ESI 130 Self - Powered Timing Light

Other (cheaper) Xenon-flash timing lights I've purchased did not flash reliably at engine speeds much above idle; at full-advance engine speeds (around 3,000 RPM), just where you really need them to work, they would only flash intermittently or not at all. This one is a good, solid value; it flashes on every spark-plug firing event well above 4,000 RPM (note, for a single-fire twin-cylinder motorcycle engine, where 4,000 RPM equates to 33.3 Hz flash rate). And the self-powered feature means I don't have clamp-on power leads dangling inconveniently off the vehicle's battery. Lastly, the inductive pickup-lead clamp assembly is sheet-metal, not plastic; these are generally the most fragile parts of timing lights, and this one is rugged. Best one I've owned.

Purchased this light to use on my 78 Honda CT 90 and a 66 Chevy pickup truck. It worked great, very convenient since it's self powered and just the single wire, and it doesn't matter if it's a 6 volt or 12 volt system. Nice bright light. The lens is protected by a rubber housing on the end of the light so it would be very difficult to accidentally scratch it. It is made in Chicago Illinois and feels very solid. Comes with 2 industrial grade Rayovac size D batteries installed. Very happy with this tool.

Nice USA made timing light! Bright and well made. I use for older motorcycles.

I have an FS Ignitions electronic ignition in my Model A in lieu of the old manual point manual adjust.The system works real well, but I gave it 4 stars because the notch on the crank for top-dead-center would jump around a little. I think it is because I have the old wire strands for spark plug cables in lieu of modern, so there is a gap within the clipped area and the spark may hit the clip at slightly different spots, thus causing the timing strobe not to be consistent. There is about a 2 degree jump. But for this engine, that's good enough.

Added 2 batteries, clamped around spark plug wire (start your engine) and read my timing marks. Done.It is easy and helpful to :find a way of lowering the ambient lighting on the very area to test,find the best distance/location from reading marks where the lens of the light is focusing/working the best.As you are using a 3V battery powered stroboscope, just adapt your reading area and all works well.Good point: the design is obviously well thought; it is nice not to have to plug in another thing into 110V; the little manual/guide page is frugal but enough; it is made in USA.Could be better: the plastic body doesn't seem of the most solid/durable type, just be attentive around the workshop. Protected & back in drawer when not in use.Overall very satisfied after a first successful use, on a motorcycle engine.To any week-end hobbyist mechanic, I would recommend this product.

I really like this timing light. The brightness of the strobe is plenty bright enough to see during the day in the garage. Because it is DCell battery powered there is no need to hook it up to the car battery. This is even more convenient for me because my car battery has been relocated to the trunk. Just hook it up to the number 1 cylinder plug wire and it's ready to go. Another benefit is that it is made in the USA. In my opinion worth the purchase price.

Do you work on gas powered equipment at night? Yes? Then you might be okay with this if you can dim the garage lights. Want to use it during daytime? Forget it. It's unusable even in dingy light much less daylight. On the plus side it does flash when it's supposed to. It's fast enough to freeze parts moving at 3600 rpm. I wasn't able to find the rate limit. Bottom line for occasional use it's probably. Pro's should definitely look elsewhere.

Cheaper on Amazon. Fast shipping works like a charm. The least cables the batter. Good side is one cable bad side is uses a battery l. Your preferences. I prefer less cables around the motor.