just wondering...do timing lights ever lose their brightness? i know mine is old but i don't know if it's just me getting old or the light.

Depends on the bulb...and yer eyebulbs...
More likely just yer eyes...mine are da same way. I have a hard time seeing my light, too...that's why I always mark the TDC groove with a white marker.

And, I alway mark the dregree  where I have to set the dang thing to.

degree sorry, Gotta problem wit spelling

Works best in a dark room.

The greatest asset for timing is the balancer cover.  The pulley bolts go through it so it can't slip like the balancer can on the hub.  It is clearly marked from TDC to 60 degrees.  And they come in several colors.  I installed a blue one on the wifes 69 Camaro years ago.  I liked it so much that I installed a silver one on the Vette when I installed the engine.  Extremely easy to read even with my old tired eyes.

thanks for all the suggestions. most of the time i do mark the line but haven't gotten to it on the 90. this is and old light (at least 20yrs) as inductive pickup was just getting to be the newest thing. understand my eyes are getting older but used to be able to see the mark even in the sunlight. besides needing a rubber neck and eyes that can look around things this lite seems dull. just ordered a basic timing lite (innova equus model 3551) with a zenon bulb. sounds like it should help solve the problem. can't believe all the high tech timing lites out there now.