Timing confusion !

I keep getting different opinions as to where to set the timing on a Petronix dizzy with vacuum advance, the whole distributor not just points replacement. 1970 van , 1600 tp, stock.

1) Set at 28-32 degs BTDC max advance, vac hose off and blocked @ 3000 rpm with strobe.

2) Set at TDC with strobe @ idle, vac blocked.
( i thought this an odd method but the Haynes manual quotes this method too !)

3) Set at 7.5 BTDC at idle then road test to find best setting by trial and error.

Your thoughts and experience much appreciated.

 

Number 1 is the best method 28-32 degs max mechanical advance at 3k rpm

 

As a matter of interest when set at that, the idle figure is 3 to 4 degs and i think the engine 'feels smoother and more responsive'.
Have you experienced any of the above?.

 

Yep , number 3 is the Haynes `give it try and then nudge the dizzy until it feels right`

Best way i`ve found is to time at 7.5 degrees on tickover for a starting point and then SET at 28 degrees .
Reasoning being it spends more time at full advance and if it`s wrong there you`ll have problems ...

 

It's No2 Haynes concurs with. Page 79 bottom r/h corner.

 

As above, set it at max advance. If it’s a bit out at idle don’t worry about it.

 

Forget Mr Haynes , nice chap , meant well but it`s not right .

Ok as a starting point but things have moved on since they printed that mighty oracle .

Set at 28 degrees @3000 revs , which is where your engine will spend most of its time . If it`s at 4 degrees on tickover and it`s running well that`s fine - it won`t spend much time at 4 degrees ...

 

Ok, thanks for the input .

 

Will do

 

Just noticed carb dripping fuel from bottom spindle now

 

Your float bowl is overflowing.

 

Fix the float bowl fuel valve, its in a standard PICT carb service kit.

Then set the timing. It wont idle right with petrol dribbling down the manifold. Sometimes it will die and not run again for ages.

A genuine 1970 TP would have an engine number of AD or AF xxxxxxx

DVDA distributor..both vacuum hoses ON at idle 5 degree ATDC ( 211 905 205R or AJ distributor)

SVDA distributor appears in 1971 single vacuum hose OFF and plugged at idle. 7.5 degrees BTDC at idle ( 211 905 205 AL distributor)

No engines listed for the T2 without some vacuum advance..

In any case its the 28 to 30 degrees at full centrifugal advance around 3000 rpm that melts engines if exceeded .

 

Hi, engine no. is AE, originally would have been DVDA with all the emission tackle on ( Californian late 1970 model), now has petronix dizzy, so SVDA.
Got to check that the one and only timing 'v groove' on the rear edge of my pulley that i thought was TDC isn't, after researching this i thinks it's more likely to be 5 ATDC. Will establish where TDC is tomorrow.

 

Think it sticks occasionally, must remove carb a give it the once over when i get a chance .

 

Sorry for hijacking this thread, but I have a similar question about my camper.

I have a '78 T2 with a type 4, 2ltr engine. The engine code is GE. (Originally US import and L-jetronic but somebody in the past converted to dual Weber 34icts)

I've tried to find the BTDC angle but I've not been able to find it. Does anybody know what the correct angles should be at idle (I think it is 7.5degrees?) and at speed (3000rev or 3500rev with what angle?) and are these with vacuum on or plugged?

Thanks in advance

PS this is my first attempt at this so if this a dumb question..sorry

 

The actual timing at idle is dependant on what distributor is fitted? Max advance is the same 28-32 deg BTDC but @ over 3500 RPM

 

Haynes is the way

 

Unfortunately both my Haynes and my Bug manual do not have the GE timings

 

It should I wrote it