Date: Mon, 24 Nov 2003 13:52:10 -0500
Reply-To: David Beierl <dbeierl@ATTGLOBAL.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: David Beierl <dbeierl@ATTGLOBAL.NET>
Subject: Re: ignition timing
In-Reply-To: <3FC15533.30403@netscape.net>
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At 07:47 PM 11/23/2003, BillM wrote:
>I have a stock 91. I put in a new distributer and now want to check my
>timing. I lined up all the marks and it runs. I would like to check the
>timing with my light. Not sure how to do it though. The bentley makes it
>kind of confusing. Any help would be appreciated.
Find the timing marks on crank pulley rim (second from engine) and render
them visible. Should be two, a rounded one at TDC and a V-notch at 5
ATDC. If you have a replacement pulley it may have only the rounded mark
which is how it comes from the factory; or it may have been marked for 2.1l
in which case the mark will be at 5 BTDC. In either case you have to mark
the pulley per Bentley (look in the mechanical section if it's not right
there with the ignition) or apply some other scale, or use an adjustable
timing light (maybe...I have an adjustable light that does advances, don't
think it will do retards).
Disconnect idle stab. unit located near ign. coil and plug the two cables
into each other. This box actively alters the timing signal from the
distributer at low rpm...you can watch it working with your timing
light. Don't do this or other connect/disconnect operations with ignition
on, electronics can fail abruptly or a while down the road...Bentley
specifies what can/cannot be plugged/unplugged/measured with power on or
off. The plugs latch in, unlatch by squeezing widest part of skirt. Easy
when the skirt is on the plug, harder for the one on the idle stab.
box. Take the box off the wall if it makes it easier.
Hook up timing light and go. Check rpm and adjust if necessary per
Bentley. Unhook/plug advance mechanism if specified, I forget. The
reference mark is the line between the case halves. For factory timing
align V-notch with case parting line, making sure that your timing light
has no correction dialed in. If you make adjustments, will probably have
to adjust rpm in tandem. Don't let the alternator belt bite you.
Put the idle stab. back in circuit and check rpm...all done. Specs differ
btw green and black idle stab. boxes, see Bentley. Either one is
functional. If timing is *not* jumping around several degrees at idle, box
is not working, idle speed too high, something.
Some people advocate advancing timing somewhat from Bentley, can hear their
thoughts directly. I have an opinion about it but I'm not going to say
what it is. <g>
d
>Thanks,
>Bill M
>Mystic,CT
--
David Beierl - Providence RI USA -- http://pws.prserv.net/synergy/Vanagon/
'84 Westy "Dutiful Passage"
'85 GL "Poor Relation"
