DIY: Homemade timing tool

[quocle603]

Metric Dial indicator: $8-10
5/8 ID Rubber grommet: $1.50
14mm Spark Plug Fouler: $4
Indicator tip: $2-3

I had some issues making one at first with spacers and set screws, but this was the easiest and fastest way to make one that is effective.

Completed:


Purchased at auto store:


Purcahsed at Lowes Hardware:




Stuff the grommet inside (use soapy water or windex), then slide the indicator in.


Or you can just buy a 100-200$ yamaha one.

[jradnich]

Nice. I never thought about using a plug fouler for a base. Where did you buy the indicator and extension tip?

[quocle603]

The tip came with the indicator that I got from a buddy of mine. But I believe he ordered both of them from Aliexpress (China).

tip: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/M2-5-Thread-1mm-Needle-Diameter-Dial-Test-Indicator-Contact-Point-40mm-Length-Measuring-Gauging-Tools/32989827276.html?spm=2114.search0104.3.1.64b963b4psiNec&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_2_10065_10130_10068_10890_10547_319_10546_317_10548_10545_10696_453_10084_454_10083_10618_10307_537_536_10059_10884_10887_321_322_10103,searchweb201603_52,ppcSwitch_0&algo_expid=c537be8d-1b10-4c14-bf0a-d894ec08bee1-0&algo_pvid=c537be8d-1b10-4c14-bf0a-d894ec08bee1&transAbTest=ae803_5

indicator: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/0-01mm-Dial-Gauge-Accuracy-Measurement-Instrument-Precision-Tool-Dial-Test-Indicator-Gauge-Measurement-Instrument/32809561189.html?spm=2114.search0104.3.23.697b63b4KItmMZ&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_2_10065_10130_10068_10890_10547_319_10546_317_10548_10545_10696_453_10084_454_10083_10618_10307_537_536_10059_10884_10887_321_322_10103,searchweb201603_52,ppcSwitch_0&algo_expid=9cbd6ff2-4ac4-4a29-a9a6-29a0ac8091c7-6&algo_pvid=9cbd6ff2-4ac4-4a29-a9a6-29a0ac8091c7&transAbTest=ae803_5

[Czakky]

Awesome!

[Banshee Hp]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/PVL-ENGINE-IGNITION-TIMING-TDC-T-D-C-INDICATOR-FOR-YAMAHA-SPARK-PLUG-THREAD-/163660070563?nav=SEARCH


Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

[SoCal250]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/PVL-ENGINE-IGNITION-TIMING-TDC-T-D-C-INDICATOR-FOR-YAMAHA-SPARK-PLUG-THREAD-/163660070563?nav=SEARCH

That's a much better option than a gauge held in place in the base only by rubber. In an ideal world it should be positively secured to ensure accuracy.

Unfortunately the Ebay listing says "(WILL NOT CLEAR COOLING FINS OF AIR-COOLED HEADS)"  It would be cool if you could purchase the machined base with a longer housing by itself to use with a small face dial gauge.

[Tuck]

This one I got from Yambits has served me well.



https://yambits.co.uk/as1-dial-gauge-ignition-timing-tool-p-27294.html?osCsid=4erorvm26au4l6p1nschppk464

[sav0r]

I bought one of these like 20 years ago. The one in the link below is for a small format spark plug, but I know they offer a full size one because I have one. I just couldn't find a proper link.

http://www.crpracing.com/ltigaad.html

[SoCal250]

I have the Central Tools #6491 kit (selling for about $200 currently). For those who have a gauge already and just need a base and/or extension tip, Central Tools parts are available separately.


Central Tools #4317 - Replacement 14 mm Adaptor, (~$29)
Central Tools #4211 - 1.5" contact, (~$5)
Central Tools #4222 - 2" contact, (~$7)

The 4317 has a locking collar to firmly hold the gauge in place while still allowing for some adjustability.

[Striker1423]

I have the Central Tools #6491 kit (selling for about $200 currently). For those who have a gauge already and just need a base and/or extension tip, Central Tools parts are available separately.


Central Tools #4317 - Replacement 14 mm Adaptor, (~$29)
Central Tools #4211 - 1.5" contact, (~$5)
Central Tools #4222 - 2" contact, (~$7)

The 4317 has a locking collar to firmly hols the gauge in place while still allowing for some adjustability.

Got that exact kit off ebay for 60 bucks used. Works a treat.

[Tuck]

I have the Central Tools #6491 kit (selling for about $200 currently). For those who have a gauge already and just need a base and/or extension tip, Central Tools parts are available separately.


Central Tools #4317 - Replacement 14 mm Adaptor, (~$29)
Central Tools #4211 - 1.5" contact, (~$5)
Central Tools #4222 - 2" contact, (~$7)

The 4317 has a locking collar to firmly hold the gauge in place while still allowing for some adjustability.

I had bought this originally and the needle fell off the first time I used it. I went to Hell and back trying to get a refund. I even had to threaten to get an attorney involved.
They did finally refunded my money, but man what a pain in the ass it was!!!

I got the one from yambits and its worked perfect.

[quocle603]

All of those are great. I just wanted to share what I mocked up, and it works great for me. To each their own.

I almost went as far as designing and 3D printing a design I made.

[smokah]

I've got the central tools one. Great little piece

[Striker1423]

All of those are great. I just wanted to share what I mocked up, and it works great for me. To each their own.

I almost went as far as designing and 3D printing a design I made.

If you did that I'm sure they would sell like hot cakes for the DIY crowd!

[sav0r]

If you can print one with a set screw that is dimensionally stable over a wide variety of temperatures for like $20 shipped you have a winner. All the end user would have to do is add a $10 1" dial indicator. The indicator of course is invaluable.

I'm sure I could machine them on my mill out of aluminum in like 2 minutes of machine time, but with it requiring 2 setups it almost doesn't seem worth it. Somebody with active tooling on a lathe could churn these out so fast the entire DIY crowd would be supplied in a single night shift.