I have a 1.9 L 1985 Vanagon Engine type DH.  I believe the Bentley shows timing should be 5 ATDC.  But this causes a few problems. 

First the pulley does not have any timing marks that show 5 ATDC.  Only a single mark to show TDC.  I did notice the pulley does have some partial holes in the back of the pulley that might represent something.  I believe this is for a special electronic tool used by the VW dealers.

Second, the engine runs really bad at 5 ATDC.  It seems to run best if the timing is BTDC.  In fact, the more I move the timing BTDC (Rotate distributor counterclockwise) the better the engine runs.  Eventually the distributor hits a side and can not rotate any further.  Also when I reconnect the Idle Stabilizer, I noticed the timing jumps all over the place.

So, what am I doing wrong?  Any ideas?

Take care,

Paul

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