In my experience, the only accurate way to time a modified or high mileage
engine is by setting the total timing with an adjustable timing light.
That is the most important number in terms of power and pre-detonation.

The timing at idle will become an artifact and in my experience has always
proven to be acceptable to the engine.

On 11/18/06, Old Volks Home <oldvolkshome@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Because of the advance curve characteristics and dynamics of the
> 1.9distributor, advancing the timing mark to 7 or 10 degrees will
> indeed
> enhance the power - but you will definitely get pre-ignition
> (pre-detonation
> or "pinging" [the british call it "pinking"]).  Such a situation will
> provide the optimum conditions for the burning of exhaust valves - it
> happened to me.  Generally, if the 1.9 distributor is "tired" with it's
> mechanical advance, moving from the stock 5 degrees AFTER TDC to 0 TDC is
> acceptable, but anything further advanced is asking for trouble and will
> eventually empty your wallet.
>
> With my "tired" distributor, I generally run mine at about 2 degrees AFTER
> TDC.
>
> Check my site for the proper specs:
>
> 83-84: http://www.oldvolkshome.com/ignition.htm#V8384
>
> 1985: http://www.oldvolkshome.com/ignition.htm#V1985
>
> One more thing to keep in mind when timing any vehicle.  The specs the
> factory provides is essentially a "guide" for new distributors right off
> the
> shelf.  An experienced mechanic knows that a distributor with a lot of
> mileage is to be timed as close to the original spec, but will allow some
> *slight* difference in the final timing for the engine to actually run
> properly within it's wear specification.
> --
> Jim Thompson
> 84 Westfalia 2.1 "Ole Putt"
> 73 K Ghia Coupe "Denise"
> 72 411 Station Wagon "Pug"
> oldvolkshome@gmail.com
> http://www.oldvolkshome.com
> **********************************
> On 11/18/06, Geza Polony <gezapolony@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
> >
> > Make sure to disconnect the idle stabiliser and put the two plugs
> together
> > before trying to time it. Otherwise, the idle stabiliser will try to
> move
> > your timing around all over the place and you can't do it. If you can't
> > get
> > it to idle that way, you might need to turn the screw on the throttle
> body
> > until it does idle.
> >
> > If you advance the timing a bit, you get better power. Try 7 to 10
> degrees
> > BTDC. I've heard it said that you might not pass smog tests this way,
> > however.
> >
> > The Bentley manual is pretty thorough. Westfalia.org has some good tips
> as
> > well.
>

--
Jake
1984 Vanagon GL
1986 Westy Weekender "Dixie"
www.crescentbeachguitar.com