diesel timing light

[frank12345]

where would i find a diesel timing light do you think a local parts house have one i was told my timing should be set at 25* tdc just need to find one and learn how to use it if it is off i adjust by adding shims or deleting shims under pump help please

 

[jinman]

Frank, I think someone is pulling your leg if they told you to use a timing light. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif Every timing light I ever saw clamped onto the #1 cylinder's spark plug wire to get a timing pulse to flash. What would you use on a diesel since there are no spark plugs? How would you trigger the light? I just don't think you use a timing light to set the injector timing on a diesel. If I'm wrong, I'm sure someone will correct me. I believe a diesel's injector timing is measured by fuel flow in relation to timing marks on the crankshaft balancer. It's strictly a mechanical adjustment. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[PineRidge]

Diesel timing light with transducer. click here

Please don't ask me how it is used. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[RalphVa]

They work by clamping to the injection line to #1 cylinder, measure that small bulge in the line and emit a timing light.

Never saw a workshop manual for using one of these though. Most manuals tell you to disconnect the line and see when fuel comes out. Think if your timing chains have adjusters working okay that the diesel timing should almost never go out. Have run 2 Benzes and have never had to get the timing reset or felt the need to do so.

Now, these newer electronic injection systems could have far different methods.

Ralph

 

[jinman]

Thanks Ralph and Mike. I can see that it's possible to trigger the light by measuring the flex of the #1 injector line. That seems easier than hooking up a external fuel source and watching for fuel flow out of the fuel line like my Repair Manual says to do. With the light you could make a quick check of the timing and know whether you need to add shims or not. Like you, Ralph, I've never feared the timing changing that much on a diesel engine unless something breaks. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[PineRidge]

Jim I like you had never even known that a diesel timing light existed. But I quickly did a Google search and found out otherwise so we all learned something here today. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif