Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Engine Tech => Topic started by: JeremyB on July 15, 2006, 06:57:54 PM

Title: Anyone have tips on making timing marks readable?
Post by: JeremyB on July 15, 2006, 06:57:54 PM
After replacing the PIP/TFI in my '85 3.8L Cougar, I re-timed it. The timing marks are almost impossible to see with my Actron timing light. The last time I re-timed the dist. I painted the marks with some nail polish. Anyone have some specific tips on making the marks readable?
Title: Anyone have tips on making timing marks readable?
Post by: Warbird9 on July 15, 2006, 07:05:13 PM
I've used "White Out" before. Works for me!:D
Title: Anyone have tips on making timing marks readable?
Post by: 1WLD BRD on July 15, 2006, 08:23:40 PM
Clean the balancer really good, then paint the area white, then sand it off. leaving the depressions in the numbers white.
Title: Anyone have tips on making timing marks readable?
Post by: CougarSE on July 15, 2006, 08:23:44 PM
You will be surprised at how well you can read them by cleaning the marks with a wire brush.. then some laquer thinner.  And no paint... thats how I do it. 
 
Biggest thing...  Don't try and time in the sunlight!
Title: Anyone have tips on making timing marks readable?
Post by: 5.8fastcat on July 15, 2006, 09:37:43 PM
Plus 1 for the WHITE OUT
Title: Anyone have tips on making timing marks readable?
Post by: David on July 16, 2006, 12:59:04 AM
I used the tire chalk stuff, has stayed forever.  I could imagine white out would work great too.
Title: Anyone have tips on making timing marks readable?
Post by: SLEEPER T-BIRD 87 on July 16, 2006, 02:04:00 AM
I used some white touch up paint.

best to do it in minimal light also
Title: Anyone have tips on making timing marks readable?
Post by: Ether947 on July 16, 2006, 08:50:11 AM
I have to use white out every time because it's usually covered in dirt or mysteriously vanishes by the next time I do a tune-up. I think the next time I have some time on my hands I will mark it and clearcoat it.
Title: Anyone have tips on making timing marks readable?
Post by: SRBird on July 17, 2006, 11:15:05 PM
Chalk! have used it for years especially back when timing and setting points was part of a tune up. Scrub area with chalk and rub off excess with thumb (or rag whatever) lines become well visible with strobe. Simple and effective.
Title: Anyone have tips on making timing marks readable?
Post by: softtouch on July 18, 2006, 03:47:32 PM
My biggest problem is the small peep hole there is to look through with all the stock junK in the way.
My trifocals don't help either.
Title: Anyone have tips on making timing marks readable?
Post by: Cougar8775 on July 18, 2006, 04:47:18 PM
posted twice.
Title: Anyone have tips on making timing marks readable?
Post by: Cougar8775 on July 18, 2006, 04:47:30 PM
dayglow orange!! or even white paint ot white out. both will work nicely.
Title: Anyone have tips on making timing marks readable?
Post by: Bob on July 18, 2006, 05:05:54 PM
Another vote for white-out :)
Title: Anyone have tips on making timing marks readable?
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on July 18, 2006, 11:25:45 PM
The new silver Sharpies work great...
Title: Anyone have tips on making timing marks readable?
Post by: JeremyB on July 18, 2006, 11:37:18 PM
I ended up using a black Sharpie I had laying around. I think I'll use a silver one next time.