Out of all the vw engine work videos, yours is the best in my opinion! You always mention the basic starting point of any work that you are going to do. I am one of those people that needs all the help I can get. Thanks again, Michael.
Thank you very much Michael, I truly appreciate the kind comments. I do the best that I can do, I’m an amateur at filming. 😁 But I try to keep it cut and dry and simple. Thank you for being here.
OK, I have been subscribed to this channel for over a year. Have a darned bug project that flusters and flummoxes me continually. YOUR videos good sir have been my savior. I humbly thank you and would like to buy you a slice of pie some day! (knowing some don't drink coffee, or alcohol or what ever... pie is always good...) At 4:38 you showed TDC pointing toward the passenger front wheel and not just towards the back of the vehicle. Well done, thank you.
You got some of the best videos out there. I had a 64 back in high school, I’m 55 and just got another 64 so I’m kind of a green pea right now. Thanks for all the wisdom you got and being able to share it with us. Im relearning a lot of cool stuff. Wish I would have gotten one sooner.
@@geostorm9351 thank you very much. That was very nice of you to say. I definitely do not know everything but I try to show what I can. I always hope the videos can be helpful.
Thanks for saving me from making an error turning the crankshaft without a distributor installed. That was something I didn’t know. Video is well paced for time and information. Awesome 😎
Thanks very much, Bonnie! I truly appreciate the kind words. On my website, I’m going to create an index, that will make it very easy to find the videos that you need.
Really good videos you make, Michael! I really appreciate it, since I'm in the category of never having done this before, but I learn as I go. It's really good that you also state the obvious, for many people don't know these little things. Thank you so much for sharing all your well-proven knowledge. Keep it up! Because of you, a 1971 1200 VW Beetle (not Super Beetle) in northern Norway purrs like a cat ready to fight! :)
Some owners only static time, but timing with a gun allows you to check to see if your advance mechanism is working properly. At, say 3000 rpm’s, you can actually see the timing Mark advancing on the pulley (while using the timing gun, of course). Static timing will get you set up, but timing with a gun lets you know that your advance is working as it should. Thanks, Slade, for showing how to static time. Very helpful.
Thanks so much my friend, I hope that you have been doing well. Yes I do prefer to use the gun, and do a full advance just to make sure everything is optimal. I hope that you have a wonderful day tomorrow.
Hey Slade... Hubby 🧔 and I 🧖 really enjoy ur videos.. we're the ones who have the 60 and 68 bugs... Just some words of encouragement... I love how you explain things in ur videos simply and u do it in a way that ppl who have never worked on a bug understand and don't feel stu-peedo... LOL But 4 real.. ur tutorials are great and keep it up. U ROCK DUDE!! 🤘🤘🤘
Thank you so much Jody, and thank you for the encouragement and kind words. I just kind of keep it plain and simple. Nothing fancy when I’m filming. Of course I’m not a fancy type of guy either. LOL, thank you so much for being here and your hubby!
My 71 has the Rotor 180 Degrees off. I was "shocked" when I discovered it. However, your video makes it look pretty straight forward to correct !! Thanks !
Great Video! I just pulled out an engine out of a kit car to freshen it up a bit and I needed to refresh my memory on a few things. This video gave me the info I needed.
Wow Thanks! I just picked up the same gun and tester. I'm really glad you posted this! Now it makes sense why my 009 is so much different from my vacuum advance distributor. I got frustrated, and popped the 009 back in, just because need my car running perfect this week. Once I'm done with my event, I'll revisit the install. Great video Slade!
Thank you so much Mark, I appreciate the kind comments. When you’re setting your static timing. Mine was a little different. Use the dimple on the outer part of the pulley, closest to the bumper. I used my notch instead on mine. The dimple will be TDC on yours
It’s great to know all this information cause a lot of people don’t tell you this stuff 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻when they are building this car thank you for your information 👍🏻take care and stay safe
I have been looking at a lot of ads for classic VWs, and the vast majority have fuel filters in the engine compartment (big fire hazard). I look forward to your upcoming video where you relocated the fuel filter on your buddy's VW. You have a very logical, step by step approach in your videos, which make them super helpful. Thank you!!
I know many have run them in the engine compartment like they were from the factory. But I try to eliminate every possibility of an engine fire. And I will show in the video another little trick, from the top hose causing an engine fire where is connected to the carburetor. Stay tuned!
Excellent job. I am facing problem with 1600 single port head. Spark plugs of piston 4 getting oil and goes to short. Please give me some idea how to solve this problem. Motor was rebuild couple of months before. Regard.
Honestly it’s very hard to tell, without being there to take it apart. It could be piston rings, bad valve guide, or an oil leak that’s going down into the spark plug well.
Honestly I prefer setting the static timing. And then timing by ear, but if I say something like that on here, well you know 🙄 thanks for taking the time to comment.
Thanks for the tip on NOT turning the crankshaft pulley with the dizzy out, I was just about to. BUT I didn't put the pulley to TDC before removing the old one and installing a new dizzy. I then rotated the pulley to TDC and aligned the rotor with the notch on the new dizzy. Is this going to cause an issue?
I don’t know how it’s taken me so long but I’ve just come across your videos. I’ve owned my bug for about 5 years since I was 24. I want to learn how to work on the car for myself, it’s all pretty daunting. Your videos are by far the best at explaining things that I’ve come across. You make me believe it’s all achievable which I really needed. Do you have a video on how to do the timing with the motor running? Thanks so much for the vids!
thanks for the excellent demo. One question, when the light comes on, is the points closed or opened ? Also, why you set it at TDC instead of 7.5 degree BTDC?
I love your videos and use them in the restoration of my 71 SB (First owner). My original engine failed on me. I bought a use 73 engine (AD series). Per your technical articles the static timing is set at 5 degrees BTDC. Please confirm. I set it up like that and the car started right away. The problem I’m having is the dwell is at 42 and when I rev it up to 3000 per your guidelines I can not get it to go down to 28-30. Any help you can provide will be appreciated. Once I get it running, I’ll send you a picture.
When you said the static timing, use the dimple on the outer part of the crank pulley, the side closest to the bumper. Then of course after doing that. Try setting your timing full advance first and see if that helps.
@@SladesVWBeetle I have an aluminum pulley with printed degrees. I set it up at 5 BTDC and the car starts right away. Still need to adjust card it dies at 800-900 RPM. I’m going to put a new set of points. The ones in the car are good but just in case. Dwell was at 50 and I opened the gap and went down to 42-43, but cannot get it down to 28-30.
Awesome video. One question, Can the distributor drive gear be installed backwards. I have a 78 ghia convertible with the fuel injection that seems to hardly have any power.
Thank you very much Donald, and yes it can be put on backwards. But no problem if it is, you would just be 180 out with the distributor when you install it!!
Excellent information especially static timing .... I actually never seen that before so thank you for taking the time to show us this information.... I was getting so excited about that 68 getting to run ... I kept saying, give it some fuel and fire her up while watching 👀.... Keep up the great work buddy 👍!!!!
Outstanding, I always hope that my videos help others. When doing your static timing, use the dimple on the outer side of the pulley closest to the bumper for TDC
OK it could be a few reasons. If you have electronic ignition, sometimes they will not work with static time and only a gun. Also, make sure your points are adjusted properly if they’re not, the light will not go out. Or a faulty condenser. And also make sure you’re clipping it onto the negative side of the coil. I hope this is helpful.
Hey slade so I was just wondering when using the timing gun. So to time full advance, you just set the gun to 28-32 advance and then time it so the line on the pulley is tdc at 3000 rpm is that correct?
What you will do, set your gun to 30°, for starters. Go up to approximately 3000 RPMs or until the timing mark quits floating. And then adjust the timing to TDC, on the pulley. That won’t be the little line on the pulley, but the “dimple” on the outer pulley closest to the rear of the car. I just did a video on it. Sadly, it won’t be out for a couple of days. Explaining it better. You’ll notice on the link below where the TDC is…. www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/297466.jpg
@@monchy25 ohhhh okay! Yes!! Must be on number one wire/cylinder, and on the timing light wire connector there’s always an arrow. The arrow will point towards the Spark Plug.
I just found your channel a couple of days ago and your videos have been very usefull for me! I'm working on my grandmas old beetle here in sweden and i really appreciate you taking your time explaining everything thruly :) I'm looking forward for your next video!
You would static time it at the 7.5 BTDC. Sometimes when I’m filming, my older brain forgets to explain. I always feel like everyone can see exactly what I’m doing 🙄Thanks so much for being here Mike!
@@gorillasnacks3393 you will normally put the notch to the split in the case of where the timing would be for your car. Like some are 5 ATDC and then of course some are 7.5 BTDC wherever the time is proper for the year of your car.
@@SladesVWBeetle Yeah, I can't go by the year of my car because every piece of the engine is from all different years and models. That's why I'm having such a hard time with it. The car is a 1967 beetle, but the engine is a hodgepodge of all different year parts. The block is from a type 3 fuel injected engine. (UO number). The heads (as far as I know) are regular 1600DP heads, the intake is dual port but modified at the flange to run a single port 30 pict 2 carb. The distributor is the short 113-905-205M. When it ran, it was the best running beetle on the planet! It ran better than my Honda Civic. But when she quit running, no one has been able to get her going again. I've taken it to 3 different VW repair shops with no luck whatsoever. I'm at the point now where I'm getting ready to just pull the engine out and replace it with a rebuilt one. This beetle is absolutely killing me. Lol
@@gorillasnacks3393 that’s quite odd that no VW mechanic was able to get it running. That is very strange. When you say can’t get it running, do you have fuel, and spark? That has to be my first question of course lol
Thank you for making these videos! I found this video very informational! I am working on a 1970 Volkswagen beetle. I am having a problem with finding information about the lower section of the distributor. In my car the distributor quit rotating. It seems that the Upper and lower portions of the distributor are not mating together. It is as if one or the other shaft is out of position causing too large of a tolerance between the distributor driveshaft and the distributor shaft. Any trouble shooting guidance would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!!
@@SladesVWBeetle lol , maybe. You have some great information. Working on a field find….009 with 34 pict 3 giving some headaches.. Gonna switch to svda points diz and go from there. Thanks!!
Dis you ever do a video on the 09 I think that what I have . 73 AK 1432 my distributor has a vacuum adv. Notch points to #1 at TDC but rotor points more to back does run but not well just need to know if it's timed right is it supposed to be that way with rotor pointing towards back?
Hoping you can help me we're trying to do static time we have electronic ignition when I hook it up and touch light to motor the light comes on. Not sure whats happening
I have a question about turning the motor,I currently have a 1600 on my bench and I know bout the dizzy being in before turning the motor,but the crank moved about 1/2" as I was shuffling the motor around the table,before the dizzy was in,do you think I caused any damage? Or does it have to have more of a turn to cause damage?
I'm possibly looking to replace my 009 with a VA distributor and I've never done any work with the distributor as in removing it so this video is great. Also for the static timing. Gives me a lot to check.
When doing your static timing, I have to do a new video on it. Set your pulley to TDC, the “dimple” at the rear of the pulley, as in the rear of the car. Hope that made sense. I have mine advanced I shouldn’t of done that, it will confuse people
@@SladesVWBeetle my bug came with an aftermarket pulley with the markings on them. Not sure if I should keep it or would you recommend I go back to stock?
@@SladesVWBeetle I only turned it by hand to replace the pistons. Do you think I could still have caused damage even with only turning by hand? Thank you so much for your videos. They are great and very well explained.
Great video. A real good step by step. And yes static timing is so important. I usually do it by moving the dist while I have a plug out touching the block. I guess i should break down and get a test light lol
Hey man so got a question for ya It My bug Idles 100% perfectly. I can rev as high as I want, all the power is there when its in neutral, sounds great. But as soon as I get into first and try to take off, it sputters and jumps and doesn't want to run smooth. The fuel line is clear (tested by a mouthful of disgusting gas). The spark plug wires are all tight. I'm just really not sure whats wrong. Any suggestions
hello im trying to do my static timing but my test light is on continually, its plug into the negative but as soon as i ground it the light is always on.
I'm using 009 distributor my number one is number 4 on yours should I go stock or is it different from stock to 009 should I go back to both stock pulleys,is belt size different for both or same
I just got a Bosch 009 Style Centrifugal Advance - without the vacuum... first thing I noticed is the rotor points a bit different for #1. I also made it TDC but i'm not getting the test light on. Its driving me nuts. I tried it 5 times today. What could i be doing wrong? 😢
Amazing video, you're the only one (that I know of) who has went into depth on this topic. Covered it all. Much appreciated. Question, can electronic ignition be timed like so, if so, how. Coils are generally different so if you know the answer, great, if not, still thank you for the video
Thank you very much Jay, I try to keep it plain and simple but go into depth when possible. Now I have not owned an electronic ignition yet, but I will when the 68 is done. But here’s what I found for you I hope it helps. shoptalkforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=86294
Thank you for the nice videos. This one explains how to hook up the timing gun but it would have been nice to see it actually being used to time the engine.
Curious you say don't move the engine when the dizzy is out. I did just that. How do you know that it sits down in the right place. I have a 2lt, bus. Very few posts using buried bus motor. It's been off service for two months. I'm almost done. Cannot find a local vw mobile mech. Brisbane has two only repair shops, one never answers there ph. Anyway need assistance in getting dizzy correct timing seems correct, used static time from J Muir's book. Any help greatfully appreciated.
@@stefanekb8175Hey just read your reply . Thanks, not sure , got the Caravelle running through dumb luck. I read most of the info I could find. Here we go again 10/2024, running like a pig, stalling at lights and over revving any other time. Replaced the vaccum adv dizzy with pointless, no convinced. I hoping today to put my previous dizzy back in. Solex carbs are not happy, but I noted the rotor points to 4 about 90° off mark on dizzy for top dead centre. I have trouble getting help, I usually have to see something to understand the situation. Anyway any assistance greatly appreciated. Regards Evan
Yes!! You actually can correct it. You would need a distributor Drive tool …they’re not very expensive and you would pull it and turn it 180 and reinstall it. You must be careful there are two flat washers at the bottom, “shims” that need to go back in without dropping them inside the engine. Or…. If it is 180 out, then you would just install your distributor 180 out, and make sure to rotate the wires. I surely hope that made sense. Thank you for being here.
Hello my friend One thing bugging me, You set your timing at TDC to start the engine I've seen you then move it to 32 degrees before DTC. What's the point of setting up the first part of the timing. That my bug won't start after I've moved it to total advanced timing. Have to move it but to TDC to start again.???
@@SladesVWBeetle your videos are great for someone starting out like myself, so clear and concise; superb 👍 and you’re a Johnny Cash fan, can’t fault ya dude 😁🤙
I have a 1600 out of a 73 beetle and somebody turned the engine over without the distributor in place. What am I looking at to correct this any help would be appreciated most definitely Thanks
Hello! The engine of my vw 1302 L runs only with 3 cylinders , the spark plug on cylinder one has spark but the spark plug is clean . I think that if it was working , the spark plug it will be dirty as the others.. Do you think that i have a serious problem,stucked valves etc? Thank you in advance!
my new electronic ignition distributor seems to retard the timing when i give the car gas instead of advance it. We put a vacuum hose on the distributor with the cap off and the mechanism goes the wrong direction when vacuum is applied. How can that be. what do you think. Greatly appreciated. 63 bug with a 73 motor. pict 34 carb.
actually Slade, you're supposed to line up the seam in the case with the dimple on the front of the pulley; to give you TDC. Not the 7.5 BTDC mark on the back of the pulley. Just a FYI buddy! YOU ROCK!
We bought a 69-beetle last year. The wires going to the horn were disconnected. Once connected the horn did not work with the key off. Once the key is in the on position the horn blows continuously. We are sure the trouble shooting process is simple, but we have yet to find a video showing a step-by-step procedure to trace the problem to its source. We are confident you could provide such a video or the information.
You’re the best Bug teacher ever! You’re thorough but concise, thanks!!!
Thank you!
Out of all the vw engine work videos, yours is the best in my opinion! You always mention the basic starting point of any work that you are going to do. I am one of those people that needs all the help I can get. Thanks again, Michael.
Thank you very much Michael, I truly appreciate the kind comments. I do the best that I can do, I’m an amateur at filming. 😁 But I try to keep it cut and dry and simple. Thank you for being here.
@@SladesVWBeetle do you rotate the engine to get the small gear facing the back of the car?
Thank you
OK, I have been subscribed to this channel for over a year. Have a darned bug project that flusters and flummoxes me continually. YOUR videos good sir have been my savior. I humbly thank you and would like to buy you a slice of pie some day! (knowing some don't drink coffee, or alcohol or what ever... pie is always good...) At 4:38 you showed TDC pointing toward the passenger front wheel and not just towards the back of the vehicle. Well done, thank you.
Thank you for the kind words and being part of the community here! I truly appreciate that!
You got some of the best videos out there. I had a 64 back in high school, I’m 55 and just got another 64 so I’m kind of a green pea right now. Thanks for all the wisdom you got and being able to share it with us. Im relearning a lot of cool stuff. Wish I would have gotten one sooner.
@@geostorm9351 thank you very much. That was very nice of you to say. I definitely do not know everything but I try to show what I can. I always hope the videos can be helpful.
Thanks for saving me from making an error turning the crankshaft without a distributor installed. That was something I didn’t know. Video is well paced for time and information. Awesome 😎
Your videos are easy to understand, we appreciate you.
Thanks very much, Bonnie! I truly appreciate the kind words. On my website, I’m going to create an index, that will make it very easy to find the videos that you need.
I second that notion!!!!!
Really good videos you make, Michael! I really appreciate it, since I'm in the category of never having done this before, but I learn as I go. It's really good that you also state the obvious, for many people don't know these little things. Thank you so much for sharing all your well-proven knowledge. Keep it up! Because of you, a 1971 1200 VW Beetle (not Super Beetle) in northern Norway purrs like a cat ready to fight! :)
Some owners only static time, but timing with a gun allows you to check to see if your advance mechanism is working properly. At, say 3000 rpm’s, you can actually see the timing Mark advancing on the pulley (while using the timing gun, of course). Static timing will get you set up, but timing with a gun lets you know that your advance is working as it should.
Thanks, Slade, for showing how to static time. Very helpful.
Thanks so much my friend, I hope that you have been doing well. Yes I do prefer to use the gun, and do a full advance just to make sure everything is optimal. I hope that you have a wonderful day tomorrow.
We watched your video on the hand brake reset. And are eager to try it. Your video inspires the confidence we need to try. Thank you.
Very well explained. Getting rid of the 009 and putting in a SVDA made a huge difference in my bug. Now let's see it RUN!!
Oh absolutely, yes SVDA runs so much nicer than the 009. Big difference.
My favorite RUclips channel 👍🏻👍🏻
Thank you Thomas! And thanks for the kind compliment.
Excellent video , very well done 👍.
Thank you Jason, I truly appreciate that!
Simply the best Video on You tube on timing for VW. Thank you very much!!!! 🙏🏽💚
Thank you very much!
Slade, again I gave you a 👍 before watching. Cheers from Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺.
Thanks so much!! I truly appreciate that!!
Thank you for this - I have no idea what I’m doing but you make it easy for me. Appreciate ya!!!
Thanks very much I appreciate that
Your instructions are awesome. Now I know. U da MAN THANKS
Hey Slade... Hubby 🧔 and I 🧖 really enjoy ur videos.. we're the ones who have the 60 and 68 bugs... Just some words of encouragement... I love how you explain things in ur videos simply and u do it in a way that ppl who have never worked on a bug understand and don't feel stu-peedo... LOL But 4 real.. ur tutorials are great and keep it up. U ROCK DUDE!! 🤘🤘🤘
Thank you so much Jody, and thank you for the encouragement and kind words. I just kind of keep it plain and simple. Nothing fancy when I’m filming. Of course I’m not a fancy type of guy either. LOL, thank you so much for being here and your hubby!
Another great video Slades. Awesome and helpful tips. Sorry I didn’t get to watch till now I’ve been busy.
Hey no problem at all my friend, I hope that you’re doing well. Life can be hectic that’s for sure. Never a rush.
@@SladesVWBeetle yes that is true. Been tired from working lol. Wish I was old enough to retire.
Oh don’t wish that my friend. Time goes fast enough lol
@@SladesVWBeetle lol 😂. That’s what they all tell me.
My 71 has the Rotor 180 Degrees off. I was "shocked" when I discovered it. However, your video makes it look pretty straight forward to correct !! Thanks !
You can keep it 180° off, it won’t hurt anything. Since you’re aware of that you know the wires are in a different area of the cap.
@@SladesVWBeetle I'm a perfectionist :)
Great Video! I just pulled out an engine out of a kit car to freshen it up a bit and I needed to refresh my memory on a few things. This video gave me the info I needed.
Awesome thank you for commenting!!
hi loved the video i have a 71 cross over t2 bay do i set it up in the same way spark plugs keep sooting up running rich and lumpy cheers baz
Wow Thanks! I just picked up the same gun and tester. I'm really glad you posted this! Now it makes sense why my 009 is so much different from my vacuum advance distributor. I got frustrated, and popped the 009 back in, just because need my car running perfect this week. Once I'm done with my event, I'll revisit the install. Great video Slade!
Thank you so much Mark, I appreciate the kind comments.
When you’re setting your static timing. Mine was a little different.
Use the dimple on the outer part of the pulley, closest to the bumper. I used my notch instead on mine. The dimple will be TDC on yours
thanks for this. you jogged my memory and it runs perfect.
Another great video man. Have a good weekend. Can't wait to if it will run....
Thank you so much Eugene! And thank you so much for always being here I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
It’s great to know all this information cause a lot of people don’t tell you this stuff 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻when they are building this car thank you for your information 👍🏻take care and stay safe
Thanks so much Antonio! And thanks for taking the time to be here and watch the videos I truly appreciate it. Especially the kind comments.
I have been looking at a lot of ads for classic VWs, and the vast majority have fuel filters in the engine compartment (big fire hazard). I look forward to your upcoming video where you relocated the fuel filter on your buddy's VW. You have a very logical, step by step approach in your videos, which make them super helpful. Thank you!!
I know many have run them in the engine compartment like they were from the factory. But I try to eliminate every possibility of an engine fire.
And I will show in the video another little trick, from the top hose causing an engine fire where is connected to the carburetor. Stay tuned!
Excellent job.
I am facing problem with 1600 single port head. Spark plugs of piston 4 getting oil and goes to short.
Please give me some idea how to solve this problem.
Motor was rebuild couple of months before.
Regard.
Honestly it’s very hard to tell, without being there to take it apart. It could be piston rings, bad valve guide, or an oil leak that’s going down into the spark plug well.
Hey slade what if I turned the 6:04 crank Before having the distributor in?Am I screwed?
Worked on VW's from the early 70's on, I never used a timing light until the water cooled cars evolved.
Honestly I prefer setting the static timing. And then timing by ear, but if I say something like that on here, well you know 🙄 thanks for taking the time to comment.
Great teachings ! Thanx so much for making these videos !!
Thank you for the kind comments David, thank you for being part of this channel.
Really like your content. Appreciate you teaching us helpful fundamental stuff.
Thank you George!!
Thank you Sir!
Thanks for the tip on NOT turning the crankshaft pulley with the dizzy out, I was just about to. BUT I didn't put the pulley to TDC before removing the old one and installing a new dizzy. I then rotated the pulley to TDC and aligned the rotor with the notch on the new dizzy. Is this going to cause an issue?
Hehehe back for the 3rd time every time i watch the video while doing timing hehehe
Good work slade on that distributor. Love to see what's next.
Thanks so much my friend! Will be trying to start her up next week.
I have a question about valve cover gaskets, which seal better cork, silicone, rubber etc
Honestly I prefer the cork Mario. I use some adhesive on the "valve cover" side of the gasket. But none on the head side. That way you can reuse it!
Perfect timing (for the vlog). I just got plugs and wires and going to check the timing too.
Excellent Thomas! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. And thanks for being here.
I don’t know how it’s taken me so long but I’ve just come across your videos. I’ve owned my bug for about 5 years since I was 24. I want to learn how to work on the car for myself, it’s all pretty daunting. Your videos are by far the best at explaining things that I’ve come across. You make me believe it’s all achievable which I really needed. Do you have a video on how to do the timing with the motor running? Thanks so much for the vids!
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and to be here. I will be doing a video on timing, currently my motors not in yet.
thanks for the excellent demo.
One question, when the light comes on, is the points closed or opened ?
Also, why you set it at TDC instead of 7.5 degree BTDC?
It depends on the year of the bug. The bug in the video must have been a 68, 69 or 70.
I love your videos and use them in the restoration of my 71 SB (First owner). My original engine failed on me. I bought a use 73 engine (AD series). Per your technical articles the static timing is set at 5 degrees BTDC. Please confirm. I set it up like that and the car started right away. The problem I’m having is the dwell is at 42 and when I rev it up to 3000 per your guidelines I can not get it to go down to 28-30. Any help you can provide will be appreciated. Once I get it running, I’ll send you a picture.
When you said the static timing, use the dimple on the outer part of the crank pulley, the side closest to the bumper. Then of course after doing that. Try setting your timing full advance first and see if that helps.
@@SladesVWBeetle I have an aluminum pulley with printed degrees. I set it up at 5 BTDC and the car starts right away. Still need to adjust card it dies at 800-900 RPM. I’m going to put a new set of points. The ones in the car are good but just in case. Dwell was at 50 and I opened the gap and went down to 42-43, but cannot get it down to 28-30.
Awesome video. One question, Can the distributor drive gear be installed backwards. I have a 78 ghia convertible with the fuel injection that seems to hardly have any power.
Thank you very much Donald, and yes it can be put on backwards. But no problem if it is, you would just be 180 out with the distributor when you install it!!
Excellent job Slade! I’m a new owner of a 73 super. This gives me confidence!
Thank you sir! And thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. You’ve got this! Anything you need just ask.
Excellent information especially static timing .... I actually never seen that before so thank you for taking the time to show us this information.... I was getting so excited about that 68 getting to run ... I kept saying, give it some fuel and fire her up while watching 👀.... Keep up the great work buddy 👍!!!!
Thanks so much my friend! I’m always hoping my videos help other people. And thanks for always taking the time to comment I truly appreciate it.
My bug won’t start and I think this video just helped me out going to try and reset and try to start my bug
Outstanding, I always hope that my videos help others.
When doing your static timing, use the dimple on the outer side of the pulley closest to the bumper for TDC
9:44 my test light just stays on doesnt turn off when i spin my dis how do i fix this issue im going crazy
OK it could be a few reasons. If you have electronic ignition, sometimes they will not work with static time and only a gun. Also, make sure your points are adjusted properly if they’re not, the light will not go out. Or a faulty condenser. And also make sure you’re clipping it onto the negative side of the coil. I hope this is helpful.
@@SladesVWBeetle ill try it out
Use top dead center “dimple” to set it too!
Excellent detailed video.
Thank you I appreciate that!!
Hey slade so I was just wondering when using the timing gun. So to time full advance, you just set the gun to 28-32 advance and then time it so the line on the pulley is tdc at 3000 rpm is that correct?
What you will do, set your gun to 30°, for starters.
Go up to approximately 3000 RPMs or until the timing mark quits floating.
And then adjust the timing to TDC, on the pulley.
That won’t be the little line on the pulley, but the “dimple” on the outer pulley closest to the rear of the car.
I just did a video on it. Sadly, it won’t be out for a couple of days. Explaining it better. You’ll notice on the link below where the TDC is….
www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/297466.jpg
So the connector for the spark plugs always needs to go on the number one cyl wire?
The firing order is 1-4-3-2. Just make sure they’re on the proper spots on the distributor cap.
@@SladesVWBeetle i understand that, my question is when you connect the timing gun is it necessary that goes on spark plug wire on cylinder 1?
@@monchy25 ohhhh okay! Yes!!
Must be on number one wire/cylinder, and on the timing light wire connector there’s always an arrow. The arrow will point towards the Spark Plug.
Keep kickin ass Slade!
Thank you Glen! I truly appreciate that.
I just found your channel a couple of days ago and your videos have been very usefull for me! I'm working on my grandmas old beetle here in sweden and i really appreciate you taking your time explaining everything thruly :) I'm looking forward for your next video!
Thank you very much my friend, and thank you so much for being here. I am always excited when I know the videos are helping other folks.
Awesome video! Many thanks. Cheers from Sweden
Legend. Thanks for sharing. Best video's I have seen.
Great stuff, when static timing, do you time on TDC or 7.5deg. Before TDC
You would static time it at the 7.5 BTDC. Sometimes when I’m filming, my older brain forgets to explain. I always feel like everyone can see exactly what I’m doing 🙄Thanks so much for being here Mike!
@@SladesVWBeetle What about the short distributors, do they time at TDC? I have a 113-905-205M in my 67 beetle, where should I be setting time on it?
@@gorillasnacks3393 you will normally put the notch to the split in the case of where the timing would be for your car. Like some are 5 ATDC and then of course some are 7.5 BTDC wherever the time is proper for the year of your car.
@@SladesVWBeetle Yeah, I can't go by the year of my car because every piece of the engine is from all different years and models. That's why I'm having such a hard time with it.
The car is a 1967 beetle, but the engine is a hodgepodge of all different year parts. The block is from a type 3 fuel injected engine. (UO number). The heads (as far as I know) are regular 1600DP heads, the intake is dual port but modified at the flange to run a single port 30 pict 2 carb. The distributor is the short 113-905-205M.
When it ran, it was the best running beetle on the planet! It ran better than my Honda Civic. But when she quit running, no one has been able to get her going again. I've taken it to 3 different VW repair shops with no luck whatsoever. I'm at the point now where I'm getting ready to just pull the engine out and replace it with a rebuilt one. This beetle is absolutely killing me. Lol
@@gorillasnacks3393 that’s quite odd that no VW mechanic was able to get it running. That is very strange.
When you say can’t get it running, do you have fuel, and spark? That has to be my first question of course lol
Really great video!! Very calm and clear instructions!! Thank you! I can't wait to follow this 68 build!
Thanks brother! I’m very excited about this project. Thanks for being here.
Thank you for making these videos! I found this video very informational! I am working on a 1970 Volkswagen beetle. I am having a problem with finding information about the lower section of the distributor. In my car the distributor quit rotating. It seems that the Upper and lower portions of the distributor are not mating together. It is as if one or the other shaft is out of position causing too large of a tolerance between the distributor driveshaft and the distributor shaft. Any trouble shooting guidance would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!!
How do you get the half moon in the right place if you csnt turn with distributor in?
Excellent video very much appreciated from 🇬🇧
So helpful, many thanks and yes im now subscribed 🤙
Do you have timing light video
Actually I just realized I don’t. But of course I will in the very near future. You may have already set yours by the time I do.
@@SladesVWBeetle lol , maybe. You have some great information. Working on a field find….009 with 34 pict 3 giving some headaches..
Gonna switch to svda points diz and go from there.
Thanks!!
Dis you ever do a video on the 09 I think that what I have . 73 AK 1432 my distributor has a vacuum adv. Notch points to #1 at TDC but rotor points more to back does run but not well just need to know if it's timed right is it supposed to be that way with rotor pointing towards back?
Very informative good vid seen some stuff I didn't think about thanks
Thanks very much Dave, and thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment.
Hoping you can help me we're trying to do static time we have electronic ignition when I hook it up and touch light to motor the light comes on. Not sure whats happening
I have a question about turning the motor,I currently have a 1600 on my bench and I know bout the dizzy being in before turning the motor,but the crank moved about 1/2" as I was shuffling the motor around the table,before the dizzy was in,do you think I caused any damage? Or does it have to have more of a turn to cause damage?
I'm possibly looking to replace my 009 with a VA distributor and I've never done any work with the distributor as in removing it so this video is great. Also for the static timing. Gives me a lot to check.
When doing your static timing, I have to do a new video on it.
Set your pulley to TDC, the “dimple” at the rear of the pulley, as in the rear of the car.
Hope that made sense. I have mine advanced I shouldn’t of done that, it will confuse people
@@SladesVWBeetle my bug came with an aftermarket pulley with the markings on them. Not sure if I should keep it or would you recommend I go back to stock?
I appreciate these videos It’s kinda like the live version of the John Muir manual. Only better because you can rewind and quicker than rereading !
Thanks very much, I truly appreciate the kind comment. I wished I knew everything unfortunately I don’t. Lol
What issues will arise if I turned my engine without the distributor in and how do I fix any issues that I created when doing this?
You can end up damaging the teeth at the end of the distributor drive gear and crank.
@@SladesVWBeetle I only turned it by hand to replace the pistons. Do you think I could still have caused damage even with only turning by hand? Thank you so much for your videos. They are great and very well explained.
Great video. A real good step by step. And yes static timing is so important. I usually do it by moving the dist while I have a plug out touching the block. I guess i should break down and get a test light lol
I grab the cheap test light at Harbor freight. But honestly the way you’re doing it that’s perfectly fine also my friend
Hi Slade, I am getting a 10 degrees delay before the router arm moves when tuning the pulley wheel, is that normal.
Thanks
Very good information, and well communicated as always. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much! And thanks for chiming in.
Hey man so got a question for ya It My bug Idles 100% perfectly. I can rev as high as I want, all the power is there when its in neutral, sounds great. But as soon as I get into first and try to take off, it sputters and jumps and doesn't want to run smooth. The fuel line is clear (tested by a mouthful of disgusting gas). The spark plug wires are all tight. I'm just really not sure whats wrong. Any suggestions
I have a question I am only getting spark on number one spark plug wire the other three are dead what causes that
hello im trying to do my static timing but my test light is on continually, its plug into the negative but as soon as i ground it the light is always on.
Check to make sure the points are closing. They may be staying open.
@@SladesVWBeetle Its a electronic ignition
I'm using 009 distributor my number one is number 4 on yours should I go stock or is it different from stock to 009 should I go back to both stock pulleys,is belt size different for both or same
If your distributor clamp did came loose while the engine was turning how do you get the crank timing back to TDC. Tx .
When timing tighten the clamp just enough so you can move the distributor by hand. If you have it just right it won't move by itself. Then snug it.
Great job!! Your explanation was spot-on. Did you do an actual video using the timing light? Thanks
Thank you!! No, I haven’t yet. But....my buddy is coming over next week for me to adjust valves and points, and timing. I’ll definitely film it.!
@@SladesVWBeetle I'm sure viewers would also be really interested in seeing a video on timing for electronic ignition. Thanks
Great video thanks for your time.
Thank you Douglas for taking out the time to comment and be here I appreciate that also.
I just got a Bosch 009 Style Centrifugal Advance - without the vacuum... first thing I noticed is the rotor points a bit different for #1. I also made it TDC but i'm not getting the test light on. Its driving me nuts. I tried it 5 times today. What could i be doing wrong? 😢
Excellent content!
Much appreciated!
Thank you so much John! And thanks for always being here.
Great explanation and install.
Thanks very much my friend!
Great stuff, learned something new. Never had to do this before so it was nice to see how it is done! Thanks!!!
You’re very welcome, and thank you for taking out the time to leave a comment.
Best video out there👍👍👍👍
Amazing video, you're the only one (that I know of) who has went into depth on this topic. Covered it all. Much appreciated. Question, can electronic ignition be timed like so, if so, how. Coils are generally different so if you know the answer, great, if not, still thank you for the video
Thank you very much Jay, I try to keep it plain and simple but go into depth when possible. Now I have not owned an electronic ignition yet, but I will when the 68 is done.
But here’s what I found for you I hope it helps.
shoptalkforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=86294
Thank you for the nice videos. This one explains how to hook up the timing gun but it would have been nice to see it actually being used to time the engine.
Always a good idea to set the points gap to 0.4mm (0.016") before timing the engine.
Curious you say don't move the engine when the dizzy is out.
I did just that. How do you know that it sits down in the right place.
I have a 2lt, bus. Very few posts using buried bus motor.
It's been off service for two months.
I'm almost done. Cannot find a local vw mobile mech.
Brisbane has two only repair shops, one never answers there ph.
Anyway need assistance in getting dizzy correct timing seems correct, used static time from J Muir's book.
Any help greatfully appreciated.
Did you figure it out? I also did that 😂
@@stefanekb8175Hey just read your reply . Thanks, not sure , got the Caravelle running through dumb luck. I read most of the info I could find. Here we go again 10/2024, running like a pig, stalling at lights and over revving any other time. Replaced the vaccum adv dizzy with pointless, no convinced. I hoping today to put my previous dizzy back in.
Solex carbs are not happy, but I noted the rotor points to 4 about 90° off mark on dizzy for top dead centre. I have trouble getting help, I usually have to see something to understand the situation.
Anyway any assistance greatly appreciated.
Regards Evan
If the distributor gear is out 180 is there no way to correct that?
Yes!! You actually can correct it. You would need a distributor Drive tool …they’re not very expensive and you would pull it and turn it 180 and reinstall it.
You must be careful there are two flat washers at the bottom, “shims” that need to go back in without dropping them inside the engine. Or….
If it is 180 out, then you would just install your distributor 180 out, and make sure to rotate the wires. I surely hope that made sense. Thank you for being here.
Hello my friend
One thing bugging me,
You set your timing at TDC to start the engine I've seen you then move it to 32 degrees before DTC.
What's the point of setting up the first part of the timing.
That my bug won't start after I've moved it to total advanced timing.
Have to move it but to TDC to start again.???
Fantastic video, thanks man
Thank you also Nick...for taking the time to leave a comment.
@@SladesVWBeetle your videos are great for someone starting out like myself, so clear and concise; superb 👍 and you’re a Johnny Cash fan, can’t fault ya dude 😁🤙
Thank you!!! Much appreciated!! 🍺🍺
Great video
Thank you so much Gregg!!
I have a 1600 out of a 73 beetle and somebody turned the engine over without the distributor in place. What am I looking at to correct this any help would be appreciated most definitely Thanks
how do i find tdc if i only have 2 notches i assume 7.5 and 10 degrees?
LOVE THE BUG!!!!
Thanks for information
You’re very welcome, and thank you so much for leaving a comment.
Don't you pinch off the vacuum line when setting with a timing light?
My light didn't come on when I tried static timing. Bad coil or ground?
Hello! The engine of my vw 1302 L runs only with 3 cylinders , the spark plug on cylinder one has spark but the spark plug is clean .
I think that if it was working , the spark plug it will be dirty as the others..
Do you think that i have a serious problem,stucked valves etc?
Thank you in advance!
I have to mention that the carburettor wasn't tuned correctly for about 100kms.
my new electronic ignition distributor seems to retard the timing when i give the car gas instead of advance it. We put a vacuum hose on the distributor with the cap off and the mechanism goes the wrong direction when vacuum is applied. How can that be. what do you think. Greatly appreciated. 63 bug with a 73 motor. pict 34 carb.
actually Slade, you're supposed to line up the seam in the case with the dimple on the front of the pulley; to give you TDC. Not the 7.5 BTDC mark on the back of the pulley. Just a FYI buddy! YOU ROCK!
And that is what happen when I rushed to do a video instead of taking my time. I think I’m going to redo that video soon.
We bought a 69-beetle last year. The wires going to the horn were disconnected. Once connected the horn did not work with the key off. Once the key is in the on position the horn blows continuously. We are sure the trouble shooting process is simple, but we have yet to find a video showing a step-by-step procedure to trace the problem to its source. We are confident you could provide such a video or the information.
Great video. Would love to see the gun in action when you get it running
Thank you Daniel! I always try to film everything that I can.
Kool Video. 💪🏼😎💙👍🏻
Thank you so much Leonard! And thanks for being here every week.