I recently replaced the distributor on my '85 Westy (stock 1.9L) since my
old one had a broken connector where the Hall unit connects.  I got the van
started and timed it by ear before reaching for the timing gun.  The van
will barely run at 5 degrees ATDC (sounds kinda like a sick Harley) and
won't smooth out and run without stumbling until about 12-15 degrees ATDC.

Thinking something was wrong with my timing gun I took the van for a spin
and everything seems great at the 14 degrees ATDC setting.  Good
acceleration, no backfiring on deceleration, running at normal temps at
highway speed and around town.  I decided to borrow a friends timing gun to
double check things and I get the exact same readings.

I am stumped, what could make my timing be so far from stock?

Thanks in advance,
Jay Brown
'85 Westfalia
'72 Riviera
http://www.geocities.com/vwcamper72