The more experience you get as a home mechanic, the more ready you’ll be to take on ever-bigger, more complicated jobs, saving you lots of money in the long run. This is when you might want to start tackling more advanced things like tinkering with your ignition timing. It’s hugely important for this to be set right – it’ll make your engine run smoother, use less fuel and improve longevity; while incorrect engine timing can lead to rougher running and, if left alone for too long, even long-term engine damage.
To ensure it’s set properly, you’ll need to hook up a timing light to your car’s ignition circuit. There’s lots of slightly complicated science behind how they work, but in short, these create the illusion of freezing the timing marks on your crankshaft pulley, indicating where the timing is versus where it should be. If you’re going to take on jobs like this, you’re best served by getting the best possible product, and we don’t think you can do much better than Clarke’s CHBTL1 LIG Trigger Activated High Beam Timing Light.
Easy to use with its simple trigger-activated light and compatible with all normal 12-volt ignition systems, the CHBTL1 can be used to measure and adjust the timing advance at a range of 0 to 60 degrees before top dead centre.
An LED indicator will confirm if you’ve hooked it up to the ignition circuit correctly, and warn you if there’s a fault with the flash, while the ultra-bright xenon bulb is easily replaceable when the time comes. It’ll last you a long time too, thanks to its high-impact ABS plastic housing, with a rubber nose protecting the lens. At just £39.98, it’s the perfect tool to help professionals and experienced enthusiasts alike master the dark art of ignition timing.
Grab yours today at Machine Mart
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