MT2261A

Computerized Tach/Advance
Timing Light

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I

MT2261 Computerized Tach/Advance Timing light

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MT2261 AComputerized Tach/Advance Timing light

is displayed momentarily when / / (Reset) is pressed.

/ / (Reset) is also used to clear and restart the timing
light if erroneous data is displayed.

Specifications
Operating Temperature Range .............. -40F to 149F
HOC to 65C)
Power Requirement ...................... 10 to 16 Volts DC
Useable Range ............................ 30 to 9,990 RPM
Timing Advance Range ........................ O to +180

Functional Description
POWER LEADS have color-coded clip boots. Red lead connects to positive (+) terminal of 12 volt battery and black to
a good vehicle ground.
INDUCTIVE PICKUP clamps over #1 cylinder spark plug wire
(usually - see Equipment & Testing Tips #10) to monitor high
voltage surges. Its signal controls the light flashes and is
used for computing the RPM and timing reading.
LED DISPLAY displays engine speed from 0 to 9990 RPM
and timing degrees from O to +180. "Err" will be displayed
if RPM exceeds 9990.
CONTROL PANEL has the following five function keys:
(;i,;)lj (Tach/Advance) is depressed to select tachometer

or timing reading.

==i

(Flash) is an "ON-OFF" switch for the flash

function.
~

(Increase) increases degrees oftiming light

advance up to 180. After key is depressed one second,
the MT2261 A begins rapid advance.
~ (Decrease) decreases degrees of timing light
advance that have been entered. It operates in the
same manner as the ~ (Increase) key. Pressing ->-(Decrease) when display reads "0" sets timing light to
180 advance.

/ / (Reset) automatically zeroes degrees of advance that

have been entered with the ~ (Increase) key. "2261"

Equipment & Testing Tips

1. The MT2261 A Computerized Tach/Advance TIming Light
can be powered by a negative or positive ground 12 volt
DC power source. If the test vehicle has a different
electrical system (6 or 24 volt system, etc), an auxiliary
12 volt battery may be used to power the timing light. If
the battery terminals are difficult to access, an auxiliary
battery may be used, or you can connect the positive
lead to the alternator output terminal and the negative
lead to a good vehicle ground.

2. If the MT2261 A fails to operate, check power leads for

good connections and the proper polarity, make sure
inductive pickup jaws are firmly seated and that latch is
in the lock position, and inspect inductive pickup's
ferrite cores for cleanliness and damage.
CAUTION: Do not allow core pieces to contact metal
objects. Damage to timing light can result.

ffi

e
e

Handle the inductive pickup with care. Dropping or

sharp blows can damage the ferrite cores.
Occasionally inspect the inductive pickup for dirt or
other foreign matter buildup on the ferrite cores. Clean
with CRC Lectra - Motive 05018 Cleaner or equivalent.
Spray surface with plastic tube tip 1" away. Dry with air
hose, keeping nozzle at least 6" away.

3. Always refer to applicable manufacturer's test

procedures and specifications before testing vehicle.
Procedures and specifications may vary from vehicle to
vehicle, even if they are of the same manufacturer, year,
vehicle model, engine, etc. If a vehicle's timing
procedure and specification are not readily available on
3

MT2261A Computerized Tach/Advance Timing Light

a Vehicle Emission Control Label, refer to a reliable
service manual. Locating this information in a manual
will require some or all of the following data: year of
manufacture, vehicle indentification number (VIN),
engine displacement, type of transmission, and
whether it is equipped for Federal or California emission
standards. NOTE: Some vehicles that are equipped with
compllterized engine control systems may not have a
timing procedure or specifications and manufacturer
may just state "NONADJUSTABLE".
4. For accurate test results, engine should be at normal
operating temperature. Engine may be considered at
normal operating temperatyre when upper radiator
hose is hot.
5. If dwell is adjustable (distributor points) it should be
checked and adjusted to specification prior to timing
checks or adjustments.
6. When checking timing on engines with low or unstable
speeds, timing marks may fluctuate. This may also occur
at higher engine speeds (above 1930 RPM), but is more
evident on engines running poorly, idling slow,
equipped with light weight flywheels, and those built
for racing applications. The fluctuation can be
eliminated by entering 1 or 2 of timing light advance.
Add this 1 or 2 at the timing mark for actual timing
reading.
7. The MT2261A is internally shielded to help eliminate
EMI (electromagnetic interference, which includes RFI,
radio frequency interference) produced by alternators,
battery cables, electric motors, spark plug wires, etc.
However, it may be necessary to move the timing light
andlor inductive pickup a short distance away from
sources of EMI if the display reading or light functions
improperly.
8. Solid core and some special application aftermarket
spark plug wires can cause improper operation of the
timing light. If engine is equipped with either of these
types of spark plug wires, replace #1 cylinder's wire with
a standard TVRS (television radio suppression) spark
plug wire for the test
9. If EMI or RFI causes the timing light's display to "lockup" or show unrealistic data, it may be necessary to
press II (Reset) after eliminating the cause of the
problem.
10. A bad spark plug wire can cause intermittent or
otherwise improper timing light operation. If a plug
wire is suspected, either replace the wire or connect the
inductive pickup to the plug wire of the companion
cylinder' - the cylinder that fires one revolution (360)
from the specified timing cylinder.
Determine the companion cylinder by lining up the first
half of the firing order over the second half.
Uneven firing engines, such as some GM V-6's with
splayed crankshafts, have no companion cylinders.
4

Firing order
1-6-5-4-3-2

1ST half 1-6-5

2ND half 4-3-2

Companion Cylinders
1 &4, 6&3, 5 &2

Most engines are specified to be timed using #1 cylinder,

exceptions include: International Harvester V-8 engines
which use #8 cylinder, and some GM 4 cylinder engines
which are timed by an "averaging method" using 111 and
114 cylinders or all cylinders (coil wire method).
11. For accurate test results the timing marks and reference
indicator should be clean and legible. To avoid parallax
(an optical illusion that makes an object appear
displaced when viewed from an angle), the light should
be aimed along an imaginary direct line from the
operator's eye through the timing marks to the shaft of
the rotating pulley or harmonic balancer, flywheel, etc.
(See Figure 1 below).
NO

YES

~~~~_ _ _ _ _

NO

Figure 1
12. If the test vehicle's engine is equipped with a receptacle
for magnetic probe timing, do not use the receptacle
(probe holder) for timing with a timing light.
13. To maintain the appearance of the timing light,
periodically clean with a soft damp cloth. To remove
grease, use a mild detergent. Do not use cleaning
agents such as acetone, benzene, carbon tetrachloride,
toluene, etc. Spills such as gasoline, battery acid, brake
fluid, penetrating oil, cleaning solvents, etc. should be
cleaned immediately.

Ignition Timing
Correct ignition timing starts combustion at the proper
point in the compression stroke regardless of engine speed
and load. Since the amount of time required to burn the fuel
mixture (combustion time) remains constant at all engine
speeds, ignition must occur earlier in the compression
stroke as engine speed increases so that combustion is
completed at the proper point in the power stroke. Poor
performance and fuel enconomy, high exhaust emission
levels, overheating and engine damage can result from
improper ignition timing.
The MT2261 A stroboscopic timing light is designed for
testing initial (base) ignition timing and timing advance
operation. The light is connected to the spark plug wire for
cylinder 111 (usually). The signals from the inductive pickup

MT2261A Computerized Tach/Advance Timing Light

are used to synchronize the flashing of the light with the
speed of the engine, so that when the light is aimed at the
timing indicator the rotating timing mark appears
stationary. The timing reading, or alignment of the timing
marks, should agree with the engine's timing specification.

Initial TIming
Before base timing can be tested certain preliminary
procedures are required. On older vehicles equipped with
breaker point ignition systems this involves only that the
idle speed be low en9ugh or at a specific RPM and/or that
the vacuum advance/retard is disabled. Electronic ignition
and computer equipped vehicles have preliminary timing
procedures that vary by manufacturer, model, engine, fuel
system, pollution control devices, types of electronic and
vacuum sensors and acutators, etc. The variations in timing
procedures and specifications are too great to be covered in
this timing light instruction manual. If you are not sure of
this information, always refer to the Vehicle Emission
Control Label or a reliable service manual for preliminary
timing procedures and specifications.

Initial Timing Using #1 Cylinder

1. Consult Vehicle Emission Control Label, manufacturer's
shop manual or a reliable service manual, such as
Mitchell or Motor, for timing procedure, specification,
and location of calibrated timing indicator and timing
mark. Observe all cautions and warnings.
2. Unless otherwise instructed by manufacturer, place
transmission selector in park (automatic transmission)
or neutral (manual transmission), apply parking brake
and block drive wheels.
3. Connect the timing light power leads to a 12 volt
battery-first red lead to positive terminal and then
black to good vehicle ground. Then place inductive
pickup over #1 spark plug wire. Jaws must be firmly
seated with the locking button in the lock position.

When power leads are connected the light flashes

momentarily and the display will read "2261 ". Then a
continuous spelling of "Snap-on" will be displayed; if
not, press / / (Reset).
4. After making sure that timing light lead wires are clear
of moving or hot engine parts, start the engine.

When engine is started the light will begin flashing and

the display will read "0" (zero degrees).

s.

Press @.r, (Tach/Advance) key for tach function and

check engine speed against specification. Adjust RPM
as required.

6. [email protected],(Tach/Advance)keyfortimingfunction,aim
light towards timing indicator and check ignition timing
against manufacturer's specification as follows:

Read timing directly from vehicle's timing indicator with

"0" displayed.
or
Position timing mark to IDC (0) on timing indicator using
.=:::J (Increase) and ~ (Decrease) keys. Then read
timing from LED DISPLAY.

NOTE: When checking or setting timing on engines

With ATDC timing, readings must be read directly from

the vehicle's calibrated timing indicator with the timing

light display set at "0".
Engine's calibrated indicator and timing mark should be
clean and you should be familiar with indicator [know
position of TDC (0) and timing degree increments).
7. Adjust timing, if necessary, per manufacturer's
procedure and specification.
8. Press

CJl'f

(Flash) to turn off light.

9. Stop engine and restore vehicle to normal operating

condition (engine idle speed, vacuum lines, electrical
connections, etc.)

Initial Timing Using"Averaging Method" ofTiming

The manufacturers of some engines require that timing
readings be taken from the #1 cylinder and its companion
cylinder. The two timing readings are totaled and then
divided by two to calculate average timing. This average
reading is compared to the specification. Timing
adjustments to set the initial timing to specification are
made with the inductive pickup connected at #1 cylinder.

Example: Cylinder #1 reading is 4 BTDC and companion

cylinder reads SO BTDC
4+So= 12
12 ... 2 =6

If the timing specification is 8 BTDC, the adjustment is

to advance timing on #1 cylinder 2 (6 average reading
is 2 less than SO specification).

Initial Timing Using Coil Wire

CAUTION: Use the coil wire method of "average"
;j\
timing only when specified by the .
Ll..:)
manufacturer. It is intended for initial
timing only. Move the inductive pickup
to #1 cylinder or its companion cylinder
for advance timing.
If the coil wire has a plastic cover, slide the cover back to
gain access to the wire. Put the cover back in place at the
end of the procedure.
A timing procedure that requires the initial timing reading
to be monitored and set using the coil wire on 4 cylinder
engines is specified by some manufacturers. These engines
are equipped with two timing notches. The second notch is
located 180 from the timing notch for #1 cylinder.
With the inductive pickup
placed over the coil wire, the
light flashes for each cylinder
firing. Because the timing light
flashes more frequently and
there are two timing notches, an
image is seen of many notches
wavering across a section
(between the arrows in the
illustration). Use the midpoint of
the notches when reading or
adjusting ignition timing.

MT2261A Computerized Tach/Advance Timing light

Testing Tip
The MT2261 A calculates engine speed from the signal it
receives from the inductive pickup. With the inductive
pickup connected over the coil wire, the rpm and digital
timing readings will be incorrect.

5. Compare digital display reading to advance

specification.
6. Repeat steps 2 thru 5 as required at specified
centrifugal advance test speeds.

Vacuum Advance

Advance/Retard Timing Controls

A vacuum pump equipped with a vacuum gauge is required for

Centrifugal advance, vacuum advance, vacuum retard,

electronic advance, electronic retard, and electronic
advance/retard are some of the various timing controls
manufacturers equip their engines with to ensure that
ignition occurs at the proper point in the compression
stroke. These controls may be used individually or in
combination. Some common combinations include:

testing vacuum advance system operation.

Vacuum advance and centrifugal advance

Vacuum advance, vacuum retard, and

centrifugal advance
Vacuum advance, electronic advance, and
electronic retard
Electronic advance and electronic retard

NOTE: On engines equipped with electronic or

vacuum retard controls, proper operation will
reflect a retard in timing instead of an advance
under certain operating conditions.
Accurate advance timing is dependent on proper initial
timing. Always make sure that dwell and initial timing are
COrrect before testing advance timing.
Specific advance timing test procedures and specifications
are not presented in this manual. Because of the various types
of spark timing controls, combinations of spark timing
controls used, and all of the related engine equipment that
can affect timing advance that may have to be disconnected,
bypassed, plugged, etc., only general testing procedures are
given. Always refer to manufacturer's procedures and
specifications if you are not sure of this information.

1. With engine off, disconnect and plug vacuum advance

hose and connect vacuum pump to the distributor's
vacuum advance port.
2. Start engine.
3. With timing light in the ,iiVij (Advance) mode, press
/ / (Reset), aim the light at the timing indicator, and
note the initial timing reading.
4. Using the vacuum pump, apply the specified amount of
vacuum to the vacuum advance unit.
5. While observing the timing mark, press ~ (Increase)
to return the timing mark to the initial position.
6. Compare digital display reading to vacuum advance
specification.
7. Repeat steps 4 thru 6 as required with the specified
amounts of vacuum applied.

Total Advance
Depending on the type of ignition control system being
tested, total advance is the sum of one of the following:
Initial & centrifugal advance
Initial. centrifugal &vacuum advance
Initial & vacuum advance (including dual
diaphram types)
Initial, electronic &vacuum advance
Initial & electronic advance

Vacuum Retard & Electonic Advance I Retard

When testing vacuum retard or electronic retard operation,
refer to manufacturer's shop manual for test procedures and
specification. On some systems, the timing light's display
may have to be set to "0", and the timing is read off of the
vehicle's calibrated timing indicator.

Troubleshooting Timing Light

PROBLEM

Centrifugal Advance
1. Make sure that initial timing is correct and any
preliminary advance timing procedures [hose(s)
disconnected and plugged, etc.] are completed.
2. Set engine speed to specified centrifugal advance
test RPM.
3. With timing light in @ij (Advance) mode, press
/ / (Reset) to set timing degrees display to "0".
4. Aim light at timing indicator and press ~ (Increase)
to return timing mark to initial position.
6

REFER TO TESTING TIPS #

Light fails to operate

2&10

Intermittent operation
Erroneous data displayed

2&10
2,7,8,9&10
3,4,5,11 & 12

Improper timing reading

Light flashes out of sync
(appears as fluctuating timing mark)

2,6&10

MT2261A Computerized Tach/Advance Timing light

The OWNER WARRANTY REGISTRATION CARD is applicable

only if purchased in the U.s.A. If purchased outside the
U.S.A., discard REGISTRATION card.

S'oap-oD.
SNAP-ON INCORPORATED
Kenosha, WI 53141-141 0
Form ZMT 2261 A
DFI

Printed in U.S.A.
3-96