I generally run both my 84s 0TDC at idle and both run very smooth with
excellent power.  I left it that way for the GL at it's latest smog test a
month or so ago and even though it was noted on the test sheet, it passed
with flying colors, all readings very much lower than the limits CA allows,
so I was pleasantly surprised.  The Westy with it's 2.1 and 1.9
Ignition/Digijet setup has been running with this spec for the past 11 years
- gives the best acceleration power, even moreso with the European Digijet
ECU I got from Boston Bob over a years ago.  I swap back to the USA Spec ECU
when I have it tested though, then swap back afterwards,
--
Jim Thompson
84 GL 1.9 "Gloria"
84 Westfalia 2.1 "Ole Putt"
73 K Ghia Coupe "Denise"
72 411 Station Wagon "Pug"
oldvolkshome@gmail.com
http://www.oldvolkshome.com
***********************************
On Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 12:36 PM, Chris S <szpejankowski@gmail.com> wrote:

> I've been running mine set to 2.1 L specs as per Ken Wilford for the last 8
> years.
>
> Are you saying you are running yours 19 degrees BTDC or 19 degrees advanced
> over stock, as in 14 degrees BTDC?
>
> http://www.vanagain.com/newsletter_122607.html
>
> I quote "I like to set the timing to 7 degrees BTDC. I know the book says 5
> degrees ATDC but I have found that the 1.9l Engine runs crappy at this
> setting. I have found you can safely advance the timing to the same setting
> as the 2.1l Vanagons with no ill effects. In fact usually it increases your
> horsepower and smooths out the idle. Then adjust your rpms down by turning
> the idle air screw (large slotted screw on the top of the throttle body) in
> a little. Count your turns so that you can put the screw back to where you
> had it originally if need to. "
>
> Chris.
>
> On Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 2:56 PM, Walter Houle <whoule@ecscontrols.com>
> wrote:
>
> > After all of my smog changes (sucessful), I still have a distrubuter with
> > a disconnected vacuum retard line and timing set "19 degrees advanced".
> My
> > van runs great, and the shop says its probably OK to leave it as is since
> > its been that way for the past 4 years. Now that the vacuum leaks are
> > fixed, is it OK? I now don't trust these guys anymore. Am I risking high
> > temps or damaging the engine?
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Walter
> > 85 Vanagon 1.9L
>