I have found on my '85 US model, that 5 before works much better, but NO levels increase.  However it runs incredibly better if the vacuum retard is disconnected along with the vacuum to the fuel pressure regulator.  Then you can set your timing to around 10 before, depending on your fuel also disconnecting the O2 sensor seems to help.  You should readjust your idle mixture after all this.

Sincerely,

Craig Rogers
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Javier Zavala 
  To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
  Sent: Thursday, June 14, 2001 2:18 AM
  Subject: Timing solution

  Ho fellows:

  I had the timing re-arranged in my 84� Westy. now I have 5� BTDC with 850 rpm and runs MUCH better than EVER before.

  Thanks to all for your input.

  Regards,

  Javier

[text/html]