So here's a rookie question(s)...I want to purchase a timing light for use on a 6volt system, but the sealed up package said "12v induction powered. Will that work? Does the timing light need to be specific for a 6v system? Best brands/models? Thanks, Cecil

Don't think I've ever heard of a 6 volt timing light...mine is a 12 volt induction light and I used to use it for my 6 volt ...maybe it wasn't quiet as bright but maybe I used to use it after sun down lol ...Sun brand is pretty much the standard...and you know with these old "jolopies" I don't bother with a timing light anymore...haven't for yeaars...you'll know when the timings "right"...it runs smooth and doesn't backfire ! lol ! Really I'm not kidding..as it's idling just twist it around 'till it smooths out ...take it for a "spin" and if the runs smooth your good to go ! But that just me , an old timer...Kevin47

You can use a spare 12-volt battery or a battery pack to power your 12-volt light and then you get a very bright flash.

I use a 12v induction light and it works fine on 6v, the light isn't as bright but still plenty bright enough. If you want the light to be brighter use a 12v battery.

I have one! Besides a six volt timing light there was also a 6V/12V timing light.

Thought I'd Google : 6 volt timing light...Heck , Amazon's even got them . Worth a look...a few interesting tid-bits on the new timing lights...etc.

I have a 6v timing light that I bought in an antique store. It was still in the original box with a picture of a 216 on top.

There is a 6-12 volt timing light on eBay right now.

They even make (or used to anyway) 120 volt timing lights. Good for working in the shop anyway.

And they have one on Ebay now at: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Digital-Timing-Light-EPI3568-/190497252638#

Now that's cool...

I was installing the rebuilt head on my 216 when a neighbor I had not yet met came over to see what was going on. He brought with him a brand new still in the box 6 volt timing light he had purchased many years ago. It was the type that you inserted between #1 plug and the plug wire. Works well at midnite in the dark with the hood down, but all that was available at the time. I note in the 49/54 manual there is a section on how shops who do not have timing lights can time the 216.

So, it doesn't have a battery hook up and just flashes from the spark of the plug wire? Yeah, not as good as nothing, because with nothing you're not expecting something. Static timing will get you in the ball park, and then you can twist the distributor a bit with the engine running to fine tune it if needed.

Thanks everyone!!! This all helps...I don't feel like I am in the dark.

With practice static timing is as good as with a timing light. I often do the timing static and then use the light rarely needing any 2nd adjustment.
Tony

Summit tools has a battery powered (flashlight batteries) portable timing light. I bought one but haven't used it yet.
Might be just the thing to carry in the car.