Ignition timing question - 1800 DX K-Jet

Just been looking through here and the Haynes manual for an ignition timing guide but not quite finding the answers to…

1. Does the 'dash' on the flywheel need to be 'in the middle' of the viewing hole?  
2. Do I need to disconnect the distributor vacuum pipe?
3. What revs should I use?

Cheers

Rene

Nom said

1. Does the 'dash' on the flywheel need to be 'in the middle' of the viewing hole?  
2. Do I need to disconnect the distributor vacuum pipe?
3. What revs should I use?

1. First if you get down a little lower and look up at the top edge of the "viewing hole" you should see a pointer facing down towards the flywheel (it's cast into the transmission case). Next are the flywheel markings. There is a "dot" (cast into the flywheel) which is top dead center (TDC). About 12mm from that dot will be a notch machined into the flywheel. It looks like someone used a triangle file and made a mark along the ridge of the flywheel. That is the 6 degree mark. The TDC mark is used to set the motor up, i.e. timing belt, and the notch is the factory ignition timing position.
2. No, for your motor leave it attached.
3. Idle, that should be around 900RPM (don't have a manual handy).

Ahhh - excellent help, thanks.  Didn't realise there's a pointer to line the marks up against - this is not pointed out in the otherwise excellent Haynes!

on the DX you have to disconnect and plug the vac line, hence why the mark is at 6 degrees BTDC. on the 1.6/1.8 carb models the mark is at 17degrees BTDC, with these engines engines you leave the hose connected.

Ahh - a difference of opinion - what fun!

So… John would I -

1. Remove the hose from the dizzy and plug, or
2. Remove the hose from the manifold and plug, or
3. Plug both the dizzy and the manifold?

Makes sense to me your suggestion, on previous cars I've always needed to remove the vacuum pipe.  What does Grimyfingers reckon?!

Cheers

R

you pop the hose from the dizzy itself, and plug the end
haynes and the ElsaWin repair manual VW mechanics use both agree that this is the way to do it

Wicked John, thanks.  and to Grimyfingers too

Nom said

  What does Grimyfingers reckon?!

Not that it matters, but yes, on the DX the vacuum is removed. I did say somewhere that I didn't have a manual handy. Best to always check a manual before doing any work and not take anything printed or spoken as Gospel.

ah, but having people to ask makes it much more fun  Cheers all.

also only time it to 6deg is you are running super unlead.... if its just 95ron normal unleaded time it to 0deg.

i noticed a bit of pinking the other day so last night i got a timing gun on it ! after spending some time getting TDC with vac off it was 6.3  which i believe is as near as it can be , so it must be down to cheap tesco fuel, so what would be the best fuel to use ?

need 97ron fuel in a k-jet ideally, i used sainsburies own in my 166v set to 8deg btdc and it were always spot on