An air cooled newbie, 009 distributor and mis-adjusted valve

[Big Fat]

I set out to make my car run properly, since it's the only real thing bothering me about my car - but it's a fairly big thing.

As documented over several days here, I attempted to adjust my valves "by the book" - that is, using Muir's Manual. I eventually got the hang of it, and I'm fairly confident I've gotten the valves adjusted to within recommended specs (0.006") but when I started the car, it wouldn't stay running - and that's good because it sounded like a bogged down motorboat.

I've been reading about timing the 009, how crappy of a distributor it is, how it's timed differently, etc., and I realized that perhaps I've screwed up in following the manual to the letter.

I'm assuming that all timing figures (as related to valve adjustment) given in the book are based off of stock VW distributors. So basically, if I used those figures, than the setup for the 009 distributor is potentially way off.

At the end of all this, I guess my question is... how do I "reset" the timing to be able to start fresh?

Does any of this make sense?
_________________
Ice Blue '67 Squareback

[Air-Cooled Head]

This probably isn't the best way, but it's what I did when I had 009. 2 people makes it easy, but can be done alone.

Crank the car while VERY SLOWLY rotating the dizzy. You'll eventually hit a spot where the motor fires. Start from there.

There's a post on how to set the timing for a 009, but I couldn't find it quickly.
_________________
Everything known to man has been written.
Readers are Leaders!

[Squarely67]

Here's what Bobnotch suggests.

[Big Fat]

[Squarely67]

Yup, that's the way it's done. Are you rotating the engine COUNTERCLOCKWISE 180 degrees? That way, after number 1, you can do number 2 on the same side. Then 3 and 4 on the other side.

[Big Fat]

Yeah, the rotor was turning counter-clockwise as I handspun the engine.

So do I use the left notch initially, adjust the valves that way, and THEN use the middle notch (7.5* BTDC) to statically set the timing of the 009?

The one thing I'm not sure of is setting the timing at 3000rpms as is recommended all over the place for the 009 - I know I need a dial type timing light - but what is the exact procedure?
_________________
Ice Blue '67 Squareback

[Big Fat]

Ok, so the car is running... barely. It still won't hold idle, but it runs. Just not well.

I have an appointment with an expert a/c mechanic a couple towns over - it's about a 40 minute drive.

My car sounds a fair bit quieter now that I've adjusted the valves/timed it - not sure if that's good or not. Also, it backfires really loud a fair bit. Not when I'm giving gas, only when I'm slowing down in gear.

Basically my questions are, can you guys suggest anything to check before I make this drive? I don't mind being down on power or whatever, I just don't want to HURT anything getting there.

Thanks guys!
_________________
Ice Blue '67 Squareback

[jimmynotch]

I went through the same thing as you and the 009 thing can get frustrating. I talked to a vw guy here and he recomended this. Before you try to adjust timing, take the carb linkage off and turn your idle screw (screws if you have dual carbs) all the way out till your car is barely running and sync them. The idea is to take all the advance out of your dizzy. Then reconnect the linkage and make sure they are still synced. I started with an idle of about 750-800 RPM. Using a tach and a dial timing light I set my timing at 30* and let the idle fall where it did. Because not all 009 are the same, you may have to advance or retard it a little to get it right.

After all that is done, set your idle back at 900 RPMs. I did it this way and I think I got it right... finally. If you want another thread to read, go here:


http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=65601&highlight=009+timing

or here

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=116355

hope thais helps.
_________________
Jim in Sacto -

[Big Fat]

Hmm... well I dont' have a timing light and the car won't hold idle so I can't try either of those things... but thanks for the advice.

The car is statically timed at 7.5*BTDC now so I guess I'll try 15* like that link you posted mentions and see if that makes any changes.
_________________
Ice Blue '67 Squareback