SP tools SP62040 Adjustable Advance Timing Light User Manual

SP tools SP62040 Adjustable Advance Timing Light

IMPORTANT
ALL PERSONS WHO ARE TO USE THIS EQUIPMENT MUST THOROUGHLY READ AND UNDERSTAND THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL PRIOR TO OPERATION.

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 tuneup procedure. Your timing light provides a simple and efficient means of checking your vehicle’s timing. The advance timing light 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 engine rpm, 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 Equipment 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 or with DIS (distributorless ignition systems).

NOTE
Some DIS systems are not adjustable. Consult your vehicle’s service manual for procedures and specifications before attempting to time vehicles with DIS systems.

For 6-Volt Electrical Systems

• Requires a separate 12-volt automotive 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.

Timing Light Controls
General controls for the Timing Light are shown in Figure 1.

1. Xenon Bulb – Used to illuminate timing marks for checking the 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. Specific controls vary between models.

Operating controls for the SP62040 Timing

1. On/Off Switch – Press to turn timing light on. Press again to turn the timing light off.
2. Advance Control Knob – Selects timing light advance setting from 0° to 60°.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Make a thorough check before starting any test procedure and fix any known mechanical problems before performing any test Loose or damaged hoses, wiring, or electrical connectors are often responsible for poor engine performance. Refer to your vehicle’s service manual for proper connection of vacuum hoses, electrical wiring, and wiring harness connectors. Check the following areas:

• All fluid levels
• Spark plugs and spark plug wires
• Air cleaner
• Vacuum hoses
• Belts
• Electrical wiring
• Electrical connectors

ENGINE PREPARATION BEFORE TIMING

Always prepare the engine for timing before performing a timing check. Refer to the Vehicle Emission Control Label or service manual for timing procedures and specifications for your vehicle. The Vehicle Emission Control Label is located under the hood in the engine compartment. The label is typically located on the underside of the hood, on a fender well or valve cover, or near the hood latch.

As a minimum, make the following preparations before timing:

1. Locate the timing mark and reference pointer. The timing mark and pointer are usually located on the crankshaft pulley or vibration damper (on the front of the engine) or on the flywheel (between the engine and transmission). Refer to Figure 4. Make sure the timing mark and pointer are clean and clearly visible. Chalk the marks if necessary.
2. Make sure all spark plugs are in good condition and properly gapped.
3. Start and run the engine until it reaches its normal operating temperature.

TURN THE ENGINE OFF BEFORE CONNECTING TIMING LIGHT.

If applicable, check and adjust dwell to manufacturer’s specifications.

TIMING LIGHT CONNECTION

To ensure personal safety and reliable operation of the Timing Light, use the following procedure to connect the Timing Light:

WARNING!
Always keep hands, timing light, lead wires and clips away from moving engine parts and hot surfaces. DO NOT SMOKE.

1. Tum the ignition off. DO NOT CONNECT THE TIMING LIGHT WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING OR WITH THE IGNITION ON.

2.  Clamp the inductive pickup clip around the No. 1 spark plug wire. See Figure 5.
   DO NOT ALLOW THE INDUCTIVE PICKUP CLIP TO CONTACT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD OR OTHER ENGINE PARTS. These parts become EXTREMELY hot while the engine is running, and will damage the inductive pickup clip.

3. Connect the battery clips to the vehicle’s battery:

   • Connect the RED battery clip to positive (+) battery terminal.
   • Connect the BLACK battery clip to negative(-) battery terminal.

4.  Connect the inductive pickup leads to the bottom of the timing light handle.

INITIAL (BASE) TIMING CHECK

NOTE
Some ignition systems require that certain components be disconnected, jumped or grounded BEFORE ignition timing can be checked or adjusted to specifications. If these procedures are not followed, the checked or adjusted timing will not be correct. You MUST consult your vehicle’s service manual for the proper procedures and specifications.

1. MAKE SURE the timing light is properly connected as described in TIMING LIGHT CONNECTION.
2. MAKE SURE the engine has been properly prepared for the timing check as described in ENGINE PREPARATION BEFORE TIMING.
3. Start and run the engine until it reaches its normal operating temperature.
4. Adjust the engine’s idle speed, if necessary, to conform to manufacturer’s specifications:
5. If using the Advance Timing Light, MAKE SU RE the Advance Control Knob is rotated fully counterclockwise to “011.
6. Adjust the Timing Light barrel, as needed, to adequately light the timing marks.
7. Press the On/Off switch. The Timing Light will begin flashing. Note the position of the rotating timing mark in relation to the reference pointer. See Figure 6.
   • Compare the readings obtained in step 7 with the manufacturer’s specifications for timing . If the readings are within the specified tolerance (typically ±2° ), ignition timing is correct.
   • If the readings are not within the manufacturer’s specifications, parts replacement or timing adjustment MAY BE necessary.
8. Press the On/Off switch. The Timing Light will stop flashing.
9. Turn the ignition off and disconnect the Timing Light from the engine. BE SURE to reconnect any vacuum hoses, etc., which were disconnected during the timing check.

NOTE
If the Timing Light fails to operate or operates erratically, refer to TROUBLESHOOTING to determine the most likely cause of the problem.

TIMING ADJUSTMENT

Refer to your vehicle’s service manual for the proper procedures to adjust engine timing. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ADJUST ENGINE TIMING WITHOUT THE MANUFACTURER’S PROCEDURES OR SPECIFICATIONS.

ADVANCE TIMING CONTROL CHECKS

The following tests apply to Advance Timing Light only

Advance and retard timing controls ensure that ignition occurs at the proper time during the compression stroke. These controls include:

• mechanical advance
• vacuum advance
• vacuum retard
• electronic advance
• electronic retard
• electronic advance /retard

Depending on make and model, a vehicle may be equipped with a single timing control device, or two or more devices may be used in combination.

NOTE
Advance timing test procedures vary widely from vehicle to vehicle . The following paragraphs provide general test procedures for checking mechanical/ centrifugal advance and vacuum advance. ALWAYS make sure initial timing and dwell are correct before checking advance timing. ALWAYS refer to the service manual for the vehicle under test to obtain the proper timing procedures and specifications. OBSERVE ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.

Checking Mechanical/Centrifugal Timing Advance

1. Rotate the Advance Control Knob counterclockwise to the “O” degree position.

2. While performing an INITIAL (BASE) TIMING CHECK as previously described, slowly increase engine speed to the manufacturer’s specified rpm for mechanical/centrifugal advance, and observe the rotating timing mark for change. The timing mark should appear to move smoothly, in the opposite direction of engine rotation, away from the reference pointer.
   NOTE
   If timing mark movement is rough or erratic, the mechanical advance system may be defective. Service and repair the mechanical advance system in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions before continuing.

3. Rotate the Advance Control Knob clockwise until the rotating timing mark and the reference pointer realign at the base or initial timing mark as previously recorded. Read the degrees of mechanical or centrifugal advance on the Advance Control Knob’s calibrated dial. See Figure 7.

4. Note the degrees advance indicated by the Advance Control Knob’s calibrated dial, and compare this value with the manufacturer’s specification for mechanical or centrifugal timing advance for the rpm specified.

5. If the position of the rotating timing mark does not change during the mechanical/centrifugal advance check , the mechanical weights associated with your vehicle’s mechanical advance mechanism (if equipped) may be rusted or binding.

6. Repeat the test, as needed, for all engine speeds specified by the manufacturer’s instructions.

Checking Vacuum Timing Advance

NOTE
A vacuum pump equipped with a vacuum gauge is needed to check vacuum advance.

1. With the engine off, disconnect the vacuum hose from the distributor’s vacuum advance port. Plug the vacuum hose securely.
2. Connect the vacuum pump to the distributor’s vacuum port. Do not apply vacuum at this time.
3. Start the engine and perform INITIAL (BASE) TIMING CHECK as previously described. Record the degree(s) of initial (base) timing.
4. Using the vacuum pump, apply the manufacturer’s specified amount of vacuum to the distributor’s vacuum port.
5.  Aim the timing light at the timing marks and rotate the Advance Control Knob clockwise until the timing marks are realigned to the initial (base) timing mark as recorded in step 3.
6. The difference between the reading obtained in step 3 (initial {base) timing) and the value obtained in step 5 is the vehicle’s vacuum advance. Compare this value with the manufacturer’s specifications for vacuum advance.
7. Repeat the test, as needed, for each amount of vacuum specified by the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Turn off the ignition and disconnect the timing light and vacuum pump from the engine. Unplug and reconnect the vacuum hose to the distributor’s vacuum port.

Checking Vacuum/Electronic Retard and Electronic Advance

The procedures for checking vacuum/electronic retard and electronic advance vary between vehicles and manufacturers. Refer to your vehicle’s service manual for specifications and procedures. A vacuum pump equipped with a vacuum gauge is required to check vacuum retard.

TROUBLESHOOTING

If the timing light fails to operate or operates erratically, make the following checks:

1. Make sure the battery clips are firmly connected to the battery terminals.
2. Make sure the battery clip polarity is correct (red battery clip is connected to the positive (+) battery terminal, black battery clip is connected to the negative (- ) battery terminal).
3. Make sure the upper and lower ferrite cores of the inductive pickup clip are clean. If necessary, clean the inductive pickup clip as described in MAINTENANCE.
4. Make sure the inductive pickup clip is properly connected to the No. 1 spark plug cable.
5. Make sure the No. 1 spark plug is working properly:
   • Connect the inductive pickup clip to another spark plug cable, and press the On/Off switch.
   • If the timing light flashes, service the No. 1 spark plug before continuing.

NOTE
Low spark plug voltage or a faulty spark plug wire may cause the Timing Light to operate erratically. Try moving the inductive pickup clip to a new location on the plug wire to improve operation. Some ignition systems and/or specialty spark plug wires (solid core wires, racing wires, offroad wires) radiate above normal ElectroMagnetic Interference (EMI) and Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) which can cause improper operation of testing equipment. Contact the manufacturers of these parts for instructions on how to use an inductive pickup with their systems.

SAFETY GUIDELINES

• SAFETY EQUIPMENT
  

1.  **Fire Extinguisher** Keep a fire extinguisher suitable for gasoline/chemical/electrical fires on hand whenever working on a vehicle.
2.  **Fireproof Container** Store rags and flammable liquids only in fireproof containers. Allow soaked rags to dry thoroughly in open air before discarding.
3.  **Safety Goggles** Wear safety goggles when working on a vehicle to protect your eyes from battery acid, gasoline, and airborne dust and dirt from moving engine parts.

• LOOSE CLOTHING ANO LONG HAIR (MOVING PARTS)
  Be very careful not to get your hands, hair or clothes near any moving parts such as fan blades, belts and pulleys or throttle and transmission linkages. DO NOT wear loose clothing or jewelry when working on a vehicle.
  

• VENTILATION
  ALWAYS operate vehicle in a well-ventilated area. If vehicle is in an enclosed area, exhaust should be routed directly lo the outside using a leakproof exhaust hose.

• SETTING THE BRAKE
  Make sure that your car is in Park or Neutral, and that the parking brake is firmly set

• HOT SURFACES
  Avoid contact with hot surfaces such as exhaust manifolds, pipes, mufflers, radiator and hoses. Never remove the radiator cap while the engine is hot Escaping coolant under pressure can cause serious bums.

• SMOKING AND OPEN FLAMES
  Never smoke while working on your car. Gasoline vapor is highly flammable , and the gas formed in a charging battery is explosive.

• BATTERY
  Do not lay tools or equipment on the battery. Accidentally grounding the battery’s positive(+) terminal can shock or burn you and damage wiring, the battery or your tools and testers. Be careful of contact with battery acid. It can bum holes in your clothing and burn your skin or eyes.
  When operating any test instrument from an external battery, connect a jumper wire between the negative terminal of the external battery and ground on the vehicle under test. When working in a garage or other enclosed area, the external battery should be located at least 18 inches above the floor to minimize the possibility of igniting gasoline vapors.

• HIGH VOLTAGE High voltage is present in the ignition coil, distributor cap, ignition wires and spark plugs. When handling ignition wires while the engine is running, use insulated pliers to avoid a shock.

• JACK The jack supplied with the vehicle should be used only for changing wheels. Never crawl under car or run engine while vehicle is on a jack.

CLEANING THE INDUCTIVE PICKUP CLIP

Dirt or g rease on the inside surfaces of the inductive pickup CHP can result m erratic flashing or poor operation of the timing light. Periodically c-lean the contact surfaces inside the inductive pickup clip by wiping with a soft
cloth. See Figure 8.

LIMITED WARRANTY

This Limited Warranty applies only to new products* distributed by SP Tools Pty Ltd (“SP Tools”). It is a condition of this Limited Warranty Policy that the purchaser read the owner’s manual for the product and only use the product to the extent or for the purposes stated therein. The purchaser must also ensure that all servicing requirements are completed as listed in the owner’s manual (said servicing is at the owner’s expense). We recommend that all servicing is completed by an authorised service agent and that records of said servicing are retained by the purchaser as proof in the event of a warranty claim. Whilst the owner’s manual, packaging, and/or other documentation supplied with SP Tools’ products may provide details in respect of a Limited Warranty, the terms set out herein supersede these matters, and this Limited Warranty applies in their place. This warranty is no less advantageous than otherwise described in such other documentation.

SP Tools agrees, subject to the terms and conditions specified below, to repair or replace at SP Tools’ cost, the product purchased by you when the product does not perform in accordance with its specifications during the limited warranty period, due to any fault in manufacturing, materials and/or workmanship. SP Tools is not liable to repair or replace products that the purchaser uses in a manner that is inconsistent with the owner’s manual or in the circumstances set out in paragraphs 1.1 – 1.7 below.

The benefits to the purchaser under this warranty are in addition to other rights and remedies under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth). The limited warranty period, within which a defect in the product must appear, commences from the date of purchase and ceases on expiration of the specified term below.

THE LIMITED WARRANTY PERIOD • SP Speciality Tools – 12 Months

THE PURCHASERS ATTENTION IS DRAWN TO THE FOLLOWING
To the extent permitted by law and subject to this Limited Warranty, and as part of the terms of the sale of the equipment or part thereof: SP Tools shall not be liable for any form of loss, damage, cost, injury or harm of any kind (whether direct, indirect, special or consequential) howsoever arising from the use or supply of the equipment to the purchaser.

EXCLUSIONS TO LIMITED WARRANTY POILICY
This Limited Warranty will not apply where the equipment or any part thereof:

1. Fails due to an accident (including liquid spillage), abuse, misuse, neglect or normal wear and tear;
2. Has been used in a manner other than for which it was originally designed;
3. Has been tampered with or is otherwise than as supplied by SP Tools;
4. Where any damage, malfunction or other failure of the equipment or any part thereof resulted directly or indirectly from unauthorized persons, adjusting or failing to adjust any part requiring normal maintenance and service (examples include adjustment of tappets, air filter maintenance, lubrication and tightening of screws nuts and bolts);
5. Malfunctions due to the use of defective or incompatible accessories;
6. Is damaged by lightning or thunderstorm activity; or
7. Has been transported to a country where no authorised Service Agents exist.

CLAIMING WARRANTY

This Limited Warranty may be claimed on in the following manner:

1. In order to make a claim under this Limited Warranty, the purchaser must deliver the equipment or any part thereof to an SP Tools authorised repair agent and pay all costs of transportation and all costs incidental to making a claim under this Limited Warranty. The purchaser must first contact SP Tools (contact details described above) and request the delivery address of an SP Tools authorised repair agent.
2. The purchaser must deliver to the repair agent written reasons why the purchaser considers that the purchaser has a claim under this Limited Warranty and must provide all necessary details, including:
   • The place, date and from whom the unit or part was purchased.
   • The unit or part involved, Model and Serial Number.
   • The defect, malfunction or failure in respect of which the claim is being made.
   • Proof of service of the unit or part (if applicable)
   • Proof of purchase in respect of the unit or part.
3. If the Limited Warranty claim is valid, the repair agent will carry out repairs and return the product at no charge to the purchaser. These repairs are limited to the Limited Warranty fault identified and as such will not include any other faults due to misuse, abuse, failure to maintain, fair wear and tear or the replacement of serviceable items such as oil, spark plugs, air filters, fuel etc.

Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and for compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure. Note: Units which are failing to perform in accordance with specifications due to non-warrantable causes will be subject to freight, repair and or quote charge

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