engine timing help!

[74NineOneFour]

hello all

I just started to time my engine on my 74 914 1.8L and realized that the fan does not have any timing marks on it. Is there another way to time it with out using a timing light or the markings on the fan ??
On more question- The car has a progressive carb on it, when the car is idoling it seems to backfire a little or when downshifting gears. Also when it see sto have a weird exhaust leak phump phump sound but i cant see or feel any air shooting out from anywhere, but the car seems to drive fine when you floor it
any ideas?

Thanks
Manny

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

First, are you looking at the correct point on the fan? You need to remove the plastic plug on top of the fan shroud, and look through the hole. The timing mark(s) will be on the rear part of the fan, so that you have to practically stand on your head inside the engine bay to see them. Or use a mirror and a flashlight...

The single-carb setup is awful. Throw it away and find some duals.

You can stuff a rag in the exhaust and cover it while the engine is idling; if there's a leak you will really hear it.

--DD

[hardflex]

most likely the exhaust leak is where the exhaust bolts up to the head. a copper gasket there can leak if not prepared properly.

there is a TDC mark on the flywheel, line that up, then I think there is a pic on Pelican that shows how to find the other marks. 3 1/2 fan blades, I think, is full advance on DJet, not sure of the Ljet requirement.

Dave's right, it's a balancing act. Best to replace points so you only have to do it once.

[racingivan]

hi, should be a red mark on the fan (1.8) eng. also in the flyweel or use your rotor it should be facing fwd bett. 12 d and no more than 27 d to the left if you are looking at it.

if you still have problems go to the automobile atlanta web page and look in the tech section you will found very good info.
good luck Ivan

[Tobra]

I replaced the points in every air cooled car and been quite happy with the results, pertronix, some don't like them, take spare set of points and condensor in the rare event of a failure