---Peter Zendzian <peterz@GTE.NET> wrote:
>
> 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.

As a long time 83.5 with AC let me see if I can help you out.  Set the
timing 7 degrees BTDC.  Adjust to suit from there.  I have mine
several more degrees advanced.  Runs better at highway speed.  You may
have different results.  The reason is that as these engines age, they
get a little quircky.  Particularly the distributor.  Things get a
little sticky or loose.

 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.

Don't think that is right.

If I advance the timing, the engine runs cooler and quieter?

Only if you have it set now way too far retarded.

> 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.

Seems they all have an occasional miss.  Forget about it.

TBill
83.5 Westy
(for sale)
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