable allows you to check the farthest by setting the perfect angle. The cable is also useful for working in extremely tight places.
There is no relation of speed with the timing light. The ESI 130 can be used for both foreign and domestic ignition systems. With every purchase, you will receive rechargeable batteries that offer long-term investment.
Key Features
- Battery included
- The sleeve protects and withstands high temperatures
- Heavy flash at all rates
- Lead length – 4 feet
6. Innova 3551 Inductive Timing Light
Specs
- Model: 3551
- Brand: Innova
- Weight:8 lbs
Another amazing light timing model from Innova is the Innova 3551 Inductive Timing Light. When it comes to a tune-up kit, this timing light is considered to be the best. It works fine with all types of ignition systems, including electronic, DIS, computer-controlled, and conventional.
It is important to have a good igniting timing tool to maintain fuel economy, and that is why the Innova 3551 is the best one in that scenario. With this timing light, users can check for timing, electronic advanced, a no-spark location and lots more.
Like all other Innova models, this one is also featured with a rotating, slim barrel built to offer perfect aim at any timing mark. The main reason why Innova 3551 is titled to be the best is that it has the ability to shed light on extremely tight places.
It is very versatile, so it does not require the user to have any automotive knowledge to operate because it is plug and play only. The sparkplug is equipped with a metallic nature that prevents it from melting if the exhaust manifold is touched accidentally.
Moreover, there are also some detachable leads that offer quick set up and ideal storage whenever you need it. Furthermore, the Innova 3551 timing light uses a single-hand operation and is very lightweight.
Key Features
- Rotating, slim barrel for a nice aim
- Original Skip Circuitry Verification up to 9,990 RPM
- Locate a no-spark condition, verify the timing and lots more
- Powerboats for one-hand usage
7. ESI 125 Digital Tach Advance Timing Light
Specs
- Model: 125
- Brand: Electronic Specialties
- Weight: 8 oz
ESI has manufactured another amazing timing light, and we couldn’t help but include it in our list of best timing lights. The ESI 125 Digital Tech Advance Timing light is the perfect partner for all mechanics and car enthusiasts around the world. It is designed with innovative technology to offer ideal tuning and undertake investigation functions with ease.
With the help of the stroke tachometer, the speed of your automobile’s engine is calculated, up to 9999rpm, with awesome Xenon lights. This timing light is perfect for mechanics and DIYs who need to check the timing of electronic, computer monitored DIS and conventional systems in both domestic and foreign ignition systems.
You can improve the tuning accuracy, engine performance, and fuel mileage with this timing light. Thanks to its bright display feature, you can easily check the rotation per minute and degrees advance.
When you are not using this timing light, you can store it in a detachable and replaceable cable that can be stored easily. Thanks to the removable nature, users can switch between different wires, depending on the tuning experience they need.
Key Features
- Manufactured for diagnostic work and ideal tuning
- Bright display
- Four and two-stroke tachometer
- Replaceable and detachable cable set
8. Craftsman Advanced Timing Light
Specs
- Model: 9_14065
- Weight:4 lbs
- Brand: Craftsman
For every DIY user or mechanic, there is always a need to have comfortable, enjoyable and easy to use equipment to get the job done in every possible way.
With that being said, the Craftsman Advanced Timing Light is yet another great invention in the category of timing lights. With this tool, users can adjust their engine ignition timing by illuminating the timing aim.
Vaccum, computer, and centrifugal advance can be calculated with this device all because of the adjustable knob. The Craftsman timing light is more useful due to its incredibly bright xenon light flash. You can place this light on the timing limit of an engine and investigate your timing under all kinds of lighting conditions.
Thanks to the metal inductive pickup of this timing light, you can get a good connection without the chances of heat damage, plus its durable dial and plastic body have been carefully manufactured to last for years.
With the help of just one push of a button, you can control your engine’s ignition and get the best of high-performance timing light for a long time without the worry of frequent maintenance.
Key Features
- The dial creates ease of adjustment
- Your car is used as a power source
- Operates with the push of a button
- Metal pickup offers great connection even in tough temperatures
9. Flaming River FR1001 Single Wire Timing Light
Specs
- Weight: 4 oz
- Brand: Flaming River
- Model: FR1001
So, you’re a car enthusiast or a mechanic looking for a reliable timing light without the struggle of a power source. Well, take a look at the Flaming River Single Wire Timing light – it is the only timing light with self-powering abilities, and it is used by numerous professionals.
It is an excellent, long-lasting and highly functional automotive tool to buy. It is useful for go-karts, race cars, motorcycles, mags, marine, and other types of spark ignition systems.
When it comes to the design, the Flaming River Timing Light is equipped with a single-wire design and operates on two D cell batteries that are easily recharged.
It offers visibility during sunny days, and there is a removable inductive pick-up available in every package that offers ease of usage. This tool is ideal for those who set ignition timings frequently. So, if you are on the journey to find the best timing light, then the FR1001 Timing light should do the trick.
Key Features
- Flashy xenon strobe visible even in the daylight
- Single wire structure
- Can be used with magnets and other all-spark ignition systems
- Perfect timing – 14,000 RPM
10. MSD Ignition 8992 Timing Light
Specs
- Model: 8992
- Brand: MSD
- Weight:85
If you want a professional and sturdy looking timing light, then the MSD Ignition Timing Light is everything for you. When it comes to compatibility, this timing light can be used with both domestic and foreign ignition systems, where ignition timing on computer monitored; electronic and conventional systems can be checked easily.
This timing light is great for daily use, and it comes with an ABS and shockproof housing that creates extra protection via its molded boot from the fan blades of the engine.
The MSD Ignition timing light works best on marine engines, racing cars, snowmobiles, and lots of others. It is also featured with detachable leads that offer compact storage and immediate setting up whenever you demand it.
This timing light from Innova is extremely lightweight and encourages usage with a single hand. Thanks to the metal inductive pickup, a strong connection without heat damage are guaranteed, and its dial and plastic body has been crafted carefully to last for years.
When it comes to the housing of the MSD ignition timing light, it is made with durable, plated ABS tech, and features a stunning xenon flash. The extra special structure of the house, combined with its amazingly illuminating flash, this timing light is literally the best one in the market.
Key Features
- Sturdy
- Easy to use
- Very accurate
- Offers stable timing rays
- The strobe is visible during extreme daylight
Buyers Guide
Features to Look for in a Reliable Timing Light
A reliable and high-quality timing light possesses a butt-load of unique features that play a huge role in making it cost-effective, functional, and highly durable. We have created a detailed list to guide you on your “timing light purchase” spree, and we hope your journey becomes easier with our tips. So, keep the following features in mind before you purchase timing light.
Design
Before you finalize your decision to search for the best timing light, you must relax for a moment and figure out your needs, and gather knowledge about your engine. Not all timing lights are built to offer the same features, and neither do all of them offer operation with four, eight, or six-cylinder engines.
Cover Material
If you consider buying timing light with a metal cover, then you can increase the risks of getting electrocuted as metal conducts electricity. So, watch out for that.
Brand
The brand is very important. When it comes to choosing between brands, it is important for you to have a proper understanding of the manufacturer or the dealer, as not, all manufacturers or dealers offer the same quality.
Operating Ability
The current and most innovative design of the best ignition lights comes with a microprocessor that controls the timing lights, and these are a great add-on when you are willing to spend a few extra bucks. On the other hand, a lot of timing lights come with a trigger and are shaped like guns. Modern timing lights give you the chance to check RPMs, battery voltage, and the Dwell.
Type
When it comes to the types of timing lights, there are two: incline and inductive. The difference between these two timing lights is determined by their connections. The incline timing light demands the unplugging of the first spark plug, whereas the inductive timing light allows you to clip around the plug wire with an inbuilt sensor. If you want to know which type is the most affordable one, the incline is your option. Contrary to this, if you want to know which type is the best, the inductive lights are way better than incline. However, incline timing lights can be suitable for DIY users as it helps to minimize the chance of electrocution.
The Advantages of Using an Automotive Timing Light
Automotive timing lights come with a lot of benefits, which include:
- Electrical solution; Timing lights are the ideal solution for the engine and electrical faults that appear in your automobile.
- Increasing the longevity of your engine, Engines mostly wear out when not looked after carefully. With the help of timing lights, you can minimize the chances of engine heat up.
- Enhanced Ignition Tune-up; this not only helps to improve and adjust the fuel mileage, but it also provides support for the overall working of the automobile.
- Fuel efficiency; with the presence of timing light, you can increase your automobile’s fuel efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What is the timing light?
A timing light is a special tool used by car owners and mechanics to ignite and fine-tune the fuel of a car when the spark ignites from the spark plug. With proper timing, the engine works at peak power and efficiency. Timing lights are nothing like flashlights, and they never run out of light juice. In addition to this, timing lights work with a twelve-volt powered battery.
How do Timing Lights operate?
While the engine is running, the trigger of timing light is pulled, and a beam is flashed every time the first plug fires. The strobing time light secures the pulley’s motion, and this helps you to measure degrees after or before the spark is ignited.
Are there any symptoms of bad timing?
Yes, there are some symptoms of bad timing, and they are the following:
- The engine might misfire or turn over.
- The engine may release a ticking sound.
- The motor might leak oil.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best timing light, according to us, is the Innova 5568. It is much efficient and easy to use. Thanks to its backlit screen and a rotating, slim barrel, this light can be useful in the darkest of places and with a great timing mark. In addition to this, it can be used with both four and two-cycle engines and is available with a plastic storage compartment as well as detachable six-foot cables.
This timing light can be used by all types of car owners and mechanics. Also, it is compatible with all types of systems, and that is what makes this our best pick.