Inductive Timing Light
Whether you are timing a high performance engine or just your small fuel efficient putt around car's powerplant the best tool to use is the stoboscopic timing light with an inductive pick-up that clamps over the number one spark plug wire.
To use the timing light connect the black clamp to the negative terminal of your vehicles battery then connect the red clamp to the positive terminal. Now connect the inductive clamp to the number one spark plug wire. Start you engine (ensure your safety - make sure the wires will not get caught up in any moving parts!). Point the strobe light on your crankshaft. You should see markings providing a top dead center and marks providing degrees "off" either before top dead center or after top dead center, follow your vehicles manual for specific instructions as all engines can vary significantly.