How to use a timing light?

[unlikely hero]

Never needed to use a light gun before(I had a wonderful returnless fuel system) so I never knew how to use it. Anyone have a good link or faq on how to use one to set ignition timing. I did a search but no good. Thanks
=Jason-

 

[5150DSM]

Here you go... you should read the VFAQ, it has most everything basic a new DSM'r needs to know.

http://www.vfaq.com/mods/timingbelt-2G.html

 

[FDTT]

Just to let you know it is refered to as a "Timing Light".

 

[unlikely hero]

Yea that link really didn't help. I know how to set engine timing I just need to set ignition timing now.
=Jason-

I've heard of timing light and light gun. We must talk different up here in ND,
=Jason-

 

[kpt4321]

Um...look at the instructions with the gun?

One on the positive terminal, one on the negative, clip on the first or fourth plug wire.

 

[unlikely hero]

Yea ok but it there any specific procedures when working on a dsm.
=Jason-

 

[crankbender]

Originally posted by unlikely hero
Yea that link really didn't help. I know how to set engine timing I just need to set ignition timing now.
=Jason-

I've heard of timing light and light gun. We must talk different up here in ND,
=Jason-

Engine timing???

The only timing you are gonna set with a timing light is the ignition timing. hence why you put it on the plug wire

 

[kpt4321]

http://www.plymouthlaser.com/timin.htm

 

[dave99gst]

you wont be setting ignition timming either on a 2g..
with a stock CAS, ya cant change it


but to properly check it ,refer to your manual.
it tells you , you must ground a connector ( i think blue? its in a diff spot on my 99 ) thats on the firewall (behind the intake mani) .doing this will take the ECU out of the loop and force the timming to stay in one spot. ( its bounces a few degrees at idle)
the car should be at norm operating temp, fans cycle on/off with no load on the motor ( ac,stereo cranking etc )