Equus 3568 - INNOVA Digital Timing Light - Manual (Page 5)

ENGINE TIMING AND TUNE-UPS
Proper ignition timing is critical in order to
achieve peak engine performance and to ensure
maximum fuel economy. An ignition system
timing check is critical during any tune-up
procedure. Your timing light provides a simple
and efficient means of checking your vehicle's
ignition timing, and provides the additional ability
to check the operation of your vehicle's
mechanical or vacuum advance timing controls.
You may also need tools and equipment to
check breaker point dwell (for conventional
ignition systems) or to apply vacuum to the
vacuum advance diaphragm on the distributor
during advance checks. Your supplier offers a
wide range of tools and equipment necessary to
perform these tasks.
With reference to today's "self-tuning" vehicles,
the meaning of the term "tune-up" has changed
significantly. A tune-up consists essentially of
checking engine operation with Original Equip-
ment Manufacturer's specifications. Adjustments
are made and parts are replaced ONLY if engine
performance is not within specifications.
ABOUT THE TIMING LIGHT
Your timing light is designed for use on all 12-
volt negative ground vehicles equipped with
conventional breaker point and electronic
ignition systems.
Timing Light Controls
Controls for the timing light are shown in Figure 1.
1. Xenon Bulb — Used to illuminate timing
marks for checking timing.
2. Swiveling Head — Contains the xenon
bulb. Rotates over approximately 90
°
to
allow for easy illumination of timing marks
in hard to reach locations.
3. Control Panel — Contains the controls
necessary to operate the timing light.
4. Inductive Pickup Leads — Detachable
leads assembly connects timing light to
battery and ignition system:
■ Red Battery Clip — Connects to
battery positive (+) terminal.
■ Black Battery Clip — Connects to
battery negative (-) terminal or bare
metal chassis ground.
■ Inductive Pickup Clip — Clamps
around No. 1 spark plug cable.
5. LCD Display — Provides a digital display of
engine operating parameters including
engine speed (rpm) and advance (degrees).
6. Advance Increment Switch —
Increments through degrees of advance.
7. Advance Decrement Switch —
Decrements through degrees of advance.
8. Zeroing Switch — Returns LCD advance
display to 0 (zero) degrees.
9. Flash Switch — Push to turn strobe light
on. Push again to turn strobe light off.
10. Ignition Mode Indicator and Symbol
11. RPM Display — Shows current engine
speed in revolutions-per-minute.
12. Advance Indicator and Symbol
13. Advance Display — Shows engine timing
advance in degrees.
14. Flash Symbol — Blinks when strobe light
is operating.
3
GENERAL INFORMATION
For 6-Volt Electrical Systems
■ Requires a separate 12-volt auto-
motive battery.
Your timing light may be used on vehicles
with 6-volt electrical systems by using the
following connection procedure:
1. Connect the RED battery clip to the
positive (+) terminal of the 12-volt
battery.
2. Connect the BLACK battery clip to the
negative (-) terminal of the 12-volt
battery.
3. Using a length of 18AWG jumper wire,
ground the negative (-) terminal of the
12-volt battery to a known-good ground
on the vehicle under test.
4. Perform remaining connection and test
procedures as specified in the
appropriate sections of this manual.