Hi Is there anyone near Cheam in Surrey that could tune my engine. I've just fitted an electronic distributer and lined it up exactly the same as the old one but the engine is running fast and popping and im not sure how to adjust it. Thanks Jane
http://www.volksworld.com/tech-guides/vw-diy-guides/setting-ignition-timing-with-a-strobe-3584 worth a read
I`m out that way but couldn`t make it until sunday - as @zed says , park it up until someone`s taken a look at it . PM me if you don`t get anyone in the meantime .
As a rule that means the timing is far too advanced, turning the distributor clockwise until it runs about as fast as it used to will be in the ball park, but still don't drive it, too advanced can burn holes in your pistons so you need to know it's right.
If you're stuck, and you need a seat of the pants 'get safely to a local garage' measure: Loosen the distributor clamp bolt... Start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes....(you're not loading the engine so even if it's way too advanced you won't do any damge) very slowly, turn the distributor clockwise until the rpm's start to drop continue to turn anti clockwise, until if sounds like it'll stall, then anti clockwise a touch.... clamp the distributor back up
If you bring your van to me for welding I can fix it whilst it's here , unless your wanting to drive it here
Was sort of thinking if I got it running properly I could get the mot and attempt to drive it but can't find anyone local enough. Would a local garage be able to do it or do I need an air cool specialist?
Autotechniks - 01372 878 464 the best but not the cheapest, he lives in Sutton and the workshop is in Epsom
any decent garage with a strobe timing light and a Type 2 1600 manual should be able to get it spot on... 1974 Distributor type: VW 043-905-205C Bosch 0231 176 028 5deg ATDC800-950rpm** 1974 on Distributor type: VW 043-905-205 Bosch 0231 170 034 7.5deg BTDC 800-950rpm* * with vacuum hose disconnected and plugged ** with vacuum hose connected better still, ask the mechanic to check the timing advance at 3500 RPM....it should be around 32 degrees
