1200 cc Timing

[johber41]

A question for the mechanics out there! On a 1961 stock 1200 cc 40 hp Type 1 VW engine, how far is OK to set your timing before TDC? The on-line techs say 10 degrees is the regular setting. The tech sheets I have been reading show the following settings;

Plug Gap: 26
Points Gap: 16
Valve Settings- Intake: 008
Exhaust: 010-012
Timing: 10 degrees BTDC

I am finding that if I set the timing a half inch (Do not have a regulated pulley) before 10 degrees BTDC, the engine seems to run much smoother and with a little more power. I guess I am asking if this is damaging, or if it is possible that things have changed with the polishing of the heads and the pistons? I am also wondering if the engine would run cooler on the current setting since it appears to run smoother and quieter at the exhaust?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

[GregR]

This is a page from a 1961 Owner's Manual (published August 1960)
Looks like VW specified 10 BTDC.

[Russhebert]

I think from my dealings with these cars is the total advance is a more important issue.

[johber41]

Thanks for the sheet Greg...that is how I read it, but Russ you are on to something. I do not have a 009 distributor and all of the "how-to" videos I have been watching do include that model. I statically timed the engine to 10 degrees BTDC and then I figured out how to utilize my 12V battery charger for a power source for my 70's model Sears timing light, my car is still stock 6V. Russ, I believe that you are correct because when I put the timing light on it, the distributor, old Bosch with a bakelite cap, big vacuum advance module attached, (see pic) immediately takes the mark to 30 degrees BTDC and the thing runs great. When I pull the vacuum advance hose from the distributor, the timing goes back down to 10 degrees BTDC. In the videos, the mechanic has to rev the engine to get the 009 distributor go to 32 degrees BTDC. I am still learning, but the lesson here for me is that the vacuum advance sends the timing to the needed setting right after start up. Does that sound right?

Thanks guys!

[johber41]

Found out that my Solex 28 PIC carburator was leaking significantly at the main throttle bushings. With this in mind, the vacuum advance issues I was having when trying to time my engine were likely due to the carburator leak. I have replaced it with a 30 PIC and what a difference. The timing is now accurate at 10 degrees BTDC at idle with the vacuum advance moving to about 32 degrees BTDC at maximum advance. Someone asked me why I did not change to a 32 PIC or even a 34 PIC and I explained that I am running a 6 volt system and the advanced carburators were utilizing a 12 volt idle solenoid.

[staggerwing]

Sounds perfect to me. And that is a very nice engine you have there sir. It should last forever if you're nice to it. I'm jealous!

[johber41]

Appreciate you Richard! It is already 50 years old and for all I know, I have probably been running it to far advanced thus running it hot! I hope you are right and that it keeps going. It is gutsy for a 1200 CC single port engine!