Anyone every use a timing light and compare the reading with the conventional plunger lift method?

I got a Ferret pulse adapter on ebay for a good price because you can't have too many cool toys. So today I checked the timing on my truck for the first time. I used a dial indicator on a magnetic base in the #1 injector hole to find TDC and mark it on the damper.

Then I checked plunger lift which is 4.8mm or around 15.5 degrees timing for my CPL 2174 pump. Lift is measured as zero being the lowest point of the plunger and measured up to TDC, correct? I checked it several times and with two different dial indicators and always got 4.8mm

So then I ran the engine and used the timing light and pulse adapter near the #1 injector and it reads 10.3 degrees. That's a huge difference.

If I am measuring plunger lift correctly then the 15.5 degrees must be correct which makes the pulse adapter kinda worthless. Maybe it's defective. Maybe that's why it was on ebay.

Just wondering if anyone has compared the two methods and had them come out close.

thanks,

 

I use a light to check timing but never to adjust it. Numbers are always very close.
Perhaps you aren't using the correct timing tape on the balancer?

 

I just realized what the problem is. I'M STOOPID

I don't have a timing tape. I marked TDC on the balancer and my timing light has digital advance. But then I fabricated a pointer to make it easier to read with the timing light. BUT I FORGOT TO LINE UP THE POINTER WITH TDC AFTER I INSTALLED IT. Geez.

When you mentioned timing tape it reminded me of the pointer. Thanks INFIDEL you saved the day

My timing is at 15.5 so the previous owner obviously had it advanced. Stock is 14, engine has almost 200k on stock head gasket and bolts. Maybe I should leave it where it is. I was hoping it was 14 or less and I could advance it and pick up some performance and mileage. I'm only getting 16mpg.

 

I've got a snap on pulse adapter. On my dually, timing has been within a degree of plunger lift. Just did a friends truck today, it was also within a degree. Biggest gap I've seen was on another friends truck, and it was a two degree gap. Thats with a bluepoint timing light with digital advance. Those have become two of my favourite tools.