Hence, if you love keeping your machines in good and working condition, you must have a timing light always available in your garage. That said, we have come up with some of the best timing light deals that you should definitely check out and grab as soon as possible. But, there are some key factors that you should always check before spending your money on such a tool:
Engine Compatibility: Whether you are looking to get a timing light for your personal vehicle or commercial use, you must check the engine compatibility of the timing light. Some timing lights only work with 2-stroke engines, while some better ones work with 4-stroke engines as well. Lead Length: As you know, timing lights take their power from the vehicle’s battery, the lead length becomes a major factor to consider. If you deal with vehicles of different lengths, like cars and trucks, a timing light with longer lead will be much more practical for you. Accuracy: Since timing light is used to correct the ignition timing, and used while the engines are running at high RPMs, the timing light should show accurate results all the time. That said, don’t forget to check up on what RPMs the timing light will maintain its accuracy. Most timing lights are usually accurate up to 10,000 RPMs, you might find one or two even better options as well.
We have so many good options ready for you to check out, and we will be reviewing them one by one as well, for you. In case you need some additional help, we will also be providing you with a detailed “Buying Guide” in this article, you can take a quick look at that as well. Until then, let’s check the best timing lights.
7 Best Timing Lights in 2023
Best Timing Lights in 2023: Reviews
1. INNOVA Timing Light
If you keep looking for products like these, you might already be aware of the reputation of Innova as a brand. As for the 5568 Pro Digital Timing Light from Innova, we have chosen the first place since it is the most feature-rich product we came across. Let’s talk about its build quality first, the outer housing of the tool is made from heavy-duty shock-proof ABS material which makes it sturdy enough to survive any sort of rough usage. A molded storage case also comes with it to keep it safe when not in use. Speaking of its lead, it’s almost 6-foot long and also detachable as well. Want to know about its features? It’s surprising to know that it supports both conventional electronic systems as well as computer-controlled systems also. Moreover, it doesn’t matter if you are working on a 2-stroke or a 4-stroke engine, it will perform perfectly and accurately up to 9,990 RPM. All the information like Volts, Dwell angle, etc., are displayed well on its backlit LCD screen which makes this timing light super-easy to use. Best Features: Pros:
Comes with a strong storage case Adjustable Barrel Works with most Ignition Systems
Cons:
Cost is very high
2. OBDMONSTER Timing Light
There are quite a lot of people out there who are essentially looking for a budget-friendly brand. Well, if you are one of them, try this timing light from OBDMONSTER. We are choosing to place this product in 2nd position on this list as it is highly affordable and extremely easy to operate. This is a perfect tool to tune up and reset your car’s ignition timing, regardless of 2-stroke or 4-stroke, it works with all gasoline engines with 12V ignition too. Speaking of its build quality, it provides confidence to the users as all the wires and clips are built extremely well. Since it accurately shows the fire and timing scales on the flywheel even at high RPMs, thus, you can adjust it properly in both idle and open-throttle conditions. You’ll also be able to tweak the advance angle with speed change as this timing light effectively detects the vacuum advance angle control system, and automotive knock suppression control system. Best Features: Pros:
Affordable pricing Wiring is of good quality Ideal for 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines
Cons:
No carry case included in the package
3. Performance Tool Timing Light
If you feel like connecting the power clips while using a timing light is a lot time-consuming, this self-powered timing light from Performance Tool will bring a smile to your face. Putting this timing light in 3rd position on this list since it offers quite a good value for your money, and since it is self-powered, you don’t need to take much stress while using it. Despite being an affordable product, the overall construction of this timing light is quite well-built and does not feel cheap at all. Since it’s a self-powered timing light, there’s no need to make any connections with the vehicle’s battery which makes things, even more, easier for you. However, you still need to install 2 D-batteries on your own as they are not included in the package. The best part is that it works amazingly on all gasoline engines, power equipment, motorcycles, snowmobiles, mowers, and even tractors. Best Features: Pros:
Value for Money Highly portable Impressive build quality
Cons:
No Storage Case
4. Actron Timing Light
Actron is a highly popular brand, well-known to make a variety of products such as Scan Tools, Electrical Testing Equipment, Mechanical Testers, and many more. Hence, buying a Timing light from such a brand won’t be a bad decision at all. Speaking of the CP7527 inductive timing light from Actron, it’s super-simple to use and adjust the initial timing on any 2-stroke engine. If you need help measuring the centrifugal advance, or vacuum advance, it will come useful to you. The best part? You can use this timing light with conventional, electronic, DIS, 2-cycle, or computer-controlled systems without any hassle. Instead of a normal flashlight, it boasts a superior quality xenon light that makes it, even more, easier to see the markings on the flywheel. If we talk about its build quality, the pick-ups are made entirely of metal while the timing light has a rigid and durable ABS housing for protection. The light works on both 6V and 12V vehicles and comes with a one-year warranty as well. Best Features: Pros:
Build quality is good Long lead length Works on both 6V and 12V vehicles
Cons:
A little too big in size
5. Dirautos Timing Light
If you own a car repair garage, you might need an affordable, yet good-quality timing light that could work on all kinds of engines. Well, Dirautos has just the right product for you. We personally like this timing light from Dirautos for its highly confidence-inspiring build quality. Not only it works perfectly with 6V batteries, the 12V batteries are not an issue either. The clamping wires and plug wires are 4.54ft long. Hence, it a versatile tool to work on a variety of vehicles such as trucks, cars, motorcycles, etc. The pistol-grip design of the timing light makes it quite easier for you to hold it steady and fix the ignition timings on any vehicle. It can effortlessly work with all gasoline engines which makes it a great tool for commercial use. On the top, an engine ignition spark tester also comes along with the package. Best Features:
54-feet long lead Heavy-duty shock-proof housing Supports all gasoline engines
Pros:
Works with 12V batteries also Handy design Easy to use
Cons:
Cable quality is average
6. Houkiper Timing Light
In the crowd of unworthy expensive products, Houkiper is the brand that offers you highly useful repair tools, at extremely affordable prices. The Houkiper timing light is super-safe for you as it comes with Solid-state burnout-proof polarity with automotive reverse, and overload protection to always keep you safe. Speaking of the clips and sliding clamp, both are quite handy and get fixed on to their positions safely and firmly. The pistol-grip design helps you hold it carefully and keep it steady while using. It boasts a brilliant blue-white xenon tube that makes it easier for you to read the timing scale, even in daylight. Even if you are testing the engine in open-throttle conditions, it works magnificently up to 10,000RPM and shows accurate markings. Although it does not come with a carry case, the build quality is good enough to survive tough conditions easily. Best Features: Pros:
Ergonomic Design Superb Build Quality Comes with Engine Ignition Spark Tester
Cons:
No storage case
7. ES Timing Light
For those people who are looking for a high value-for-money product, and willing to invest a good amount, ESI should be your brand choice. It is one of the most professional timing lights available out there since it can show the fire and timing scale, even at 14,000 RPMs. Apart from that, its ability to work with both 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines makes it one of the best options to pick for commercial usage. Talking about its build quality, the sliding clamp wire is covered with a heat-protective sleeve that helps it withstand temperatures as high as 1200F. Although the length of the cable is pretty standard, 4 Feet, there are no compromises on its quality. The ESI 130 Self, it’s an extremely handy tool to have in your garage, especially when you test the timing on your vehicle quite frequently. It is because this is a self-powered timing light, so you don’t need to connect it to the battery directly. Instead, just put in 2 D-batteries inside the light and you are good to go. Best Features: Pros:
Works with all kinds of ignition systems Only uses 2 D cell batteries Very handy product
Cons:
Slightly Expensive
Buying Guide for the Best Timing Light
You might know the uses of a timing light better than us already, but picking the right one from the market is surely a head-scratching task, even for experienced people. So, to make things easier, we have come up with this buying guide that’ll help you look for the right features in a timing light and pick the right one as per your requirements. It’s not quantum physics that will go over the head, you just need to keep some basic things in mind while buying a timing light such as:
Compatibility
So, it depends whether you are buying one for your personal use or professional work. If it’s for your personal use, you might already know about the specs of your vehicle, like its ignition system, battery capacity, 2-stroke or 4-stroke engine, etc. So, if you find a timing light that is compatible with the configuration of your vehicle, it’s good for you. On the other hand, if you’re buying one for your professional work, maybe you own the best car repair shop in your area, you have to keep the best tools with yourself. In that case, picking a timing light that works with all kinds of ignition systems, all engine types, etc., will be a good purchase for you.
Accuracy
While using a timing light to adjust the fire and timing scale, you usually do it on idle RPMs, which can be fixed with any basic timing light. However, in some cases, the issues in vehicles appear at high RPMs. So, to fix such anomalies, the timing light should be able to work accurately at high RPMs also. Most of the timing lights available out there work great up to 10,000 RPM. However, if you usually deal with super-bikes, you should get some better option that is even more accurate, like up to 14,000 RPM for instance.
Lead Length
Apart from checking features on the timing light, pay attention to the cords as well. Although the standard 4 feet cable length is good enough for most vehicles. Having some extra feet in the cord length is never a bad feature to have. If you practice on all kinds of vehicles such as trucks and cars, a longer cable will be more helpful for you.
Build Quality
Last but not the least, checking the build quality is one of the most essential parts of the process. Since so many electrical connections are involved in the use of a timing light, you must be sure about the quality of cords, firstly. Thereafter, you can check the overall build quality of the timing light itself. The outer housing of the timing light should be built of high-quality ABS material so that it can withstand shocks and drops from heights easily.
Conclusion
We hope you have gone through and checked all the timing light options mentioned on the list above. Since we have mentioned their reviews along with the highlight features, pros, and cons, making the final call should be even easier. However, if you are a beginner and buying this sort of tool for the first time, we recommend going through the buying guide section, at least once. Although it should not happen, if you are still confused to make your final decision, we have some personal recommendations for you that’ll help you pick the right timing light to add in your toolbox.
Our personal favourite, the INNOVA Timing Light is the best option on this list. Although it is a little expensive, it’s the only option that comes with an adjustable barrel, backlit LCD panel, and a storage case as well. For the people who are on a budget, the OBDMONSTER Timing Light from is a good pick. It works for both 2 or 4-cycle petrol engines and can easily operate on all 12V ignition systems as well. On the other hand, if you want an easy-to-use tool, the Performance Tool Timing Light will be a perfect option for you. Just put in 2 D cell batteries in it and see it working effortlessly.
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