You would be correct IF you left the temp sender plugged into the ECU.  But,
by unplugging the temperature sender for the ECU, the timing does not
advance.  The procedure listed is correct and explained much better than the
Bentley manual does it!

Cheers!

David Marshall

Fast Forward Automotive Inc.
4356 Quesnel-Hixon Road
Quesnel BC Canada  V2J 6Z3

http://www.fastforward.ca    mailto:sales@fastforward.ca
Phone: (250) 992 7775        FAX: (250) 992 1160

- Vanagon Accessories and Engine Conversions
- Vanagon, Transporter and Iltis Sales and Importation
- European Lighting for most Volkswagen models

Due to the large volume of email  we  receive,  PLEASE  include  previous
emails when responding.  This will allow us to read the complete dialogue
in one message and will result in quicker and more  accurate  responses.

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of Mark Keller
Sent: February 23, 2005 7:45 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Ignition Timing Procedure 1986+ Vanagon 2.1L Digifant

Date:    Wed, 23 Feb 2005 14:17:40 -0500
From:    tabe johnson <xtabe@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Re: Timing 1.9,2.1 engines

Timing these engines is straightforward, though reading Bentley
doesn't make it sound simple!

Here's a paraphrased posting of Dennis Haynes' which explains
it most clearly:

Ignition Timing Procedure 1986+ Vanagon 2.1L Digifant

1.      Warm engine to normal operating temp.
2.      Shut off engine.
3.      Connect timing light.
4.      Connect tachometer. (optional)
5.      Restart engine and run up to more than 2000 RPM. (~2500 works well)
6.      Disconnect BLUE CONNECTOR from Temp sensor II. (Don't catch your tie
in the belts!)
7.      Maintain engine RPMs ~2500 and point timing light at timing mark. (5
BTDC)
8.      If timing mark aligns with split line between crankcase halves
timing is correct.
9. If not loosen distributor and make adjustment. Don't forget to retighten
the distributor if you
had to loosen it.

Tabe,

I don't agee with this timing of total 5 degrees before Top Dead Center at
2500 Rpm.  Total advance should be all in by 2500   RPM, and that is 35
degrees plus idle for a total advance of 40 degrees. Perhaps your reading
Dennis's instructions incorrectly.

Mark Keller

91 Carat