Checking Ignition Timing

[chamblizi]

hey richpin i have a issue with dry starts my vehicle is a 1975 ranchero i have to pump up the gas in order to get it started it use to be 16 pumps to start i was using some additive to the fuel tank and oil crank case marvel mystery oil to be exact now it got down to between 4 to 12 pumps mainly 4 is it normal for me to have to pump the gas ? i also have a slight tick i think i have a bent push rod its a very silent tick sound but it is noticable it comes from pasengers side valve cover.

[richpin06a]

@chamblizi I bet the marvel uped the cylinder compression that is why it is starting better.

[jorologo]

I gotta say that it is a bit of a wild guess way to set ignition timing.

[AryanKnight]

-Rich is showing a nifty way to check to see if Distributor-advance system (in this case via vacuum-diaphragm) is operating correctly; --he had already set the engine-off static-timing at 5*/after-TDC, and am impressed that he has the engine running like a clock, in optimal condition according to the instant-starting at low-idle! Caution: -being air-cooled, VW-Bug engines are critical as to proper timing, Do Not Guess, as engine will be ruined if you run to-much (or to-little) spark-advance..!!

[Chikes33]

Nice tip. I just bought a '74 SB and noticed that the engine has a noticeable "flat spot" on acceleration. When I looked at the engine, I noticed it does NOT have a VACUUM ADVANCE on the distributor. Should I change out the current distributor for one that has a vacuum advance or should I just leave it as it is? Thank you for your response.

[richpin06a]

@Chikes33 Most likely someone changed your distributor to the 009 style which only has centrifugal advance.Most of the flat spots i have  experienced have been a problem with the pump circuit in the carburetor.

[RobSar63]

Static timing is better and you dont have to start the car!

[bikerminio]

you are not timeing it you are checking for adavance that way,it should be checked at idle.

[dbird1954]

is " Maaaack" the word you use for "mark "

[richpin06a]

@dbird1954 yes that's my new england accent for ya

[66mstang]

Rev the engine...... up to what RPM??? do i rev the engine a little or allot??

[richpin06a]

@66mstang Rev till the advance stops advancing i think its around 3800

[2LateIWon]

Whats a timing mock??? Oh a timing mArk got'cha Just kidding great vid!! Thumbs up!!

[richpin06a]

@2LateIWon timing mArk New England for timing mark gotta love it.....lol

[alexancia5279]

I have a 72 beetle, how do you know when you need to reset the timing? Will the engine make any noises or run differently if it needs it?

[richpin06a]

@alexancia5279 If it is to retarded it will be hard to start and can run hot which will affect total advance and lost of top end power.

[higgiegohome]

I have a 1975 vw beetle. It is fuel injected. How do you check the time on a fuel injected engine? Thanks

[richpin06a]

@higgiegohome Leave both vacuum hoses on the distributor then warm up the engine and make sure the idle is around 900 rpm.Next aim the timing light at the top of the crankshaft pulley.The timing mark on the pulley should be right at the seam of the engine cases.

[hjewell2]

this is the most stupid way I have seen yet

[musclecarpower]

@hjewell2I would have to agree after static timeing 100s of vw's

[musclecarpower]

@hjewell2 

[rosiepoopsmell]

Is this an accurate way to adjust most 1600cc engines, or all of them?  I have a 74 1600 in my 62 ragtop, and might give this a whirl-see.

[RIP28397]

what is that light do you use? if you dont have that kind equipment? how can you set the ignition tyming with out that thing...tnx

[richpin06a]

@RIP28397 That light is a unit called a timing light.To time it correctly you need the timing light.

[Shareallicu]

how do you adjust it if its off? How much off, does it have to be to be bad?

[richpin06a]

@Shareallicu First adjust the ignition points then turn the distributor for the final adjustment.

[RIP28397]

@richpin06a what do you ignition pt?

[RIP28397]

@richpin06a what do you mean ignition pt?

[TTURedRaidr]

Hey guys, if you have a Vacuum advance distributor, the timing setting at idle is the critical setting. I have a 71 Super Beetle w/vacuum advance distributor & my specification is 5 degrees "After Top Dead Center". If I rev the engine to 3,000 rpm, or more, my timing goes to 38-40, which is actually normal because the engine isn't under load. The timing when driving the car will will be around 30-32 (under load(.

[gpeasy1]

I really like this vid. but the question is...... When the marker is were the belt leaves the pulley does that mean the timing is right?

[jorologo]

Its a pretty good way by eye to near estimate the required 30-32 degress from TDC.

[jorologo]

At 3000 rpm