Help needed - Setting timing (pics)

[garment]

Hi Pelicans:

First time attempting to set timing on my '83SC, stock as far as I know.

I've got these marks on my pulley, I assume the left-most is TDC, and the one to the right is 5 degrees BTDC.



When I have the engine running and a timing light set to zero degrees (pickup is on cylinder 1 spark plug wire), the left-most mark shows up just to the right of the fan housing witness mark. Setting the timing light to 5 degrees sends both pulley marks way to the right of the witness mark.

What should I be seeing here? Can my timing be that far out of whack? I am using an Innova 5568 if this is of note.

Thanks for your help, Pelicans!

[jjeffries]

Garment, I would leave the timing light at zero, you don't need that function. Read the emissions label on the underside of the engine lid or read Bentley to ascertain whether you should unplug the advance vacuum hose and plug it (I believe you do on this year) and make sure you know which hose/port on the distributor is advance (the other one retards timing at idle). If the timing is off (meaning, the timing light shows the pulley's 5 BTDC notch NOT lining up with the split in crankcase), then turn off the engine and loosen the distributor base clamp, just enough sp you can move the distributor. Restart of the motor and make VERY small movements to the body to get the marks lined up as highlighted by your timing strobe (still set at zero).

Before touching the car, I'd really advise looking for this procedure on YouTube...doesn't have to be on a 911. Also, if you ned to understand how ignition timing works (you may already), there's a great explanation in the seminal workshop manual, "How to Repair Your VW For The Complete Idiot", by John Muir. (PM me if you'd like me to send you a scan). Those of us aged 50 and up did this with most tune-ups on cars from the early 80's and before. Best of luck and be careful of your fingers near the fan bet and pulleys!! John in CT.

[ed mayo]

If you clean the front of the pulley, then use a mirror and flashlight to see the pulley front, the marks should be identified.

[gazzerr]

Hey Garment,

This needs to be done with the engine at operating temperature. You're probably seeing the affect of the vacuum on the distributor if the vacuum hose is still plugged in.

It's the front hose on the distributor (closest to you) you want to pull and plug. On my '82 I had to adjust the idle on the throttle body back down to ~950rpm. Then loosen the nut, start the car and adjust the body of the distributor very slightly until the 5 deg mark lines up with the shroud mark assuming you have the timing light set to 0. Then turn the engine off and tighten the nut and recheck it. It's easy to move the setting you have when tightening so you have to watch out for that. A final part of the test is to usually rev the engine up to 6000 and check that it's advancing properly right through it's 20 something degs (I think I'd have to go look) of advance. I had to adjust my idle again once I plugged the vacuum hose back in.

[emcon5]

Yeah, make sure the vac lines are unhooked from the distributor and plugged. The distributor will retard the timing slightly at idle with the vac hooked up.

Another option, particularly if you live in an area without emissions testing where they check the timing, is to ignore the idle settings, and set the timing so full advance is where you want it and let the idle timing end up wherever it lands.

Stock for 80-83 is 5º ±2º BTDC@ 950 RPM, vacuum hose disconnected, with max advance 21º ±2º BTDC @6000rpm, vacuum hose disconnected

For best performance, some folks advocate leaving everything hooked up and setting it so full advance is 35º, and not worry about the timing at idle, let it end up wherever it happens to end up. If it pings, back if off a couple degrees. Only do this if you use good gas, 91 or better.