Timing?

[TakeLifeEasy]

Van will not run, fires and then quickly dies. Checked the timing using the method below with the light bulb in the screwdriver and the light stays on all the time regardless where tdc is on the pulley. I can keep turning but the light never goes off. Could this be points?

https://youtu.be/787INwvir24

 

[rlepecha]

Assuming you still have points, have you checked the points gap?

The only reason I can think for the light to not go out is you have the wrong gap and the coil is always 'on'. Its that or your points are damaged/broken and are grounding through the distributor.

 

[TakeLifeEasy]

Thanks, I will check this next once the frost has defrosted on the cover so it is not sticking to the van preventing me getting to the engine bay!!!

 

[TakeLifeEasy]

Just changed the condenser and points and set the point .4 but still have the same problem. Any ideas?

 

[thejinx]

https://youtu.be/ulQmKU2weyI

I used the video above for my timing. As to your question did I get an answer on the light staying on, No. My van is now running but I've not put it on the road due to salt. I think my circuit tester light stayed on because I am running a 009 dizzy. Good luck

 

[TakeLifeEasy]

OK thanks thanks. I can't seem to make the light go out so I have no way of setting my timing.

 

[Bobster]

Daft question but it is connected to the right side of the coil ?

 

[TakeLifeEasy]

Yes the connector at the far back closest to the fan housing

 

[Bobster]

Yes the connector at the far back closest to the fan housing

Not sure that that helps as it would depend on the orientation of your coil but as long as it's the -ve

 

[thejinx]

If you watch the video I linked it worked for me. I got it running and put a timing light on it, a little tweak and all was well. If you don't have a strobe (timing) light they are dirt cheap on eBay.

 

[TakeLifeEasy]

Bobster, forgot to say, I connected it to the same connector the condenser wire has always been connected to. I wonder if the points are touching on the casing of the distributor. I checked this but maybe I need to strip it down again to double check. I don't understand why it was OK and now its not. Could this be a bad earth or something? Just wondering as the van is very damp. I am running out of ideas!

 

[TakeLifeEasy]

thejinx, thanks for this, that's how I normally do my timing. My issue is the light never goes out regardless how far I turn the distributor.

 

[thejinx]

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=522856

Found this on the samba

 

[TakeLifeEasy]

Thank you for the link, I will try this at the weekend and see if I can narrow down the problem.

 

[TakeLifeEasy]

I have finally fixed the problem so am updating this thread just in case anyone comes across this problem.

The light no going out was caused by a bad connection from the condenser on the negative side of the coil. I cleaned that up and replaced the condenser. All is now working.

One other point worth raising. I have seen people on YouTube timing their engines with the distributor caps off. I cannot do this and have to replace the distributor cap otherwise the light on the screwdriver never comes on. So here is the process I follow when static timing my engine -

1). Remove distributor cap.
2). Turn pulley so rotor arm is pointing to number 1 cylinder (back far right).
3). Align pulley to 7.5 degres before Top Dead Center (right of front dimple).
4). Put the distributor cap back on (IMPORTANT).
5). Attach clip from screwdriver on negative coil connecter. DO NOT remove green condenser cable from the back of the coil.
6). Wedge screwdriver into carburetor and turn on ignition.
7. Loosen distributor.
8). Move distributor so light comes on.
9). Tighten distributor.

Hope this helps someone else.