Setting the timing is step 5 in the tune up procedure. Ignition timing is dependant upon the rest of the ignition system being set up properly. Accurate timing cannot be achieved unless you have sufficient compression, correct valve clearance, correct ignition point gap, correct spark plug gaps and the engine is at normal operating temperature.
Here are three different methods that can be used to set your ignition timing:
These steps apply to all methods:
Turn the engine using the crankshaft pulley nut until the rotor button (remove distributor cap so you can see the rotor button) is aligned with the groove in the distributor rim and the timing mark on the crankshaft pulley is aligned with the crankcase seem.
NOTE:
If your pulley has two timing marks the one on the right is 10 degrees BTC (before top dead center) and the one on the left is for 7.5 degrees BTC.
If your pulley has three notches they will be, from left to right, 5 deg. ATC, 7.5 deg BTC and 10 deg. BTC (See photo).
Crankshaft Pulley Timing Marks
Air Cooled Volkswagen Ignition Timing Method Using A Test Light
12 Volt Test Light
You do not need an expensive timing light to adjust your ignition timing. For air cooled Volkswagen engines a simple test light consisting of a 12 volt lamp and two leads with alligator clamps is not only sufficient but recommended. You can easily make one yourself or you can buy one at an auto parts store.
Loosen the clamp at the base of the distributor until you can turn the distributor with your hand.
Distributor Advance Unit
Connect one lead of your test light to terminal 1 on the distributor and the other to a solid ground.
Turn the distributor body clockwise until the contacts of the ignition points are closed. Turn on the ignition switch but do not start the engine. Turn the distributor counterclockwise until the test light comes on (just as the contact points are opening) and tighten down the clamp.
Air Cooled Volkswagen Ignition Timing Method Using A Volt Meter
The steps for using a volt meter to set your ignition timing are the same as those for using a test lamp. Instead of watching for the test light to come on you will be watching for a voltage reading on the meter. When the contact points are closed the meter should show 0. When the points begin to open voltage will be indicated on the meter.
Air Cooled Volkswagen Ignition Timing Method Using A Timing Light
If you have a timing light you can use it to set your timing.
Use chalk or something similar to the timing mark on the crankshaft pulley to make it easier to see with the timing light.
Remove the vacuum hose from the distributor advance unit.
Loosen the clamp at the base of the distributor until you can turn the distributor with your hand.
Connect one lead of your test light to the number 1 spark plug wire on the distributor and the other to a solid ground.
Start the engine and aim the timing light at the top of the crankshaft pulley. Rotate the distributor body until the appropriate mark on the crankshaft pulley is aligned with the crankcase seam. Tighten down the distributor clamp.
NOTE: Be very careful of the belt and other moving parts when performing this procedure.
Written by David Slone, Copyright 2008 AirCooledVWLove.com
nice blog!!! keep up the good work!!
I read this whole page searching for the setting and you call it THE APPROPRIATE SETTING………..
WHAT A WASTE OF TIME
Hello Jo
Unfortunately all air cooled VWs do not use the same setting. Dont you have a book? Every car owner should have a manual. Thats where you will find make and model specific settings like that.
I do understand your frustration however, perhaps I will add a list of every setting for every VW engine ever made, but that would be quite a task.
Very clear and concise directions, glad to have found you. will be back
Hi
My 1974 1200 beetle just has the one notch on the crankshaft pully but has three marks on the engine. I guess these are timing marks too. How do I time correctly with the marks on the engine?
Cheers
I have a 1966 baja with a 1600 built to a 1641 with a bigger cam and a holley carb. i was wondering if the timimg is going to be set the same as a stock 1600?
Top advise, many thanks – just bought a project followed the advise above and it fired up dtraight away…….
I was Trying to time a VW bus motor Im not sure what size I was told it was an 1800 it’s on a sandrail. The distributor poped out. how do I align the distributor with the cam. It is in two pieces the middle conection can only go one way but the other end has 13 teeth. Any ideas
I didn’t know about the test light thing. I’m glad I stumbled across this site. Great work David. Some of these things are not only simple and unique but they WORK!!! Thank you.
thankyou soooo much for the advice. you are a life saver !
Is this true for all years of aircooled vws? I keep seeing thing that say this method may be used on only earlier modles (1968 or so and before) and that for example my 71 1600 ghia engine must use a different method.
I’m a bit confused, being an engineer I guess I’m more anal in instructions, using a volt meter or light.
Connect one lead of your test light to terminal 1 on the distributor (is this going to the #1 plug, and if so do I pull the cable out? if I don’t my VW will start right up) and the other to a solid ground.
Turn the distributor body clockwise until the contacts of the ignition points are closed. (how can I tell if I don’t remove the distrib cap?) Turn on the ignition switch but do not start the engine (my engine starts right up, should I pull the coil cable?). Turn the distributor counterclockwise until the test light comes on (just as the contact points are opening) and tighten down the clamp.
Hi Brett – Your VW will start up when you turn the key to the on position? Normally you have to turn it a bit farther to engage the starter motor and then let it ease back to the on position once it starts. Your engine should not start when you click the key over to on (in a VW or any other car). It doesn’t matter if the spark plug cable is attached or not but the distributor cap needs to be off so you can see the points and access the clamp.
Thanks VW nut, I think I got it. I’m verifying proper current path at the point of circuit interuption. Thanks a bunch, sounds too simple.
hi vwnut
i am looking for hints. got old engine ( had it for 18months) running a bit smokey, Type 1 -1600cc, with one notch on pulley. dwell is ok at 40 degrees but using my timing light i just can’t get it timed at 12oclcock (casesplit)
I moved the distributor around and the sweetspot is about 8am-9am where the belt leaves the pulley.
I pulled out all spark plugs replaced with new and ensured spark gets to each plug. I cleaned rotor and inside dist cap.
could it be something mechanical like valves that stop me being able to time it at 12 oclock? I pulled off each rocker cover and saw all springs were moving and also squirting a bit of oil around. However I am not sure what is normal with valves etc
thx BCyril
Great information but if this question is stupid please excuse, I know the firing order is 1432 but on the distributor where do these cables go and which cable is #1 #4 #3 #2 where is #1 on the distributor on a 72 bus looking at it from the rear?
have done the timing on my 72 beetle
runs great but doesn’t want to stop when i turn off the ignition
is this a timing issue?