timing question

[badasp118]

Ok I know this is probably a stupid question, but the more i read about these idis the more im starting to become convinced I have a timing issue not a IP issue. I read a post by Agnem that said that timing can make a diffrence between a truck you love and a truck you hate. Im almost positive my timings off.
So my question is, will a regular timing light like you use on a gasser work on an IDI? Im still on a learnign curve and am self taught on everything. I really need to time it and I can't afford to take it to a shop... The shops here in Salina want 75.00 just to time it.

Badasp118

 

[fx4wannabe]

agnem is the timing man on here so hopefully he will chim in. I know just enough to screw it up.

 

[icanfixall]

The easy answer is yes and no... First off the Kent Moor Tach n time meter can use a timing lite... But its easier to not use the lite and much more accurate timing just using the meter. There is an inexpensive timing meter called a ferrit. Several have it and really like it. Others will post about it so stand by. I like my Kent Moor meter. I also have a Rotunda meter. I can use both meter with either pulse or lumiy type method. The pulse is the better way of timing our motors.

 

[badasp118]

Me too......

 

[crashnzuk]

I bumped the timing on my Dodge a few weeks ago and it made a VERY noticeable difference in how it runs and drives. I was happy with it before, but now I am very happy with how it runs. I can't wait to get a trailer behind it. You could always just bump it about 1/8" or so, I think I read on here that 1/8" is about equal to 2 deg. That should be plenty to let you know if it is a good or bad thing.
Travis..

 

[forcefed]

I have a ferret timing adapter and like it. You use you normal inductive timing light (with advance knob) and hook it up to your ferret adapter. The ferret picks up the injection pulse on you #1 injector line and turns it into a voltage so your timing light will flash. I try to check my timing every oil change just to keep track on injectors and pump wear. I think I got my ferret for little over $200 I think. Big help when you change injectors or injection pump though. There is a quick way to see if you timing is retarded too much though. When you have your truck idle at normal temp. there is a arm on the drivers side of the injection pump. This retards you timing as your RPMs get higher I believe. If you pull this arm out a little while you truck is at idle and it starts to run rough your timing is retarded too much. Thats how I got mine ibn the ball park before I had a meter. Hopefully Agmen will chime in if I'm wrong but this worked for me but not a precise fix. Just temporary.

 

[fields_mj]

Just chiming in so that I can follow the thread and learn a little more. I'll have to redo my fuel system this spring. I think my IP and injectors are original, with 170K on them, so this is great info for me.

 

[RLDSL]

The Ferret is the cheapest way to go for timing and will work with any advance type inductive timing light this place always has the lowest price They're about $179 now It pays to have the tool because if you pay someone now, , a) there is no assuarance that they wont time it by ear ( and most places that tell you over the phone they can time a diesel are thinking computer controlled and when you show up without a plug in, they are clueless), and b) nest time you have to fool with the pump, you will be paying again, and again, and again, etc, if you just buy the tool you own it and are set for life.
The Ferret works greatI've had mine a couple of years now and love the thing. I am geting due for a new timing light though, the poor old thing is left over from my shop and has seen better days

 

[towcat]

I bumped the timing on my Dodge a few weeks ago and it made a VERY noticeable difference in how it runs and drives. I was happy with it before, but now I am very happy with how it runs. I can't wait to get a trailer behind it. You could always just bump it about 1/8" or so, I think I read on here that 1/8" is about equal to 2 deg. That should be plenty to let you know if it is a good or bad thing.
Travis..

you have no idea how bad I want to put some power into mime. but the OD trans is almost done and I fear the parts bill more.