Harbor Freight Xenon Advance Timing Light Product Manual

Manual for the 40963 Xenon Timing Light with Advance 40963 Xenon Timing Light with Advance

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Page 2 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Item 40963

Specications

Power Input 12 VDC

Bulb AGA0314TSC Xenon

Lead Length 4 FT.

Timing Advance 0° to 60° in 2° Increments

Important Safety Information

1. Work area safety

a. Keep work area clean and well lit.

Cluttered or dark areas

invite accidents.

b. Keep children and bystanders

away while operating a

diagnostic tool. Distractions can

cause you to lose control.

2. Electrical safety

a. Do not expose diagnostic

tools to rain or wet conditions.

Water entering a diagnostic tool will

increase the risk of electric shock.

b. Do not abuse the cords.

Never use the cords for carrying,

pulling or unplugging the diagnostic

tool. Keep cords away from heat,

oil, sharp edges or moving parts.

Damaged or entangled cords

increase the risk of electric shock.

3. Personal safety

a. Stay alert, watch what you are

doing and use common sense

when operating a diagnostic tool.

Do not use a diagnostic tool while

you are tired or under the inuence

of drugs, alcohol or medication.

A moment of inattention while

operating diagnostic tools may

result in serious personal injury.

b. Use safety equipment.

Always wear eye protection.

Safety equipment such as

dust mask, non-skid safety shoes,

hard hat, or hearing protection

used for appropriate conditions

will reduce personal injuries.

c. Avoid accidental starting.

Ensure the switch is in the

off-position before plugging in.

Carrying diagnostic tools with the

nger on the switch or plugging

in diagnostic tools that have the

switch on invites accidents.

d. Do not overreach. Keep proper

footing and balance at all times.

This enables better control

of the diagnostic tool in

unexpected situations.

e. Dress properly. Do not wear

loose clothing or jewelry.

Keep hair, clothing and gloves

away from moving parts.

Loose clothes, jewelry or long hair

can be caught in moving parts.

Page 3For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.Item 40963

4. Diagnostic tool use and care

a. Do not force the diagnostic tool.

Use the correct diagnostic tool

for the application. The correct

diagnostic tool will do the job

better and safer at the rate

for which it was designed.

b. Do not use the diagnostic tool if the

trigger does not turn it on and off.

Any diagnostic tool that cannot

be controlled with the trigger is

dangerous and must be repaired.

c. Store idle diagnostic tools out of

the reach of children and do not

allow persons unfamiliar with the

diagnostic tool or these instructions

to operate the diagnostic tool.

Diagnostic tools are dangerous

in the hands of untrained users.

d. Maintain diagnostic tools.

Check for misalignment or binding

of moving parts, breakage of parts

and any other condition that may

affect the diagnostic tool’s operation.

If damaged, have the diagnostic

tool repaired before use.

Many accidents are caused by

poorly maintained diagnostic tools.

e. Use the diagnostic tool and

accessories, in accordance with

these instructions and in the

manner intended for the particular

type of diagnostic tool, taking into

account the working conditions and

the work to be performed. Use of

the diagnostic tool for operations

different from those intended could

result in a hazardous situation.

5. Service

a. Have the diagnostic tool serviced

by a qualied repair person using

only identical replacement parts.

This will ensure that the safety of

the diagnostic tool is maintained.

Specic Safety Rules

1. Maintain labels and nameplates

on the tool. These carry important

safety information. If unreadable or

missing, contact Harbor Freight Tools

for a replacement.

2. Avoid unintentional starting. Prepare to

begin work before connecting the tool.

3. This product is not a toy.

Keep it out of reach of children.

4. People with pacemakers should

consult their physician(s) before use.

Electromagnetic elds in close

proximity to heart pacemaker could

cause pacemaker interference or

pacemaker failure.

Caution is necessary when near coil,

spark plug cables, or distributor of

running engine. Engine should be

off during distributor adjustment.

5. WARNING: Handling the cord

on this product will expose you

to lead, a chemical known to

the State of California to cause

cancer, and birth defects or other

reproductive harm. Wash hands

after handling. (California Health &

Safety Code § 25249.5, et seq).

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

Page 4 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Item 40963

Operation Tips

Timing Light Basics

Automobile engines work by mixing air, fuel

and a spark to ignite the fuel/air mixture,

creating an explosion, that powers the vehicle.

Maximum power from the explosion must be

delivered to the engine at a precise instant.

Attaining that precise instant is called “Timing”.

Timing is essential for fuel economy and power.

Automobile engine manufacturers determine

the exact timing necessary for every engine

they build. Normal engine and ignition

system wear causes the timing to change,

reducing both fuel efciency and power.

Engine manufacturers use two terms when

describing timing, “advanced” and “retarded”.

Timing is advanced when the spark occurs before

the piston reaches the top of a cylinder. Timing

is retarded when the spark occurs after the

piston has started down in the cylinder. Timing

is changed by adjusting the ignition distributor.

To set timing, the engine manufacturer provides

“timing marks” on the engine’s vibration damper.

Read the vehicle’s manual or contact the

manufacturer for the location of timing marks

on the engine. Also, refer to the vehicle service

manual or contact the manufacturer for the

timing specications for the particular engine.

When to Check Timing

The instant that the spark plug res is

determined by the opening of the distributor

ignition breaker points and will change any

time the point gap or dwell angle is changed.

Normal wear on the breaker point rubbing block

will change the dwell and effect the timing.

Most late model vehicles are equipped with

“breakerless electronic ignition systems” and

will not allow a change in timing, because

there are no breaker points. The Timing Light

can still be used to note changes in the timing

caused by problems in the ignition system or

for resetting the timing when components are

changed (i.e. removed and/or replaced).

Figure 1

Page 5For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.Item 40963

Operating Instructions

Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION section at the

beginning of this document including all text under subheadings therein

before set up or use of this product.

Note: These general instructions will

not apply to all engine designs and/

or vehicles. Consult your engine

manufacturer’s service instructions

which supersede these instructions.

1. Locate the engine’s timing mark

by referring to the vehicle’s

engine manual or contacting the

manufacturer. Refer to the vehicle’s

manual or contact the manufacturer

for the timing specications of

the engine being tested.

2. Start the engine and run for 5-15

minutes until normal operating

temperature is reached.

3. Stop engine.

4. Turn the Timing Advance Knob on

the back of the timing light to 0°.

5. If the vehicle specications and

instructions require it, locate the

vacuum line that attaches to

the ignition distributor vacuum

advance and disconnect the

line and plug the end of it.

A golf tee or small pencil may

be used to plug the line.

Note: The Spark Plug Clamp is fragile and

may break if dropped or struck sharply.

6. Connect the timing light to the 12 V

Battery, and connect the Spark Plug

Clamp to the Spark Plug Wire as shown.

The spark plug clamp must be

connected with the arrow on the clamp

pointing towards the spark plug.

Figure 2

Timing Light Hook Up

Spark Plug

Clamp

#1 Spark

Plug

7. Start the engine and

operate at idle speed.

WARNING! Be careful working around a

running engine. Moving belts and fans

can cause severe injury if contacted.

Metal engine parts are very hot.

Do not contact any part of the engine.

8. Squeeze the trigger on the timing light

and direct the ash onto the engine

timing marks to obtain a reading.

Compare the reading from the

timing mark to the reading in the

manufacturer’s specications.

If the timing does not match with the

timing listed in the manufacturer’s

specications, adjust the timing.

Page 6 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Item 40963

Timing Adjustment

1. With the Engine stopped, loosen the

bolt that locks down the distributor,

but do not fully remove it.

It should be loose enough so that you

can rotate the distributor back and forth.

Do not over-loosen the bolt or allow

the distributor to move on its own.

2. Start the engine and run until it reaches

the standard operating temperature.

3. Direct the beam from the Timing Light

at the timing marks and slowly rotate

the distributor in very small increments.

Rotate the distributor either right or

left until the timing lines1 are lined up

(in line with the pointer). See Figure 3.

4. Stop the engine.

5. Tighten the distributor lock down bolt

using care not to change the

position of the distributor.

6. Start the engine and recheck the timing.

If the timing is incorrect, the

distributor may have moved while

bolting it down. Reset the timing.

7. If you have no other tests to perform

with the Timing Light, turn off the

engine and reconnect the vacuum line.

If you have further tests, rst check

to see if the vacuum line needs to

be connected for those tests.

1 Many vehicles have two timing

marks: One at TDC and

another at 10° before TDC.

Testing Centrifugal Advance

1. With the timing light still connected

and the vacuum line still not attached,

speed the engine up slowly to the

manufacturer’s specied speed

for this test (often 2000 RPM)

and watch the timing mark.

2. The timing mark should move steadily,

without jumping. See Figure 3.

Figure 3

Pulley

Timing Marks

Pointer

Max. Advance

Rotation

Degree of Advance

3. If the mark stays stationary or moves

erratically, the Centrifugal Advance (or

other automatic timing advances) should

be repaired by a certied mechanic.

4. Turn the timing advance knob on the

back of the timing light up slowly until

the timing mark moves to TDC or 0.

5. The reading on the timing

advance scale indicates the

amount of centrifugal advance.

Compare with vehicle service manual.

Page 7For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.Item 40963

Testing Vacuum Advance

1. Speed the engine up slowly to the

manufacturer’s specied speed

for this test (often 2000 RPM)

and leave the vacuum line

detached from the distributor.

2. Aim the Timing Light at the timing marks

and turn the timing advance knob on the

back of the timing light up slowly until

the timing mark moves to TDC or 0.

3. Connect the vacuum line

to the distributor.

4. If the timing mark stays still, the

trouble could be a plugged line,

a leaky diaphragm, or a frozen

distributor plate. See a certied

mechanic if the mark doesn’t move.

5. Read the amount of vacuum advance

from the timing marks on the engine.

Compare with vehicle service manual.

Checking Distributor

Cam Wear

1. This test is done after the timing

has been set and the timing

light lines up with the reference

pointer for cylinder number 1.

2. Connect the Timing Light to the spark

plug wire directly opposite (180º)

from the number 1 cylinder on the

distributor cap. See Figure 4.

#1 Cylinder

Opposite

Cylinder

8 Cylinder

3 1

6 2

5

4

7

8

Opposite

Cylinder

#1 Cylinder

6 Cylinder

16

4

3

2

5

#1 Cylinder

Opposite

Cylinder

4 Cylinder

2

3

1

4

Figure 4

Note: The opposite cylinder is opposite

the #1 Cylinder on Distributor Cap.

3. Start the engine and aim the

Timing Light towards the timing mark.

The reading should be the same as

when the Timing Light was connected

to the number 1 cylinder wire.

If not, the probable cause is a worn out

distributor cam, bushing, or bearing,

or bent distributor shaft. Contact a

qualied service technician for repairs.

Page 8 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Item 40963

Small Engine Timing

1. The Timing Light can be used to

test the timing on any combustion

engine that utilizes an impulse or

magneto ignition, such as motorcycles,

lawn mowers, or outboard motors.

If the product does not have a 12 V

battery then use an external battery.

2. Connect a ground from the external

battery’s Negative Post to the engine.

3. Connect the red clip of the Timing light

to the Positive Terminal of the Battery

and the black clip to the Negative

Terminal of the Battery. Connect the

Spark Plug Clamp of the Timing Light

to the spark plug wire with the arrow

pointing towards the spark plug.

Rotary Engine Timing

1. Connect the red and black power leads

to the battery. Connect the Spark

Plug Clamp to the wire for the leading

spark plug on the front rotor housing.

Figure 5

2. Start engine and run it at idle speed.

3. Aim the Timing Light at the timing

indicator pin of the front cover.

Figure 6

LEADINGTRAILING

4. Loosen the distributor locking

nuts and rotate the leading side

distributor body until the timing mark

on the eccentric shaft pulley is in

line with the timing indicator pin.

5. Tighten locking nuts and recheck timing.

6. Repeat this process to set the

trailing side distributor timing.

Page 9For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.Item 40963

Maintenance and Servicing

Procedures not specically

explained in this manual must

be performed only by

a qualied technician.

TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY

FROM SHOCK OR FIRE:

Disconnect from the vehicle battery

before performing any inspection,

maintenance, or cleaning procedures.

TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY

FROM TOOL FAILURE:

Do not use damaged equipment. If

abnormal noise or vibration occurs, have

the problem corrected before further use.

1. BEFORE EACH USE, inspect general

condition of tool. Check for loose

hardware, misalignment or cracked or

broken parts, damaged electrical wiring,

and any other condition that

may affect its safe operation.

2. AFTER USE, wipe external surfaces

of the tool with clean cloth.

3. To check the Lamp:

a. Remove Rubber Sleeve (3) from

nozzle of the Timing Light.

Rubber Sleeve

(3)

Bulb Cover (4)

Xenon Bulb

Figure 7

b. Remove the Bulb Cover (4).

c. The Xenon Bulb may develop a black

spot around the anode; this is normal.

If the bulb turns completely black

however, a new timing light is needed.

The bulb is permanently soldered

in place and cannot be replaced.

Troubleshooting

Problem Possible Causes Likely Solutions

No ash 1. Switch in “OFF” position.

2. Battery clips connected

backward.

3. Poor connection of clips.

1. Move switch to “ON” position.

2. Reverse the battery clip

connections.

3. Clean battery post and reconnect.

No ash but

double check

indicator is “ON”

1. Spark Plug Clamp ipped backwards.

2. Weak ignition or spark plug.

3. Faulty lamp.

1. Make sure arrow on clamp

points to #1 plug.

2. Connect to other plugs or

spark plug wires. Repair Gap.

3. A new timing light is needed.

Light ashes

intermittently

Timing Light Spark Plug Clamp wire lying

on, or near to, the other spark plug wires.

Route Spark Plug Clamp wire away

from the other spark plug wires.

Follow all safety precautions whenever diagnosing or servicing the tool.

Disconnect power supply before service.

Page 10 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Item 40963

Parts List

Part Description Q’ty

1 Left Housing 1

2 Right Housing 1

3 Rubber Sleeve 1

4 Bulb Cover 1

5 Lens 1

6Timing Advance Knob 1

7 Nut 1

8 Rear Cover 1

9 Dial Scale 1

10 Tension Meter 1

11 Left Tag 1

12 Right Tag 1

13 Trigger 1

14 Internal Switch 1

15 Board 1

16 Clamp Cable 1

17 Cable Connector 1

18 Screw (M3x10) 5

19 Screw (M3x6) 1

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY

THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR HAS PROVIDED THE PARTS LIST AND ASSEMBLY

DIAGRAM IN THIS MANUAL AS A REFERENCE TOOL ONLY. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER

OR DISTRIBUTOR MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND TO THE

BUYER THAT HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS TO THE PRODUCT, OR

THAT HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO REPLACE ANY PARTS OF THE PRODUCT. IN FACT, THE

MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR EXPRESSLY STATES THAT ALL REPAIRS AND PARTS

REPLACEMENTS SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN BY CERTIFIED AND LICENSED TECHNICIANS,

AND NOT BY THE BUYER. THE BUYER ASSUMES ALL RISK AND LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF

HIS OR HER REPAIRS TO THE ORIGINAL PRODUCT OR REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO,

OR ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER INSTALLATION OF REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO.

Page 11For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.Item 40963

Assembly Diagram

1

2

3

4

5

67

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

17

18

19

16

Limited 90 Day Warranty

Harbor Freight Tools Co. makes every effort to assure that its products meet high

quality and durability standards, and warrants to the original purchaser that this

product is free from defects in materials and workmanship for the period of 90 days

from the date of purchase. This warranty does not apply to damage due directly or

indirectly, to misuse, abuse, negligence or accidents, repairs or alterations outside

our facilities, criminal activity, improper installation, normal wear and tear, or to lack of

maintenance. We shall in no event be liable for death, injuries to persons or property,

or for incidental, contingent, special or consequential damages arising from the use

of our product. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or

consequential damages, so the above limitation of exclusion may not apply to you. THIS

WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR

IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS.

To take advantage of this warranty, the product or part must be returned to us

with transportation charges prepaid. Proof of purchase date and an explanation

of the complaint must accompany the merchandise. If our inspection veries

the defect, we will either repair or replace the product at our election or we may

elect to refund the purchase price if we cannot readily and quickly provide you

with a replacement. We will return repaired products at our expense, but if we

determine there is no defect, or that the defect resulted from causes not within the

scope of our warranty, then you must bear the cost of returning the product.

This warranty gives you specic legal rights and you may also

have other rights which vary from state to state.

Record Serial Number Here:

Note: If product has no serial number, record month and year of purchase instead.

Note: Some parts are listed and shown for illustration purposes only,

and are not available individually as replacement parts.

3491 Mission Oaks Blvd. • PO Box 6009 • Camarillo, CA 93011 • (800) 444-3353