Timing light repair

[Rough Edge racing]

 My Sun timing light no longer works..It'll flash properly for about 5 seconds then that's it. It's an older made in USA 7501 model with inductive pick up. I would really like to save it if possible.  Anyone here familiar with what goes on inside timing lights?   Thanks

[JoeW]

The same thing just happened to my Snap-on light. Rather than having it fixed I opted for this...
http://www.sears.com/innova-reg-5568-pro-digital-timing-light/p-00920894000P?sid=IDx01192011x000001&kpid=00920894000&pla=&kispla=00920894000P&mktRedirect=y
I've not had the chance to use it yet though.

[Triple Jim]

As a wild guess, the xenon tube in your light may be reaching the end of its life, but of course it could be something else altogether.

The company that makes the Snap-On units makes a whole line of timing lights, from inexpensive bare-bones to expensive fancy, and they're less expensive without the Snap-On name.  I got the plain version.  They're really nice units that work at very high engine RPM by skipping flashes as needed, without losing accuracy.  Here's a link to a thread I started on the triples board:

http://www.kawi2strokes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=3619

Many or most cheap timing lights have trouble at high RPM, displaying jitter and error, and this light solves the problem.  Guzzis aren't as demanding on a timing light at a 3 cylinder 2-stroke, but it's still nice to be able to check the timing over the advance curve without being concerned about accuracy of the light.

[Rough Edge racing]

 I have an Equus timing light but it's a fancier model with RPM and advance set back.The problem is after the few years the plug in cord become sloppy and you have to wiggle it. Squeezing the contacts works only for a short time before the problem comes back. And set back type lights are fooled by multi spark ignitions...I also have a small battery powered unti that is also erratic.
 I can replace the light tube and see what happens...