TheSamba.com :: View topic - Getting her ready to fire up: Distributor Question

Tue Aug 11, 2015 2:12 pm

I'm getting closer to firing up the engine, I hope to give it a try at some point this week. I do have a question regarding initial timing. If I look down the timing hole, I see a 'O' and if I turn the engine to the left a red stripe will appear. (assuming this is 27 degrees BTDC)

What should I use as a reference point to align the rotor with the notch in the dizzy? I wouldn't think it should be pointed right at TDC nor right on 27 BTDC. I'm guessing somewhere in the middle until I can get it running @ 3,500 RPM, plug the vacuum lines, and set to 27 BTDC. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks

Tue Aug 11, 2015 2:18 pm

Somewhere near TDC should be fine just to get it running. I doubt it would start up at 27* btdc. Thats a lot of advance - the motor would likely kick back on the starter.

Tue Aug 11, 2015 4:04 pm

Set the timing mark at about 5-7°.....With your rotor pointing to the line on the distributor body.

If you look at where the 0 is on the fan and the 27° red mark is......you can get a decent idea of where 5-7° is. Close to 0 is fine....yes.....but you need to make sure your are BTDC and not ATDC. It makes a huge difference in starting and idling before warm up with D-jet.

Also.....what everyone will tell you about strobe light timing. ...you know...everyone rattles this one off (except me)....." just time it at 27° btdc at 3500 rpm with hoses off and plugged.....and let idle timing fall where it wants to"........that is absolute bullshit with D-jet.

With D-jet...especially on the type 4 1.7 with high compression. ...idle timing is CRITICAL. ...and affects running and tuning GREATLY. These cars do not run well off the line and have issues setting the outer full load stop on the MPS.....without about 8° minimum of stable idle timing. With a web 73 cam.....about 10° idle timing works better with a max of 12° at 850 minimum rpm.

The factory set these fairly close when new. As the diztributors and advance weights and advan e cans wear with age....things are off. At some point you may need to go through the advance weights and springs. Ray

Tue Aug 11, 2015 6:57 pm

Im presuming BTDC is to the right of the 0?? ( turning engine counter clockwise once I hit 'O' )

Tue Aug 11, 2015 7:27 pm

Yes....you have 0....and to the right of that is the red mark which is 27° BTDC. If memory serves there are a finite amount of fins dividing up the 0 to 27 degree quadrant. Its not to hard to make sure that you are a few degrees before 0.

Set it with a strobe as soon as possible. Ray