Date: Sun, 23 Apr 2000 23:12:36 -0700
Reply-To: Daniel Schmitz <djs@GENE.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Daniel Schmitz <djs@GENE.COM>
Organization: Genentech, Inc.
Subject: Re: Fw: Distributor Drive Gear on 2000cc aircolled motor
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Adam,
On the Type IV VW engine, if installed correctly, with #1 piston at TDC on its
compression stroke, your distributor drive should have an angle of approximately
12 deg offset to the crankshaft centerline, with the smaller segment of the
drive end facing the coil. This could also be translated as having the slot
pointing toward the fan when installed. The Haynes and Bentley manuals both show
this orientation.
It could be that your drive is installed 90 deg. off, which will still allow for
correct timing by merely repositioning the distributor leads. Since you say that
your dynamic timing appears to be correct, and assuming you are using spark plug
lead #1 as your pickup, then the drive position becomes an issue of future
engine troubleshooting rather than a current engine problem.
If your timing is correct as per the above, and you are experiencing the
symptoms you describe, you may have a different problem. Incorrect timing
(either retarded or advanced) can cause higher than normal operating
temperatures and loss of power. However, if your timing light says that the
timing is correct, this is not likely the source of your problem.
For future maintenance and troubleshooting, you may want to remove and reinstall
the distributor drive in the correct position. The orientation cited above is
designed so that the ignition rotor points to the notch on the distributor body
when #1 piston is at TDC on its compression stroke. Your current drive position,
while allowing for correct timing, will only confuse things when it comes to
maintenance.
Dan Schmitz
Adam Puzerewski wrote:
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Adam Puzerewski <puzerewski@email.msn.com>
> To: Vanagon Mail List <Vanagon@gerry.vanaon.com>
> Date: Sunday, April 23, 2000 5:37 PM
> Subject: Distributor Drive Gear on 2000cc aircolled motor
>
> >My 1981 Vanagon has the distributor drive gear installed incorrectly. The
> >notch on the distributor for #1 cylinder is pointing towards the driver's
> >side rear corner of the vehicle instead of towards the fan as it should. I
> >put a timing light on the car, and it is timed correctly. The question is,
> >would this position of the distributor affect the performance as in running
> >hot, lowering the oil pressure, and no power at all on hills????? I am i
> >correct in figuring the distributor notch for #1 should point to the
> cooling
> >fan??
> >
> >
> >Adam Puzerewski
> >
> >
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