TheSamba.com :: View topic - Can engine timing change/drift over time?

Sun Feb 19, 2017 11:28 am

Just curious if timing of an engine can change/drift over time or if set, that's it? Thx.

Sun Feb 19, 2017 11:41 am

May I assume you're talking about your WBX engine and not an older point/condenser based system?

Points wear and the gap changes which affects engine timing.

Newer ignition systems are solid state and don't wear as points did.

Unless the distributor clamp is loose or the distributor shaft bearing wears, there should not be any changes from what is set.
The fuel injection system does adjust timing itself while operating but it is nothing you can control or change.

Dave

Sun Feb 19, 2017 11:42 am

Yes, sorry, GW 2.5L WBX.

Sun Feb 19, 2017 11:43 am

Syncronoid wrote: Just curious if timing of an engine can change/drift over time or if set, that's it? Thx.

if the dizzie is rotated for any reason, timing will be altered, make sure dizzie is secured from rotating. with electronic points, there are no wear issues with points, vanagons have electronic points, so no worry there.

the hall sender (ie the electronic points sensor) if it fails, usually just stops working, either totally or intermittantly, it usually dont change the timing position when it fails.

so for the most part, the vanagon timing does not require periodic timing adjustment as car with old style points require.

good luck

Sun Feb 19, 2017 11:50 am

Thanks guys!