Use a conventional "clip-on" inductive timing light to verify the timing accuracy and range. Only use a simple strobe light that does not have a potentiometer or display. The Plasma CDI’s waste-spark ignition will give erroneous readings on these strobe lights. Always use only the timing marks on the engine side of the flywheel. The reference for this is the split line of the case. The flywheel or prop extension must be graduated with the proper timing marks. TDC, 20 degrees, and 25 degrees BTDC markings are stamped on the flywheel engine side by the factory. Add markings at 35, 40, and 45 degrees. On 4-cyl engines, these markings should be duplicated 180 degrees out to reference the other ignition coil timing. On 6-cyl engines, the factory timing marks should be duplicated twice, 120 degrees and 240 degrees from TDC. Make a pointer in line with the case seam to help define your reference. Then, point the timing light from the cockpit in line with the center of the case, and your pointer, at the timing marks on the flywheel. Connect the strobe light lead to one of your high-tension leads (spark plug wires). Connect the strobe light to power. Check to confirm that manifold pressure is connected to your Plasma CD ignition box. Start the engine. The strobe light tests should be at engine idle, 600 - 900 rpm. Referencing the split line of the case and your pointer, make a written note of the actual ignition timing as seen with the timing light. This timing, with the manifold pressure connected to the box, is the most advanced position. Now, disconnect the manifold pressure hose from the Plasma CD box and check the timing with the timing light. Make a written note of the ignition timing; this is the most retarded position. Clip the timing light pickup to one of the ignition leads from the coil firing the next 2 opposing cylinders. The timing light should illuminate the opposite set of timing marks on the flywheel. Check the ignition timing with the manifold pressure hose connected and with it disconnected. If you are using a cockpit timing indication, calibrate that indication with the strobe light value. If you have a 6-cyl engine, you should check the timing on the coil firing the last 2 opposing cylinders using the same procedure.
Use a conventional "clip-on" inductive timing light to verify the timing accuracy and range. Only use a simple strobe light that does not have a potentiometer or display. The Plasma CDI’s waste-spark ignition will give erroneous readings on these strobe lights. Always use only the timing marks on the engine side of the flywheel. The reference for this is the split line of the case. The flywheel or prop extension must be graduated with the proper timing marks. TDC, 20 degrees, and 25 degrees BTDC markings are stamped on the flywheel engine side by the factory. Add markings at 35, 40, and 45 degrees. On 4-cyl engines, these markings should be duplicated 180 degrees out to reference the other ignition coil timing. On 6-cyl engines, the factory timing marks should be duplicated twice, 120 degrees and 240 degrees from TDC. Make a pointer in line with the case seam to help define your reference. Then, point the timing light from the cockpit in line with the center of the case, and your pointer, at the timing marks on the flywheel. Connect the strobe light lead to one of your high-tension leads (spark plug wires). Connect the strobe light to power. Check to confirm that manifold pressure is connected to your Plasma CD ignition box. Start the engine. The strobe light tests should be at engine idle, 600 - 900 rpm. Referencing the split line of the case and your pointer, make a written note of the actual ignition timing as seen with the timing light. This timing, with the manifold pressure connected to the box, is the most advanced position. Now, disconnect the manifold pressure hose from the Plasma CD box and check the timing with the timing light. Make a written note of the ignition timing; this is the most retarded position. Clip the timing light pickup to one of the ignition leads from the coil firing the next 2 opposing cylinders. The timing light should illuminate the opposite set of timing marks on the flywheel. Check the ignition timing with the manifold pressure hose connected and with it disconnected. If you are using a cockpit timing indication, calibrate that indication with the strobe light value. If you have a 6-cyl engine, you should check the timing on the coil firing the last 2 opposing cylinders using the same procedure.
Plasma_CdiManual_20130317.docx