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Sun Mar 02, 2014 1:51 pm

I am putting back together an engine rebuild (first time) and following my manual closely. I lowered the crank shaft into place and got it seated on its bearings. The manual says that the timing marks on the timing gear should line up with the case split and be facing the camshaft. But they are 90 degrees out and pointing up. What's happening here?

Sun Mar 02, 2014 1:58 pm

What manual?

I first install the distributor drive and put a distributor in to keep it from moving up. I then index it with the crank. Finally I rotate the crank so I can install the camshaft with the dots lined up.

Sun Mar 02, 2014 2:00 pm

I'm using the how to rebuild aircooled engines from the 80's.

Sun Mar 02, 2014 2:04 pm

Glenn wrote: What manual?

I first install the distributor drive and put a distributor in to keep it from moving up. I then index it with the crank. Finally I rotate the crank so I can install the camshaft with the dots lined up.

I have the distributor shaft and the distributor in. What do you mean index with the crank?

Sun Mar 02, 2014 2:09 pm

You want the distributor drive to look like in the picture when it's at TDC on #1.

Sun Mar 02, 2014 2:12 pm

Glenn wrote: You want the distributor drive to look like in the picture when it's at TDC on #1.

Yes, that's how I had it.

Sun Mar 02, 2014 2:16 pm

I think I found the answer here: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1...marks+line

Sun Mar 02, 2014 3:03 pm

buggyjj wrote: I think I found the answer here: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1...marks+line

Yeah, the book seems 2b wrong.

Mon Mar 03, 2014 10:12 am

buggyjj wrote: The manual says that the timing marks on the timing gear should line up with the case split and be facing the camshaft. But they are 90 degrees out and pointing up. What's happening here?

I'm using the how to rebuild aircooled engines from the 80's.
I'm thinking you mean the Tom Wilson book "How to Rebuild Your Volkswagen Air-Cooled Engine"... I found the section where the distributor/crank/cam are installed.
Install Distributor - We must align three points: the drive shaft slot, the line stamped on the distributor housing marking #1's position and the rotor.
When the shaft's slot is placed right, the matching tang on the housing's underside mates with it only one way. The rotor is then correctly positioned, and we turn the housing to align its timing mark with the rotor's tip....
On Type 1s and pre-'72 Type 2s, place the slot perpendicular to the case parting line with the offset facing the flywheel. Install the coil spring between the drive shaft and body and then mate the distributor to the shaft. The vacuum advance can will point to the left-rear; the rotor should be pointing to 5-o'clock (not always true). Turn the distributor housing until its timing mark aligns with the center of the rotor's tip and tighten the clamp snug.
<...>
INSTALL CRANKSHAFT
Once the lifters are installed in Type 1-3 engines and you've double-checked distributor position, you are ready to install the crankshaft assembly. Grasp the assembly by the two connecting rods, and lower it into the left case half; it's the one on the stand. Guarantee the crank is completely settled in the case by wiggling the main bearings back and forth. This will help the dowels and their bores find each other. Make sure the case is level and the crank drops straight in. Support the crank by holding the small end of two rods; not by the crank's ends. Lower the crank into position with the rods perpendicular to the floor; if you don't the ignition timing will be off.
<...>
When the crank is set, check the ignition timing. The distributor rotor should be aligned with the mark on the distributor body. At the same time, the timing marks on the crankshaft's timing gear, two punched dots, should be aligned with the case parting line. They should face the bottom of the case, towards the camshaft.

Install Camshaft - Now apply white grease to the camshaft journals and lay the cam in the left case half. When installing the camshaft, line up the punched dot O on the camshaft gear between the two dots on the crankshaft gear. The alignment of these marks is critical; you are establishing the basic valve timing.
The above statement in RED is incorrect. Skip it.

The above is best summarized into three steps:
1) Setup up your distributor so it is in #1 TDC position. Distributor drive gear and distributor rotor pointing to the correct position.

2) Drop the crank into the case and engage the distributor drive gear with the crank in position for #1 TDC (#1 connecting rod in the position it would be when engine is at TDC for #1)

3) Mesh the crank and the cam properly using the marks on the crank and cam gears. Mesh the visible timing markings on the crank with the single O on the cam gear and then roll the cam/cam gear into position in the left case half, you will have your engine correctly set up.

Mon Mar 03, 2014 10:41 am

Thanks again for your help guys!