Timing gun issue

OpenToSuggestions · 23 Feb 2013 at 15:07

Hey all.
I went to perform the timing mod on my MK1 1.6 but have a problem with the gun (Powerspark TL100).
It flickered a few times intermittently but then completely stopped and I cannot find out why. I tried different earth points, different ingition leads etc. Now it does not flicker at all.
I contacted the ebay seller who sent me a new one. This one seemed to flicker intermittently, but this was enough to see that my timing was 8 degrees BTDC.
I moved the CAS clockwise and went to test the timing again but this one has given up the ghost as well so now I have no idea what timing I have!

Am I doing something wrong or is the gun just rubbish?

ShakenNstirred · 23 Feb 2013 at 15:20

mine connects to the battery and the pickup clips on the the HT lead for number one cylinder .
this is the one I have
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gunson-77008-Timing-Advance-Feature/dp/B0012MCVVG/ref=pd_sim_sbs_auto_4

OpenToSuggestions · 23 Feb 2013 at 20:50

Thanks for the reply.
Both guns flashed intermitantly when they were new, but only when the gun was tapped a few times. Now they do not work at all.

If I remove the negative, press the trigger and reconnect it I sometimes see a tiny spark, which indicates that the power from the car is OK.

Are the guns just crap?
Could it be my HT leads? I think they are NGK but they are old. The car does not misfire and putting the induction clip on other spark plugs does nothing, no matter which way around it is.

ShakenNstirred · 23 Feb 2013 at 20:57

maybe that guy on ebay has bought old returned faulty stock, does happen on ebay at times

OpenToSuggestions · 23 Feb 2013 at 21:11

ShakenNstirred said:
maybe that guy on ebay has bought old returned faulty stock, does happen on ebay at times

Yeah I think you're right.
The car does not misfire or anything, but after 2 buggered guns it is a bit frustrating, because I am new to all this and it takes me a while to realise it isn't me that is wrong

.

OpenToSuggestions · 23 Feb 2013 at 23:31

I have spoken with a friend who is excellent with car repair.
He also believes it is just a crap gun.

I will give Halfords a call with my trade card tomorrow regarding a Gunson 77008.

ShakenNstirred · 24 Feb 2013 at 01:11

OpenToSuggestions said:
I have spoken with a friend who is excellent with car repair.
He also believes it is just a crap gun.

I will give Halfords a call with my trade card tomorrow regarding a Gunson 77008.

I got my Gunson 77008 from Halfords works great

Howard · 24 Feb 2013 at 09:04

I'll put mine back in the garage then if you don't want it..

OpenToSuggestions · 24 Feb 2013 at 09:51

Howard said:
I'll put mine back in the garage then if you don't want it..

I PM you a while ago but don't think I had a response

.
I intend to change the cambelt in the summer so would need a gun again, plus I would very much like to have a play with it to see what timing I prefer

.

I will PM you today if Halfords decide to give me a crap trade card price.

Howard · 24 Feb 2013 at 09:52

I replied to your trust email (hotmail address) twice

OpenToSuggestions · 24 Feb 2013 at 09:58

Howard said:
I replied to your trust email (hotmail address) twice

I cannot seem to find it. It could just me being dosey though. Could you send me a new one as I might just be being a bit special!

Calling Halfords now to see what their price is for the Gunson.
EDIT: £35.99 with trade card.

ANOTHER EDIT: Bought the one from Halfords and works fine. Thanks for the help with this issue, and thanks to Howard for your offer for the gun. I was running 16 degrees all the way home (did not realise until I got home and used the gun!) and it ran like a dream. It picked up so much better in the 2000-3500rpm range. I have set it to 15 degrees now and will fiddle around with other settings on a hot day, as afaik there is more chance of detonation at higher temperatures.