finding TDC on my 2.0

[david c.]

Hi guys:

I'm getting ready to pull my distributor off the 912E in order to remove the tin. I need to get a look at my head for reasons I don't wish to discuss (see thread below if you are a sadist).

Anyway, what do I have to do to ensure that when I pull the distributor I haven't created a mess for myself later. I need clear directions, as if you are speaking to Cameron Diaz's brother from "There's Something About Mary". Well, maybe not quite that bad.

Thanks, as always, for your time and graciousness in assisting.

Best regards,

David Cardone

[Jim T]

When the rotor is pointing to the notch on the distributor case, and the TCD mark for the No. 1 cylinder is showing when viewed through hole in the fan housing (is engraved on the edge of the fan, usually its painted white), you are at TDC for No. 1.
At least that's how it works for all 914s, I assume your E is the same.

[JP Noonan]

There are two nuts holding the dizzy together. The first is the long 10mm adjustment nut, don't mess with this one. The second is a 13mm nut (not an diagram) that holds the plate (part #14) that the adjustment nut goes through to the block. It is underneith the vac canister and kinda hard to get to with a normal sized wrench a "shorty" style wrench makes it easier. Make sure to clean the area first, then remove the 13mm nut, then pull the dizzy out. Nice is that even if the motor were to turn over, as long as the drive inside the block isn't removed, you can't screw up your timing. The dizzy will only go back in one way. You may have to turn it and push it in at the same time but it will definitly drop back into the block the same way.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/914/parts/engine/distributor_big.htm

[david c.]

thanks, I'll take a look see tomorrow. I have a VW haynes manual that I just found. Seems to be same type of advice with photos. What happens if I pull the distributor and it's not at TDC? Is it a big mess?

[SteveStromberg]

Takeoff 1-2 valve cover roll engine over until both valves on #1 cylinder are slack (they have clearance between valve and rocker).remove sparkplug use a dowel of wood you should be able to "feel" the piston, when it is at the top of its stroke and both valves are slack you are at tdc. Steve

[TimW]

Correct me if I’m wrong but isn’t the Type IV distributor indexed so it can only go in one way? I can double check if you want? Also, as I recall my flywheel also has hash marks at TDC and BDC. Makes for putting it all back together pretty straight forward. I’m not sure how different the 912E is?

[david c.]

I'm printing all these posts, and will attempt to tackle the process tonight. I'll let you guys know how much trouble I get in soon. I think this is one of those processes that is confusing only the first or second time. I've never done it before, but maybe I'll be able to help someone else out in the future. Thanks! Dave

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Tim's got it. The distributor is indexed so it can only go in one way. So it doesn't really matter that much where you rotate the engine to before you remove the distributor.

I can't get any wrench on the 13mm nut that holds the distributor clamp, unless I loosen the long 10mm nut and twist the distributor all the way clockwise. Others evidently can. I simply figure that I'll have to set my timing again when I get the distributor back in. I can eyeball it to better than "close enough to start", so setting the timing isn't a problem for me.

--DD

[JP Noonan]

I never said it was easy, but at least on a 912E you can see things a little better.

I have done it with a standard 13mm but a shorty does make it easier. I use the wrench to loosen the nut then take it off with the tips of my fingers. Make sure not to drop the wavy washer in the hole, it can be fished out but you run the risk of fishing out the dizzy drive also.

All I can say is if you do it this way you don't have to worry about re-timing the motor. However, you shouldn't be too concerned about re-timing the motor because it should seem pretty easy (that is after the first or ...fouth time )