Date: Fri, 27 Apr 2007 07:05:43 -0700
Reply-To: Mark Drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Mark Drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject: Re: Timing tips for Idiots
In-Reply-To: <F6D2D144-2F01-45DC-8529-7BC65C64C056@elpasotel.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed
If all you have done is remove the distributor itself there is no need
to find TDC to put it back or replace it with another. Just be sure the
vacuum can on the dizzy points the same way as when you removed it. Look
at the end of the dizzy and you can see the key sticking out. Look down
in the hole and find the matching key slot. Turn the dizzy until it is
positioned so the key will go in the slot as you insert the dizzy. Then,
with the cap off the dizzy push the dizzy down into the hole. When it
goes most of the way in and stops going, turn the rotor slowly back and
fort slightly until the key aligns and the dizzy drops in fully. The key
is slightly offset to one side so be sure you match the key to the slot
correctly before inserting the dizzy.
The TDC requirement is for removing and replacing the separate
distributor drive gear that stays down in the case hole even after the
distributor is pulled out.
You will need to find TDC to set the timing and should have or get the
small timing plate that has degree markings on it. It bolts in place
near the fan grill.
Mark
David Johnson wrote:
> Ok - the back story - big engine fire, top part of engine toast, got
> parts from another list member, now working on reassembly.
>
> Ok, so that is out of the way. Now, I have to assume that the vacuum
> advance on the distributor is toasted, and quite possibly the plate
> itself might be warped a little from the fire. So I am going to
> replace the distributor. Now, I have read the John Muir book, and
> the Bentley, and both are surprisingly little help. Bentley simply
> said get the engine to TDC and then put the distributor in, as if any
> vaguely trained monkey could find TDC. Muir offers a little more
> help, but does not seem to translate too well to a Vanagon.
>
> So - any tips here? I don't sen a timing scale anywhere, and have
> yet to find any sort of timing notch, although I suspect one might be
> on the pulley I can sorta see through the dome-shaped grill that
> protects the v-belt. Also, I don't see where I am supposed to be
> able to slip a wrench on and crank the engine around by hand
> either. Any help on this would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
>
> David.
>
| 
