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.

[@matthewbaker1419]

This video saved me! I set my distributor to 7.5 degrees but the car ran poorly. I adjusted the position of the distributor with the car running and got it running like a champ! Then, I re-checked with a timing light and noticed I over-advanced it way too much. Moral of the story, don't adjust timing by sound. Use the timing light! Interesting to see how much impact movements make.

[@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 😁

[@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.

[@marcwilburn9315]

Great and extremely helpful! Thanks!

[@69_vw_westi]

Nice straight forward video.

[@VWClassicFix]

Thanks Greg!

[@johnslow5913]

GREAT VIDEO. 👍

[@MarsGarage333]

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.

[@SanDiego_VDubLife]

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

[@ToddGill-z5p]

28-32 full advance

[@muhammadgaluh266]

Thank you from here indonesia!

[@VWClassicFix]

You are most welcome!

[@WadeGipson]

Thank You!!😁

[@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?

[@excaliburgarage]

The springs in the magnaspark are the stock springs ?

[@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

[@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.

[@michaelknight2897]

What kind of distro and clamp is that?

[@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.

[@vwbtl9]

How far from tdc is 32 degrees?

[@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

[@Ljblossom]

Too advanced for me. What you were seeing with the light totally escaped me. This is not lesson one on the timing light.

[@jimmyjames6267]

Do it with the engine in the car!!!