CAUTION: Setting the timing requires you to work around the moving parts of a running engine. Extreme caution should be exercised at all times.
The timing discussed herein assumes that the distributor points are in good working condition and that the point gap has been set correctly. If you have electronic points installed be sure that they are working correctly.
The timing for a 009 distributor is set for a maximum advance of 28 to 32 degrees "before top dead center" (BTDC) at 3000 rpm. This maximum advance range is "measured" from "top dead center" (TDC). For the purposes of this article we will be using 32 degrees as the desired maximum advance.
Quote1:"The reason some people use 28* or 30* BTDC at maximum advance is due to fuel octane/cylinder compression and engine heat. The lower the advance the lower the octane you can run on with a higher CR (Compression Ratio) and it will allow your engine to run cooler. I personally set all tuned engines to 28* and standard engines to 30*."
Quote2:"I go as far as 34 degrees with the hemi cut heads".
Quote 1 and 2 are both speaking the same "language". The fuel octane/cylinder compression ratio is the key. Quote 1 is referring to Stock or higher compression ratios, and Quote 2 is referring to modifications he does to engines to lower the compression ratio below stock. It can be inferred that the higher the compression ratio the lower the timing needs to be to run lower octane fuels and keep the engine heat at the desired level.
The maximum advance for the 009 is actually reached around 2500 rpm and continues at that level as the rpm increases. 3000 rpm is used for timing the 009 to be sure that the maximum advance has been reached.
Fully stock Volkswagen Type 1 engines are timed at idle by lining up a notch in the in the lower generator/alternator pulley with the split in the engine case. This notch was set at the factory for the degrees before, after, or at top dead center that was necessary for setting the timing with the stock distributor with the engine at idle.
The example used a Sunpro CP7519 Advance Timing Analyzer, and a Sunpro CP7603 Dwell Tach. These devices are compatible with the systems on VW's and are used in the descriptions in this article. Please refer to the instructions for your timing light, tach, and electronic points or ignition system for any variations that may be necessary for your system.
The timing light is in the shape of a pistol and has a dial on the back of the light marked in degrees (0 to 60). It also has a clamp type pickup that you fit around the No. 1 plug wire, and it has electrical leads. With the clamp on the No. 1 plug wire and the electrical leads connected, the dial should then be set for the amount of advance desired. If the pulley is notched or properly marked for TDC then set the dial to 32 degrees. If the pulley is notched for degrees "after top dead center" (ATDC), then set the dial for the sum of 32 degrees PLUS the notch setting. If the pulley is notched for degrees "before top dead center" (BTDC), then set the dial for 32 degrees MINUS the notch setting.
The Dwell Tach has leads that are connected to the body and to the minus terminal on the coil. The Dwell Tach's two switches should be set for a 4-cylinder engine and for Hi rpm.
Loosen the distributor clamp, and with the engine warmed up at idle and the Advance Timing Light and the Dwell Tach set and connected, speed up the engine until 3000 rpm is reached. Keeping the rpm at 3000, and using the Advance Timing Light, rotate the distributor until the notch lines up with the split in the engine case.
Shut down the engine and tighten the distributor clamp while being careful not to move the distributor. Restart the engine and check the timing at 3000 rpm. If the notch still lines up, then you are through setting the timing. (A second person to keep the engine at 3000 rpm while you set the timing is a big help).
First you need to find TDC on the lower generator/alternator pulley. Volkswagen has marked TDC on some pulleys but by different methods. If you are positive that you have a mark for TDC then use it. If you have doubts about where TDC is on your pulley, I suggest either physically finding TDC or having someone with an Advance Timing Light locate it for you.
To physically find TDC do the following: Take out the number one spark plug and insert a dowel or other similar object. Turn the engine clockwise by using a wrench on the pulley nut and observe the dowel's movement. The moment the dowel stops rising, mark the dowel against a reference point on the engine. Repeat the engine turning and dowel marking until you are positive you have found the point where piston is at its' top most position. Do not move anything. Now mark your pulley (with a pencil), on the rim nearest the engine case, directly in line with the split in the engine case.
You now need to remove the valve cover and make sure that the exhaust and intake valves for the No. 1 cylinder are closed. If they are closed you have found TDC. If they are not closed, you have either not found the top most position of your No. 1 cylinder or there is some problem within the engine. Once TDC is located on your pulley I suggest using a hacksaw and cutting a small notch at TDC.
To find TDC with an Advance Timing Light do the following: Set the advance dial for 0 degrees and run the engine at idle. Using the light, observe the approximate distance of the split in the engine case from the original timing notch. Stop the engine and mark the pulley with a grease pencil the observed distance from the original timing mark. Repeat the marking until the mark lines up with the split in the engine case at idle with the Advance Timing Light set at 0 degrees. As a further check, you can check that the valves are closed (see the paragraph above).
To set the timing for the 009 from TDC with a standard timing light you can use one of the following methods:
For 30 degrees BTDC: The timing mark for 30 degrees BTDC is 43 mm to the right of TDC. Simply measure this distance and make a mark on the rim of the pulley. Using the "static" timing light with the engine running at 3000 rpm, adjust the distributor to line up this mark with the split in the engine case.
For 32 degrees BTDC: The total advance given by the 009 distributor is 22 degrees at 3000 rpm. In order to make up this difference, you will need to set the timing for 10 degrees BTDC at idle (22 & 10 = 32). Take a 15-mm open-end wrench and lay the wrench on the pulley, with the left side of the opening on your TDC pulley mark, and mark the right side of the opening on the pulley. The mark will be at 10 degrees BTDC. Use this mark to set the timing at idle using the "standard timing light".