Timing a rebuilt 2.1 using digijet

[4Gears4Tires]

Any local shop worth half a grain of salt could do this. There's nothing to F up worse than it already is. Your current state is what you would screw it up to if it were set correctly. You can only go forward from here.

A quick search returned this local shop which seems fairly decent. He certainly isn't a stranger to 80s German cars since he races an e30.
https://www.jessesgarage.com/
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'87 Syncro
Ferric Oxyhydroxide Superleggera Edition

[stegosaurus]

[4Gears4Tires]

That's pretty funny.

I'm not sure why they would give up at this point.
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'87 Syncro
Ferric Oxyhydroxide Superleggera Edition

[stegosaurus]

[stegosaurus]

Today I lifted the FPR bracket. I timed three different ways 35°@ 3k/40° 10 cent; 28°@ 3800. All 3 same problem. When I rev it at the throttle body I see that as soon as I give it any gas it just sputters. The TPS doesn't even open yet and it just bugs down. Then when it gets to higher rpms it settles down. Just like when I'm driving. So I'm guessing it's not a timing issue.

[Igeo]

After re-reading much of this thread, it seems that you've replaced just about everything except the horn.

If it were me at this point, I'd verify that the engine is generating adequate compression. Once that is established you can move on to dialing in the timing. Just because the engine was rebuilt is no guarantee that it was done right. Obtain a compression tester- they can be rented, and test it cold, throttle open.
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1987 Westfalia 2.1 WBX Manual

[stegosaurus]

[Igeo]

It's simply easier to work on a cold engine. We are just trying to establish general health.
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1987 Westfalia 2.1 WBX Manual

[Ahwahnee]

Yes, it seems like at some point you replaced almost everything - including the AFM.

With what did you replace the AFM? New unit? Rebuilt unit? Used unit?

Hesitation coming off idle can be several things but the AFM is one suspect.

Something I did not understand...

[Igeo]

Right. Check this too. The TPS should be closed at idle and open just as you crack the throttle, then close again at WOT.
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1987 Westfalia 2.1 WBX Manual

[jberger]

You may do yourself a favor and perform a Leak Down test instead of compression. It will tell you much more than just a number. Being a non-stock build you have no reference point on compression numbers other than relative equality.

J

[stegosaurus]

Thanks to all who commented but I'm throwing in the towel. Going to send it to another mechanic an hour and a half away on Monday that's supposed to be good. I'll report back if anything is found.

[stegosaurus]

Update: Sent van to yet another local mechanic and same old story. Said he had it running 95%. 95%???...That the AFM was the culprit. Got there and it ran terrible. He then decided he no longer wanted to work on it. Left me hanging. Had to tow it home. This time I got it back in worse shape than what it left in. Dash wires hanging. Air flow meter disassembled. 02 sensor disconnected. WTF.

[4Gears4Tires]

Uh, I hope you didn't pay him. Did he do a compression test or a leak down test?
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'87 Syncro
Ferric Oxyhydroxide Superleggera Edition

[stegosaurus]

Update: after getting the van back I got my second wind and started digging into it again. I discovered a damaged spark plug. The top tip was loose and came out of the ceramic body. I change the plugs and it still ran bad. The plugs were also fouled with a dark black dry powder. I unplugged the O2 sensor and it ran much better. I ran it this way for the last week. Within a week the new plugs are fouled with the same black powder. I also pulled the 02 sensor and its fouled too. The exhaust tail pipe is black. I can't imagine what the cat looks like.
I changed the oil today and it smells of gas. Would just unplugging the O2 cause this pig richness? I was told you can run out without the O2 sensor so long as you leaned out the AFM.

[oceanair]

Without the 02 sensor, it will run too rich as you have found.
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84 Vanagon Pop Top Conversion from Tin Top, 1970 Ghia - all sweet rides! Love em!
Previous: Green 72 Tin Top, White 72 Westy, Blue 64 Beetle, Yellow 71 Squareback, 2014 Jetta TDI Wagon - wish I could have them all back!

[Chris Beebe]

Great thread, All - thank you.
I just put a rebuilt 2.1l in my '84 Westy, and redoing the wiring harness as well, keeping all as Digijet so I don't have to change my ECU. The dizzy is suspect, and I want to replace it with the most modern dizzy available that still plays nice with my Digijet ECU. Suggestions? TIA
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'84 Westy 2WD
'86 Syncro/EJ25 Westy
'82 Fiat 124 Spider
'76 Lancia Beta Coupe (sold)
'73 MG Midget
'19 VW Alltrack
'89 F250 Rescue Rig

[Wildthings]

[Chris Beebe]

OK, thanks Wildthing!
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'84 Westy 2WD
'86 Syncro/EJ25 Westy
'82 Fiat 124 Spider
'76 Lancia Beta Coupe (sold)
'73 MG Midget
'19 VW Alltrack
'89 F250 Rescue Rig

[Alan Brase]