Timing specs ~ How to time your Vanagon

[Highlander733]

Hi there, I am completely new to working on VWs. I am helping my son get his 1982 Vanagan (4 cyl 2.0 gas engine) running better but have run into an issue with the timing. I replaced the ignition coil, points, condenser, rotor, plugs and plug wires. I got the engine started and running (but not well). I have set the points and checked the dwell and that is all good. The notch on the crankshaft pully was difficult to find because there are engine parts in the way and I can really only see the pully through the license plate flap. But I did find the notch and the timing scale that is installed from the 9 o'clock to 12 o'clock positions along the pully. When I check the timing (using #1 plug wire) it seems to be firing 90 degrees early.. it is firing at about the 9 o'clock position instead of TDC (12 o'clock) I checked using the other plug wires... 1 & 3 fire at 9 o'clock, 2 & 4 fire at 3 o'clock. I have the plug wires on the distributer right (I think...according to every diagram I have seen so far). I have them in the following order: facing forward, towards the front of the engine/van on the distributor #2 is about 1-2 oclock, #1 is about 4-5 oclock, #4 is about 7-8 oclock and #3 is about 10-11 oclock

Any insight into this dilemma would be appreciated...thanx

OH, and am I supposed to line up 0*TDC with the top of the engine along the engine casing crack? or is 0*TDC on the scale to the left, counter-clockwise about 30-40 degrees?...that's where the scale is marked "0 degrees"

[jberger]

On a type IV engine you use the timing scale... not the case seam. Depending on what distributor you have you time accordingly. IIRC you have a dual vac unit with retard. Hoses connected should be like 5° ATDC. That assumes both advance and retard function as they should (IE hold vacuum).

J

[Wildthings]

You should have a small "U" shaped mark on the forward rim of the pulley, this mark should align with the marks on the timing scale. It is best to set your timing at 28° BTDC @3800 rpms, hoses off and plugged.