hey all. I was given a snap-on (brand new) timing light and the person lost the manual so I now have a light that i can only set initial and rpm. This light is a mtl4186 digital advance/tach. I tried Snap-on site and there was no help there. If It would be possible, could someone try and help me learn 2 use this light for it's complete capabilities? Thanks for any help. Keith
most of us consult with the "wizard" on stuff like this i thought someone on this board worked for snap on??? i'm sure someone will chime in at some point
My ears were ringing :laugh: Someone say the word timing? :Smarty: In any case Jason Cook (Buick64203) works for SnapOn He might be able to get some instructions for you. My SnapOn light probably works the same way. See the picture below. The top row of buttons from left to right are //, this zeros the degree display. the second button toggles between RPM and degree readings. The third button turns the flash on and off. The bottom two buttons are labelled "+" and "-". The "+" increases the degrees dispay (up to 180*), the "-" decreases the degrees display. To use any advance light, you hook it up, start the car. Disconnect and plug the vacuum advace. Then aim the light at the damper. push the "+" button until the damper mark lines up with the 0 on the timing tab. When it does, you can read your timing right off the display on the light. You can do this at any RPM, and the dialback feature will work. To use it to set total advance is easy. You want light springs in the distributor so that you don't have to rev the motor to the moon to see the total. Once you have springs installed that allow your advance "all in" before 3000 RPM (stock springs don't allow that until 4600 RPM or so), you set the display to the total you want to run (use the "+" button). Then loosen the distibutor holdown. Point the light at the damper and rev the engine until the damper mark stops moving up(note the RPM). Then move the distributor so that when you rev the engine to that RPM, the damper mark lines up with the 0 on the timing tab. Then secure the holdown and recheck. To find out what your current total timing is, have someone slowly rev the engine until the damper mark stops moving up. Hold at this RPM, and press the "+" button until the damper mark lines up with the 0 on the timing tab. Read the total advance off the display. Of course it helps to have someone assist you by operating the throttle. Any questions?
It isn't a Snap On, it's a Matco MTL4186. Does it look like this? Operation should be similar to my light.
Thanks Larry!!! Yes it is a Matco. No wonder I could not find anything on the snap-on site :spank: Now that thars funny. I don't think I would even attempt this restoration (63 special sedan v8 2v) without this great bunch of Buick folks!!! I will attempt 2 work this light today or tomorrow. Larry, you say they should work the same so I will use your instructions. If I have any ? I will for sure ask. If anyone with a Matco has any advise (instructions)for this specific light I would appreciate it much. Is this Matco a reliable light? Any caveats I should be aware of? Thanks again for the help. Btw, who is the wizard? Keith
Your's Truly. Take a look under my Screen name above. Johnny Angel on this BB gave me that name, it kinda stuck :laugh: You might want to read this http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=63475 Yes, most advance lights work the same. Look for the "+" and "-" buttons.
Hey Larry. I still have not used my light (other than setting initial) as I have been dealing with other things but I have read your instructions and am confident I will be able to operate the light. Thanks again!!! Now another question. I have solid core wires and the little card that came with the light says not to use the light with solid core wires. What would be the problem with using this light on solid core wires? False readings? Would/could it damage the light? Thanks again! Keith
No damage to the light, it will just read incorrectly or work erratically. All you need are some spiral core wires. Solid core wires offer no advantage at all to you.
Thanks much Larry. I wrote the post incorrectly. the paper actually said "solid core wires could give false readings." ou: So, in your estimation the solid core wires are not something to be desired? I "am" going to replace wires for sure. Just for knowledge sake- what would be some negitives in-terms of the solid core sires? What would be a good wire set to use? It is not really clear with me what mm size to use(its probably in my manual, but i'm open for suggestions). 63 special 215 2v all stock. com 135 +- 10 manifold vac- steady 19in. Thanks again. Keith
Soild core wires offer no suppression, so they will interfere with your car radio, and the cars around you. You'll get no performance increase because of them so why even think about using them. I use the MSD super conductor wires, but many other manufacturers make spiral core wires, Acell, Taylor etc. Carbon cvore wires degrade from the time you put them on. I think most wires you buy today will be spiral core. 7 or 8mm will be fine.
