Setting timing properly without a strobe

[bmm]

So I decided to man up on the weekend, and thought I'd replace the tappets to get rid of the bag of spanners the 8V PB engine had become.  Seemed to go well, until it came to do the timing, as I'd foolishly decided to replace the belts while I was at it  :embarassed:

I've got the timing nearly there, but I'm still left with a decidedly unhappy engine.  I got the crank pulley, intermediate shaft, flywheel and camshaft marks all lined up nicely following rubjohnny's ace guide (except the dizzy timing - first thing I'll do this weekend!) but now I'm stumped.

How can I do the next bit about getting it to advance the timing to the diamond mark on the flywheel without a strobe?  I did stumble on a guide on vwvortex - http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?3281138 - which sounds like it might be useful.  Does it sound sensible or is it going to make me tear a bit more hair out?  Any ideas?

[danny_p]

just buy a cheep timeing light TBH  the fuel you save will pay for it in not very long

[h8v]

Ebay has then buy-it-now for a bit less than £20, unless you want to wait for an auction to end, when you would probably get one for less.

It's the only way to set up the dynamic timing accurately, and you won't regret having it ready on the shelf when you next need to play with the distributor.

h8v.

[rubjonny]

you'll never get a digi setup right without one.
main advice re: timing lights i can give is make sure its an inductive pickup one, saves you lots of hassle. apart from that any cheapo light will do, no need for any advance dials or rev counters, though they can be handy.

[bmm]

Damn, you're right - at least when I get one I'll be able to make sure it's all set up sweetly, rather than relying on the guys down at the garage who'd normally plug in a laptop to do that kind of thing...

[h8v]

Best way to do it.  You'll be glad you've got it and you can rent it out to your friends

h8v

[newlad]

hi, sorry to sound like an idiot and sorry to but in, i'm about to re-con my head and will be replacing the water pump and timing belt, how does a light work exactly? any advice welcome

[weazgti]

It connects to a plug lead and flashes when that plug lead is firing whilst you point it at the mark on the flywheel

[newlad]

i see, so is there markings on the flywheel where the light should be hitting? sorry for my ignorance

[The Mighty Elvi]

More or less.  When the spark plug fires, No1 cylinder should be at TDC.  The strobe lights up when the spark plug fires and lights up a mark on the flywheel as it spins. 

The marks should line up at every flash when the timing is correct.  If not,  you adjust the distributor position until the marks line up.

Basically when the piston has reached its max height, and compressed the fuel & air mixture, this is when you want the spark plug to ignite.  This gives you the most bang for your buck.