Timing light problem

ldj

Well-known Member
1st let me say I never had or heard a timing light read wrong before, as far as I knew. I've got a VW bug I just bought and trying to get it to run first thing is tuneup. Checked timing and it is about 170* off. I think it can't be because it is running. I start checking everything and finally think the timing light has to be wrong. I decided to borrow one but now not many folks have them, couldn't find one to borrow. Then decided to find another car to use the light on, again not a lot of people have cars you can time. Only thing left is to buy a new timing light, got it home and tried it and it worked perfect. I am glad it was so far off it was obvious something was wrong. If it had been just a few degrees off I would have never known and wondered why my car wasn't performing as it should or worse yet damage it.
 
Check your old timing light. Does it have an adjustable advance feature? You turn a dial for a certain advance and the light flashes on 0 degrees when you are at that advance. Makes it handy for engines that just have a simple pointer and a notch on the pulley.

Mine does. I had the light for a long time before I discovered it. Of course I never read the directions. Who needs directions for a stupid timing light?
 
(quoted from post at 07:18:05 10/06/16) Check your old timing light. Does it have an adjustable advance feature? You turn a dial for a certain advance and the light flashes on 0 degrees when you are at that advance. Makes it handy for engines that just have a simple pointer and a notch on the pulley.

Mine does. I had the light for a long time before I discovered it. Of course I never read the directions. Who needs directions for a stupid timing light?

No, no adjustable advance
 
Hello ldj


170* off sounds like you had the timing light at the #1companion cylinder,which would be 180* opposite?

Guido.
 
Guido, are you aware Beetle engines before 1970 had an asymmetrical distributor cam and #1's "running mate", #3 has it's timing retarded slightly to avoid detonation because that cylinder runs hotter due to the location of the oil cooler? NOT a full 10?, though.
 
Hello bob

I thought it had a four lobe distributor? Been many moons since I changed the head on a 1965 1200 or 1400 CC engine/ Late 60's early 70's
Asymmetrical it is..........


Guido.
 

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