John,  those engine timing instructions were precisely what I needed
.......clear, precise, and to the point.

I'll get on it this morning.

Thanks,

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver

John Bange wrote:

>>Just changed plugs, rotor, distributor cap. Engine has moderate spark
>>knock/detonation when under load like climbing a hill, accelerating
>>hard (if there is such a thing in a Vanagon). Timing issues I'm sure,
>>but if any one has any tips about how best to tackle this
>>detonation-under-load issue, or tips and tricks on setting the timing, I
>>would appreciate hearing from you.
>>
>>
>
>
>If you have pre-detonation, yeah, first thing to do is make sure the timing
>is set properly. Bentley is a little confusing on the issue, as it assumes
>you have an electronic device (VW1367) telling you the RPM and timing
>setting. Really, though, it's easier than it sounds
>:
>-FIRST!: Get a 10mm socket and loosen the collar on the distributor.
>once the engine's running, you don't wanna be fiddling with a wrench
>under the belt when it's running!
>
>-Then, turn the crank pulley till you find the V shaped notch on the
>inner edge. I have a 30mm socket and crappy 1/2" ratchet that fits
>the crank pulley bolt I keep just for that purpose, but an adjustable
>wrench on the alternator pulley nut usually works. Steal some nail
>polish from your wife or mother or sister or some liquid paper from
>work and mark that V notch so you can see it under the timing light.
>
>-hook up your timing light
>
>-warm up engine to 80degC (temp needle about centered on LED. I
>actually wait until the cooling fan kicks on and off once, as this
>assures that the whole engine is up to temperature.
>
>-unplug the blue Temp II connector from the SIDE of the thermostat
>housing. It's sometimes a pain to yank it loose and you can only
>really reach it with one hand.
>
>-wedge a screwdriver blade in where the throttle stop screw is to
>keep the RPMs up to 2000-2500. It may require some fiddling to
>keep it in that range as you adjust the timing.
>
>-point the timing light at the crank pulley. nudge the distributor a
>little at a time till the V notch (5 degrees BTDC) lines up with the
>seam between the engine case halves.
>
>-shut off engine, tighten down distributor collar, reconnect Temp II
>connector, and clean up.
>
>--
>John Bange
>'90 Vanagon - "Geldsauger"
>
>
>
>