Checking spark w/ timing light

CHRIS EICHMAN

New Member
Sep 16, 2008
26
0
0
moreno valley ca
I just wanted to make sure that when using an inductive timing light while cranking the engine, if indeed there was spark the light would flash? Or does the motor have to be running? I have tested all of the ignition components following the directions and also swapped them out on a running supra, all but the cps. I did check the air gap and ohm meter deflection and it checked out. The coils spark when tested but it is a weak looking spark. I think it would be enough to ignite the fuel though. I could barely see the spark with my face right next to the plug when testing, so i thought i might not see it from inside while cranking. thats why i ask about the timing light. I have triple checked the timing gear and crank position. There is no way to be 180 out if all the marks are in the right place is there? Sorry for the length just trying to be clear.
 

metaphysico

Mad Scientist
Jan 2, 2008
428
0
0
45
Gainesville, Georgia
Alot of times the light wont fire off if the car is not running, you dont get enough current traveling through the wire for the light to pick up. Also some timing lights have directional induction probes ie one side has to face plug.

If your cam gears and crank pully are all on mark you are not out there. But you could be 180 out on your cps. Im guessing your car wont start and that is what this post is about and you forgot to say that. If so check for your fuel delivery. Usualy even a week spark will start a car as long as there is a spark. Now if your timing is off it should still hit it just wont start. If its not hitting check for fuel or spray some starter fluid into the intake on a vac line, I usualy use the booster line for this just make sure all the fluid is gone before hooking back up to booster. If it hits with starter fluid then u have fuel problem.

Let me know what problems are if it wont start and if it hits or not and if it has fuel on plugs ect.
 

CHRIS EICHMAN

New Member
Sep 16, 2008
26
0
0
moreno valley ca
Thanks for the reply, I wasnt sure about the timing light thing. Yes you are correct it wont start. When you say hitting do you mean the cranking speed changes from it trying to fire? I am pretty sure there is no spark. I tried starting fluid w/ no results. the plugs smell a litle like fuel but are not wet looking. Is there somthing that would keep the efi from firing the injectors because there is no spark? I am new to the computer cars. I usually work on easier stuff. So let me lay it out for you. My son ran the car w/o oil so I rebuilt the motor. The car ran when we took it apart. Now that it is back together no start. The wires to the cps broke off of the connector so I used reg spade connectors to hook it back up. I have checked the air gap and continuity on it and it checks uot within specs. As for the fuel getting in to the cyl. I am not sure but the starting fluid did not make any difference so i figured there was no spark. I think that the only thing left would be the ecu. If you can help me out at all I would greatly appreciate it. It has been a month since i first tried to start it and I still cant figure it out. Thanks again
 

CHRIS EICHMAN

New Member
Sep 16, 2008
26
0
0
moreno valley ca
Thanks grim, I am just getting off work only home on weekends. I will try to track down this mistake in the morning and talk to you guys tomorrow I hope.
Thanks again