Properly time VW

I am working on a dune buggy equipped with an old VW engine. We believe it to be a 1600cc, since it's rumored it was pulled from a '60s bug. The problem we are running into is all ignition.

The engine has been sitting in a garage for 5 years for the current owner and 10+ for the previous. We put on a good stock 1bb carb, and what is believed to be a bosch distributor [not sure if it's the 009.. but it doesn't have a vacuum advance]. Neither of us have ever really done any VW work, and neither any experience with distributors. I know the basics.. but I really have no clue how to properly do it on this engine [or any other for that matter]. Ultimately we pulled the distributor off a junk engine [it worked when it was put away], then bolted it on the new engine. We tried playing with the timing by twisting the rotor.. but we only got about 2/5 [of 360*] of movement because of clearance issues on the motor. I've got the proper plug wiring but that's about all. So can someone shed some light on how to properly setup the distributor for this engine so we can get it running?

Timing on a 009 is done at 3000rpm. You set it at 28* btdc. You are right, the 009 does not have a vacuum advance.
Clark

Timing, as well as tune-up parts, are all dependent on the model of distributor you have. The 009 is the most common of the non-vacuum distributors, but there are others. (050 for example)

There should be a stamping on the side of the distributor that looks something like this:

113-905-205T

The .009 will be like this:

126-905-205 (VW)
or
0231 178 009 (Bosch)

Once you have the dist# I can let you know the exact timing specs and proper parts list.

Actually what I meant was how to install the darn thing. I haven't even got close to timing it :-\. Also the crank pulley isn't labelled for time.. so I don't know if we can even time it to a degree.. just time it to engine performance and sound.

I just want to know how to install it with a couple degrees of timing... because we can't even the engine to start. And I know for a fact it's timing because the motor has spit out fire and puffed smoke out the carb.

Actually what I meant was how to install the darn thing. I haven't even got close to timing it :-\. Also the crank pulley isn't labelled for time.. so I don't know if we can even time it to a degree.. just time it to engine performance and sound.

I just want to know how to install it with a couple degrees of timing... because we can't even the engine to start. And I know for a fact it's timing because the motor has spit out fire and puffed smoke out the carb.

The crank pulley should have notches to indicate timing marks. Probably 3, with the notch to the far left being TDC.

What's the engine number? It's stamped right below the generator stand.

Absemt amy timing marks here's how to find TDC:

1) Remove the right (passenger side) valve cover.

2) Remove the #1 spark plug. (furthest toward the front on the right side)

3) Turn the engine over by hand until the intake valve on #1 cylinder starts to depress.

3) Stick a pencil or other skinny object into the #1 spark plug hole.

4) Turn the engine over until the #1 intake valve closes completely and the pencil indicates that the #1 cylinder is at the full top position. If it starts to go down, just rotate backwards a bit, and go forward again until it is at top position. The engine is now at TDC.

5) Look at the distributor with the cap off. Along the edge of the distributor there is a notch in the surface that the cap seals to. The notch should be at the approx 4 O'Clock position. The rotor should be pointing to that notch. If it isn't, the pull the dist, rotate the dist shaft 180 degrees and reinstall.

6) While you're here, look at the crank pulley. There should be a notch in the pulley that is lined up with the split in the case at 12:00. That is your TDC mark.

When you get to this point, let us know how you're doing, and we can do your timing. Again, the model number of the dist will determine the exact settings.