timing without a tach

[Kevin 007]

Hey,
Im going to buy a Ferret pulse adapter timing unit to run with my standard timing light. Question is; how do I set my timing at 2000rpm if I dont have a tach?? I can judge by ear pretty good what 2000revs sounds like and hold it there but I won't be dead on im sure. The first truck I plan on timing will be my 84 (no tach) and the others I plan on doing in the future are all later 7.3 trucks, with a tach so no problem.

 

[bbjordan]

You'll need to get a timing light with a tach function. Like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Equus-3568-Digital-Inductive-Pick-Up/dp/B000EVYGV4

I know it work with the Ferret timing adapter, because I have one. It only reads to the whole degree tho, not to the tenth of a degree.
Works good for what I do. I had to reverse the direction of the inductive pickup to point away from the "spark plug end". Not sure whats up with that. Maybe they stuck the "spark plug end" sticker on the wrong side of the loop on the Ferret adapter?

 

[Agnem]

You could use Randy's Ring and Pinion gear calculator to determine at what speed your engine is doing 2000 RPM at. Then you'd have to figure out a safe way to let your speedometer guide you.

 

[G. Mann]

There is a tach called "tiny tach" that is pretty easy to install, doesn't cost a lot... Might want to invest in one and leave it installed on the truck.

www.tinytach.com to have a look at one and read about them.

[edit] ... Just had a look myself and found they also make a timing set for diesel engines... a bit spendy... but...

 

[OLDBULL8]

98.7 KM/H 2000 RPM W/3.54 rear. It's close.

 

[idi_econoline]

Nice thread, considering that Es weren't important enough to have a tach in the cluster.

Speaking of which, any opinions on the 3½" tach Hypermax sells? Want a whole new level of gauges before finally towing the 4,000 lb trailer.

 

[jaluhn83]

How are you planning to use that setup? From what i recall, the TDC mark is not readily visible especially with the engine running, and you'd need to eyeball several degrees off that mark anyway.

IDI_E, don't know anything about that one, but I have had good luck with Isspro units and they have a 3 3/8" tach. I've got a R5535M in my rig run off the stock tach sensor and it's a good unit. Pricey, but good quality and good support. The sensor design on these (pickup is too far away from the gear for a good clean signal) make it a bit inaccurate at low rpm but I'm working on a signal conditioner that should help.

 

[idi_econoline]

Very cool, jaluhn83. Prefer the full-4-digit look of the Isspro, and their own mounting cup. About the same price as the Hypermax, also.

Gonna be a full pillar with my AutoMeter pod, but all this gets to wait until after head gaskets.

 

[jaluhn83]

Yah, I really like the Isspros, especially the EV series. These have a convex polycarbonate face that acts like a lens and makes it even easier to read. Very nice backlighting too. I also like that they're designed for heavy duty service, so your paying for function and durability. My feeling with autometer and the like has always been that you're paying for name and flash since they market to the ricer crowd.... like carbon fiber gauges??? Yah right.

Search online for the part number of the gauge too, Isspro lists that one for something like $250, but I found it for about $150 through another vendor.

Head gaskets on a van.... good luck! I can just imagine the PIA factor on that one. The truck is bad enough....
~John

 

[idi_econoline]

Fear not! I am happy to say that the AutoMeter pod is, in fact, a naked pod without gauges. So, my options are still open, jaluhn83. Whatever's 2 1/16" fits.

As for the head gasket horror, yep, engine comes out for that. The youngster at my fleet mechanic's shop sez he's done 'em in frame. Should I believe him? Weighing 85? 125? lbs per head, I'm not about to attempt that. I'll be ready with a hoist and engine stand.

Had it out before; actually replaced the earlier engine with a much better used engine. Current engine is seeping oil from both rears. I have a competent buddy to help. He's done many a gasser head gasket. Armed with much knowledge from this fine group of IDI Oilburners, we can do this!

Stay tuned!

 

[Kevin 007]

There is a tach called "tiny tach" that is pretty easy to install, doesn't cost a lot... Might want to invest in one and leave it installed on the truck.

www.tinytach.com to have a look at one and read about them.

[edit] ... Just had a look myself and found they also make a timing set for diesel engines... a bit spendy... but...

Never saw or heard of these before, interesting

 

[Kevin 007]

Only issue is that if I use the speedo to rpm way of doing it is I will still not be dead on; so if thats the case I may as well just save the $200 and keep timing it by ear. Do "diesel" timing meters all have a tach function on them??? Becase there must be a proper way to time the 1983-1986 trucks that often didn't have a tach....or any other tachless diesel for that matter.

 

[Wyreth]

Only issue is that if I use the speedo to rpm way of doing it is I will still not be dead on; so if thats the case I may as well just save the $200 and keep timing it by ear. Do "diesel" timing meters all have a tach function on them??? Becase there must be a proper way to time the 1983-1986 trucks that often didn't have a tach....or any other tachless diesel for that matter.

My j3300 does.

Really, if you watch long enough you can nab one for $200ish. If you can sneak it past Icanfixall.

 

[firehawk]

Rev it by ear and you should be ok. I don't think the timing changes much above 2000rpm.

 

[Wyreth]

Rev it by ear and you should be ok. I don't think the timing changes much above 2000rpm.

It does on mine, granted my pump is questionable at best.


Really tho, most timing lights that I have seen with variable advance also do rpms. So using a ferret and a wedge of wood as a throttle stop is still viable.