TheSamba.com :: View topic - 87 timing advance

Mon Aug 09, 2004 11:20 am

OK, for those who haven't heard me whining yet about the 87, basically it's lost power in the higher roms, especially 3rd & 4th gear. After doing all I could, I took it to have the local vanagon guru look at it. He said the timing wasn't advanced enough, and he bumped it up. Bentley says 35 + or - 5 at 3500 rpm. He upped it to about 48. Granted, it does run a lot more powerfully now, and it's still not hot on the highway, but I don't think that was the problem, and don't want to kill the engine.
Of course, Bentley also says to disconnect a few things before setting the timing, and he didn't do that...
thoughts???

Mon Aug 09, 2004 6:04 pm

:D Bentley has all kinds of settings that is general at best. Your mechanic was on the right track. Unless its rattling (pinging) like a rock in a tin can, you can bump the timing advanced more.

I have an 83 1.9 that if you touch the gas peddle AT ALL while trying to crank it to to start, the starter motor bogs like its dead.

It's that far advanced! But, it will burn tires in first gear and tows a 17 foot boat I bought up to the lake.

My 87 seems pretty weak also on the road, with the AC going, but I write it off as just a four banger, with a 4,000 lb plus vehicle. You should try driving one of my diesels...... :o

Tue Aug 10, 2004 7:09 am

So basically as long as the temperatore doesn't get too high, it'll be ok? Having started out with upright air-cooleds, and seen too many die from only a few degrees advanced, I'm a little nervous, but I guess I'll ride it around a bit and see how it goes...curse all that stupid computer stuff...but it sure is nice when it's working...oh well...

Tue Aug 10, 2004 7:27 am

The PO of my Westy had the timing advanced to cover the fact that the gas mixture was off, once I got the FI working right, and set the timing correct there was a big differance. you usually only advance or retard timing to compensate for milage (wear) on the engine. If you still think it doesnt' drive right, then its because it doesn't drive right. You know how it drives better than anyone.