1978 FI timing question/distributor question

[PEI Jonny]

Hey folks, if this has been covered feel free to send me the link to the proper discussion.
Here's what i'm driving: 1978 bus, FI ge engine code (according to under the oil breather tower). My distributor doesn't seem to have a number, so I'm attaching a photo.
Problems I've been having until this point: since I've bought the bus it's had an incredibly slow start cold, takes approx 30sec to wind 7ntil it catches. Also hot starts would usually backfire. And very nasty fume smell from exhaust, as if it was running too rich.
What I've done to try to fix this: thinking I've had an exhaust leak I replaced everything from the head manifolds to the tip.
The last two times I've been driving, once driving for an hour or so it begins to hesitate and sputter upon acceleration. So it got me thinking my tsII sensor may have become unplugged, checked that and it was hooked up fine. Then I thought this evening I'd go and just check my timing and see how close it is or isn't. As per the Bentley manual, it's supposed to be 5 deg after top dead center at 800-950 rpm.

I hook up my timing light after warming it up and it shows that I'm at 32 deg btdc at 1150rpms!! However in the two years I've owned it, it's run pretty good!
So me being an idiot I try to get it to the specs in Bentley, and now it seems to be less stinky but running poor and the rpms are jumping from 950-1000-1100 within 30 seconds. And I'm getting an alarming burning smell...

Along with the engine running very hot.. (very hot to touch)

Sorry for the long post, but I'm trying to give you as much info as I can, I'm going to pull the valve covers and have a look at the valves and go from there. If anyone can shed any light on this that'd be great! I really don't want to make things worse..
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'70 vert
'72 super
'73 std beetle( not running)
74 std beetle ( not running)

[PEI Jonny]

Here's a picture of my distributor. It doesn't have a vacume canister which makes me wonder is it the right one? I've literally had my head right next to this and can't find any numbers on it.

_________________
'70 vert
'72 super
'73 std beetle( not running)
74 std beetle ( not running)

[busdaddy]

That's the wrong distributor, contact one of these fine sellers for the correct unit for your bus, they can tell you what it should have come with.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/search.php...ton=Search

As for that one you have now time it to 28 degrees BTDC at ~3500+ RPM (whatever RPM the mark stops advancing even though the revs are still climbing), don't worry about idle unless you don't use your gas pedal.
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[PEI Jonny]

Thanks bus daddy, I'll be sure to contact them for the right distributor. Appreciate the info On the current one. Should I have adjusted my valves before I did this? Sorry for the stupid question.. I'm. New to this type 4 engine.
Thanks again!
_________________
'70 vert
'72 super
'73 std beetle( not running)
74 std beetle ( not running)

[Glenn]

Looks like you have a mechanical only 009 style distributor.

Bill has a restored"correct" distributor for sale.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2235097
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Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
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[Jetfxr69]

^^^
dont be cheap, and think you are paying too much for Bills distributor. its as fine of a piece of machinery as you can put on your engine. not only will it be correct for your year and model but expertly rebuilt. once you get it in and timed right, you can be assured that any further stumbling problems will NOT be due to the dizzy.
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[KentABQ]

[PEI Jonny]

Thanks for the responses! Safe to say I'll be buying a rebuilt one and won't cheap out on this, makes sense to spend a little more to getr the right part!
I'll keep you all posted!
_________________
'70 vert
'72 super
'73 std beetle( not running)
74 std beetle ( not running)

[tasb]

the correct distributor for a 1978 FI Bus is a VW # 022 905 205 S which is a single vacuum dual advance distributor. A 009 will get your engine to run because it fits in the distributor hole. Beyond that it's not going to make you or your fuel injected engine happy.
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