I am trying to set the timing on my van and need some additional
information.  I have an 83.5 Vanagon with 1.9 water-cooled engine code "DH".
According to the Bentley manual, (my engine code is not listed in the new
Haynes manual)  In the Bentley on page 10, my timing is supposed to be set
at 5+-1 degree ATDC.  On page 11 of the Bentley, which says almost the same
thing, except to set the timing 5 degreed +-1 degree before TDC.  Since
there are no timing marks on our vanagons, how can I tell if I am setting it
right.  BTW, I have the three belt pulley because I have air con.  Right
now, I have the timing set so that it is lined up with the centerline of the
engine.  If I advance the timing, the engine runs cooler and quieter?
Also, I am having a problem at idle.  The engine has a random skip/misfire?.
I rebuilt the engine because of low compression thinking that was the
problem, but there was no change.  I have replaced the ignition coil,
replaced the cold start valve, spark plugs and wires, cap, rotor, cleaned
the throttle body, dismantled cleaned and inspected the distributor and
fixed any vacuum leaks that I could find.  The only thing that showed any
improvement was when I fixed the vacuum leaks.  I am having a problem with
the cold start valve, does not work with the engine cold, only with a
slightly warm engine, i.e., if I run the engine for a while and it warms up,
then let the van sit for a while (1-2 hrs.) and cool down, the cold start
valve will kick in when I restart the van.  If anyone has any suggestions I
would greatly appreciate them.

Pete
83.5 Vanagon
peterz@gte.net