----- Original Message -----
From: "Anthony Hecht" <lists@SLAPNOSE.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, March 19, 2003 7:18 PM
Subject: Re: still not starting..

> I've read, and reread, Muir's static timing rap, and I'm lost. When I
tried
> to do it before (many months ago), I couldn't find a notch on my pulley to
> save my life. Since then, someone (last mechanic I guess, though I didn't
> ask him to) has painted a white mark on the pulley. I have no idea if it's
> accurate. Also, Muir's table of static timing doesn't list my engine type
> (CV).
>
> Does anyone have a quick "rap" on static timing for me? I know it's not
too
> hard but I'm having no luck sorting it out. I have a feeling that if it's
> not the temp sensor, it's the timing, and in either case, the timing needs
> doing.

The timing mark on the Vanagon's is a PITA.  The actual mark is on the front
side on the pulley, i.e., the side of the pulley pointing toward the engine,
and is extremely small.  If you were holding the pulley in your hands and
looked at the timing mark you'd say someone hit the pulley with one stroke
of a hacksaw, it's that small.  So, take off the plastic pulley fan shroud,
get lots of light in there and try to find the mark with your fingernail;
confirm that you've found it with a small mirror.  Once you've found it mark
it with a small spot of paint.  Then put the timing scale back in place and
turn the engine until the #1 piston comes up to TDC on the firing stroke.
Pop off the cap on the distributor, loosen the distributor clamp and turn
the distributor until the rotor points right at the small mark on the rim of
the distributor.  Put the cap back on the distributor, noting that the spark
plug wire right above where the distributor is pointing is indeed going to
#1 cylinder.  That should get you close enough to get the engine started.

---------------------------------------------------------------
Tom Young                       '81 Vanagon
Lafayette, CA 94549         '82 Westfalia
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