Pic Request : Rotor while engine is well timed (27deg BTDC) Options

[Literati914]

I'm hoping someone can snap a picture of the distributor with it's cap off - to show where the Rotor is pointing while the engine is actually timed to 27 degrees (the normal factory timing over all the 914 typeIV engines, I believe).

No adjustments would be needed on your end of course - BUT to make the picture usable it would require the photographer to rotate his/her engine to the initial timing "0" degree mark on the compression stroke with the engine off. (your car stays timed at 27 of course)

Why do I need this? - because I'd like to get the rotor in the ball-park before my assistant (w/ very limited experience) tries to maintain 3500rpm with my somewhat sticky throttle (to address soon).

So, may be kind of a hassle but I'd think it could also help others trying to time their engines for the first time too. We know what the rotor looks like at TDC, but there are no pictures available like what I'm asking for (I looked but couldn't find). I'd appreciate it if someone could help please!

ps - if posting the pic is an issue, I can provide my phone# so you can text it to me and I'll post it. LMK

[brant]

the problem is the gear under the distributor can often get moved 1 tooth.
making it look like 2 distributors are at different positions, when they are really both TDC

you have to pull a valve cover and verify TDC

[JamesM]

the problem is the gear under the distributor can often get moved 1 tooth.
making it look like 2 distributors are at different positions, when they are really both TDC

you have to pull a valve cover and verify TDC

The majority i see are off in some way. You are lucky if its only off one tooth. I have seen them so far off as to have to re-index the plug wires.

[fixer34]

the problem is the gear under the distributor can often get moved 1 tooth.
making it look like 2 distributors are at different positions, when they are really both TDC

you have to pull a valve cover and verify TDC

The majority i see are off in some way. You are lucky if its only off one tooth. I have seen them so far off as to have to re-index the plug wires.

Actually it doesn't really matter how the gear is indexed as related to the timing. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/stirthepot.gif)
The issue is with mechanical interference of the vacuum advance to the engine when installing it.
As long as the engine is at #1 TDC and the rotor lines up with the #1 plug wire location, you are good.
It does confuse the hell out of fellow 914 teeners though.

[ClayPerrine]

the problem is the gear under the distributor can often get moved 1 tooth.
making it look like 2 distributors are at different positions, when they are really both TDC

you have to pull a valve cover and verify TDC

The majority i see are off in some way. You are lucky if its only off one tooth. I have seen them so far off as to have to re-index the plug wires.

Actually it doesn't really matter how the gear is indexed as related to the timing. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/stirthepot.gif)
The issue is with mechanical interference of the vacuum advance to the engine when installing it.
As long as the engine is at #1 TDC and the rotor lines up with the #1 plug wire location, you are good.
It does confuse the hell out of fellow 914 teeners though.

Actually, that is somewhat incorrect. Yes, the engine will run with the rotor pointed to any distributor tower. However, on a VW Type IV distributor, the #3 point cam lobe is retarded about 3 degrees from the other three. That is to drop the temperature on the hottest running cylinder. So you have to install the distributor drive correctly or the #3 cylinder will run hot.

This only applies to factory distributors. I don't know about aftermarket distributors.