Suggestions on setting the timing on a Bosch vacuum adv.?

[Dorothy70]

I started messing with the timing on my bus today and pretty much screwed it up. I have a non digital timing gun but not a static light (at the moment). I feel like I have no reference guide since there is only notches in the pulley (TDC, 7.5 & 10). I have a B series 1600cc engine that now has a lot of flat spots in low revs and is now mildly backfiring when I coast down a hill in low gear.

I would just like to get her running somewhat smooth again... Got any advice (for dummies) on my predicament??

Im just warning ya, I'm a total amateur at this!


Thanks in advance,
Cindi

 

[robins]

see if this helps http://www.vw-resource.com/tune-up.html#timing" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[Dorothy70]

see if this helps http://www.vw-resource.com/tune-up.html#timing" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

This was really helpful. I think I need a dwell tach and a static light so can see a little more clear.

Thank you Robins!

 

[robins]

 

[bac2ba6]

Before I recently bought a strobe light ( well a coupe of years ago) just used to use a 12v bulb with 2 wires soldered onto it as a test light and a set of feeler gauges , for the points gap . Used this method to set the basic static timing for years and always worked well . Admittedly can't use it for advance max timing but used to do that by sound and feel . Ran round for many a year like this without any major bother . May not be 100% accurate but is good to atleast you going

 

[Dorothy70]

Admittedly, I'm calling a new mechanic!! It's misfiring like crazy now!

 

[bigdaz]

For an initial setup I line the pulley on 7.5 notch.
Take the first dizzy cap and remove the rotor arm and dust cover.
With the ignition on rotate the dizzy body back and forth and you will hear/ see a spark.
Do this two or three time rotating back and forth around this point and you will get a feel for where it sparks.
Once you have found that spot tighten the clamp put it all back together and all should be good.
Got me going a few times when ive swapped dizzys on the roadside.

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