The best method for timing?

[Godsbug]

I have a question about timing for Anne. She is a stock 1500 6V with dual stock carbs, single port with vacuum advance distributor. What is the best method for setting the timing? My uncle helped me with it and unplugged the vacuum line from the distributor when timing it while running. Should that be left on when it's running with the timing light? Should I use the cheapy method of turning the dist (engine not running) until the points close and setting it that way? Or is he right in unplugging the line when setting the timing?
Thanks in advance for your help.
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2017 Golf Alltrack
2011 Fit
1968 Fastback

[Erik G]

with stock equipment and an all stock motor, I would time it the old fashoned way, engine off, with a test light. You should be able to look up your engine # in any good vw book tune up section to find the correct timing mark to use
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[Godsbug]

How do you do that? What tools do I need?
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2017 Golf Alltrack
2011 Fit
1968 Fastback

[KTPhil]

Three VWs and you don't know how to set timing with a test lamp (spare bulb)?

Do you have Muir's Idiot book? (not trying to be insulting, that's its nickname). Best source for the novice and the rest of us alike. Has a good section on timing and why. And he does it with cheap tools, so you won't go broke.

[Godsbug]

Crazy as it sounds, I've never used a timing light. I've actually never set the timing myself, and I've had VW's for 15 years.
Yep, I've got the idiot book. We used the timing chart in the book, but it didn't seem to help anything once I got her back on the road. I'm curious because we changed the timing quite a bit.
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2017 Golf Alltrack
2011 Fit
1968 Fastback

[Glenn]

The "best" way is with a digital timing light that has a built in tach and you can set the advance so you don't need a degreed pulley.
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[DMNCLNR]

A timing light will be no use on a 6v car. you will need to static time it as Eric states!
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[KTPhil]

Cost: $100
Muir's way: 50c

Yeah, fancy will be better, but you can at least eliminate bad timing as a cause with a static setting.

[Russ Wolfe]

[DMNCLNR]

[Godsbug]

My uncle hooked the timing light up to a 12V battery and attached the clamp to a ground and did it that way. It seemed to work.
_________________
2017 Golf Alltrack
2011 Fit
1968 Fastback

[Russ Wolfe]

[EverettB]

Most timing lights work on 6v. My old one I had to rev the engine to get it to start working but it was old.

You can also use a 12v battery as was mentioned.
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[Godsbug]

So is it bad to unhook the vacuum line when timing the car using the timing light? Will it change the actual timing?
_________________
2017 Golf Alltrack
2011 Fit
1968 Fastback

[KTPhil]

Depends. If you set it to about 30 total at high rpm, you can leave it on. On the other hand, if you set it at idle to TDC or thereabouts, remove it from the distributor and plug it for the setting. See the books for the exact setting (or stay tuned, I'm sure I'll get corrected!)

[Erik G]

go back to the idiot book, forget everything you have done, and start from the begining.

With all the stock equipment that you have, you do not need a static timing light (timing gun) it is much easier to do it the way the book has it
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[KTPhil]

"Static timing light" is just a bare bulb in a socket with a couple of alligator clips. That is what the Idiot Book recommends. Dynamic (i.e., while moving) timing is what you would need a strobe for.

[Godsbug]

OK, the idiot book doesn't work for me in this instance. I used a light bulb the idiot book way and the light stays on for a full quater turn of the engine. What am I doing wrong? As I speak the car is half a block down the street and won't start.
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2017 Golf Alltrack
2011 Fit
1968 Fastback

[Russ Wolfe]

Hook up the static test light to the distributor side of the coil. (green wire). Turn the engine over to the timing marks slowly by hand. The light should just come on as you come to the timing mark. (points just opened). It WILL stay one for about 1/4 turn of the engine, or until the points close.
If it doesnt come on as you bring the engine onto the timing mark, move the distributor slightly and try again.
After you learn to do it this way a few times, you can actually do it by ear as you will hear the point snap as they open. A good thing to know if you are in the middle of nowhere and dont have any fancy tools.
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[Godsbug]

I got it to work! Thanks guys, it made a WORLD of difference.

Now my only frustration is with the starter, but as long as I plan out my trips with a half an hour in between drives I'll be OK.

Thanks!
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2017 Golf Alltrack
2011 Fit
1968 Fastback