How to use a Timing Light on a VW Beetle & Kombi

This is part three where I demonstrate the basic principles of installing a timing light on an aircooled VW Engine. This is following on from the two part VW Magnaspark II Distributor kit installation videos.
This video only touches on the basics of setting up a stroboscopic timing light, setting total advance and noting base timing. This process is also very similar to the timing of a 009 distributor.
This is being demonstrated on a 1600cc twin port VW Engine, in a 1975 Kombi Westfalia.

[@Mikefngarage]

I totally recommend a degree timing light. you should put in the video using a protractor putting the mark on the pully as well would be helpful in getting people to understand how to DIY.

[@VWClassicFix]

Thanks Mike.

[@Exit8a]

Aloha from Honolulu! Outstanding video! Thanks for helping people like me new to VW ownership!

[@VWClassicFix]

Aloha my friend! Many thanks indeed, and welcome to the VW world 😁

[@marcwilburn9315]

Great and extremely helpful! Thanks!

[@Mars36912]

Thank you for sharing, Nice video. And I'm curious about your single carb on the bug, What brand it is and if it working fine, i got a 1600 with a 34pic3 carb and i want to upgrade i was looking at dual are single. and I'm looking for the best one and easy to set up.

[@69_vw_westi]

Nice straight forward video.

[@VWClassicFix]

Thanks Greg!

[@johnslow5913]

GREAT VIDEO. 👍

[@bykr2009]

You never mentioned or showed what is used for timing mark on the engine, a fairly basic thing in a timing video. I'm assuming it's the split on the case?

[@excaliburgarage]

Yup split in the case💪

[@cyprianskiba8768]

Any reason you chose 7 degrees and not zero?
Did you use your magnaspark out of box, or did you have to change anything?

[@muhammadgaluh266]

Thank you from here indonesia!

[@VWClassicFix]

You are most welcome!

[@umutsakalli771]

how did you come up with numbers where do you kniw it is what number you are saying ?/i am not experienced and want to check my timing but can not uderstand from this video to be honest

[@VWClassicFix]

There are some stock timing marks on my pulley, and I've added an extra one at 32 degrees so I can get an idea of where it is advancing to. One way to get an accurate result is to fit an aftermarket pulley with degree numbers indicated.

[@excaliburgarage]

The springs in the magnaspark are the stock springs ?

[@michaelknight2897]

What kind of distro and clamp is that?

[@SanDiego_VDubLife]

Great video. Very clearly explained. I have dual carbs and cb 044 heads. Should I have mine more advanced?

[@user-pl1rz9wv8q]

28-32 full advance

[@MrSxe34]

I'm trying to mark my pulley, so if I understand well. Base timing around 7deg BTDC and aiming for about 30deg AFTER TDC, or BEFORE?

[@excaliburgarage]

Should be after TDC

[@vwbtl9]

How far from tdc is 32 degrees?

[@WadeGipson]

Thank You!!😁

[@tecate9408]

I need to do this to my 62 bug. How do you establish the rpm level? I was told no more than 32 degrees advanced at about 3k rpm.

[@VWClassicFix]

I don’t technically know my rpm level as I’m working with simple tools, but yes no more than 32 degrees at 3k sounds good.

[@JRbronx-qn5bo]

What size engine is that?

[@VWClassicFix]

The one in the workshop is a 1776cc. The engine in the Kombi is a standard 1600cc. Cheers