Ignition timing for dummies?

[sailingfc at dslextreme.com (Dick Y Wong)]

Can't help you on the initial ignition setting.  I don't run a knock box.

I don't think it is the injectors because you have a good idle.  If
injectors were spraying bad, they would spray bad all the time.  But maybe
there's not enough fuel coming through at higher RPMs...  do you know if you
have a clean fuel filter?

On the timing thing, are all the vacuum lines hooked up correctly on the
distributor?  If you're too advanced, you will get pinging(non knock box
setup), if you're too retarded... no top end.

Good Luck!

-Dick-
78 Scirocco
Original Owner
95 Passat GLX
Second Owner


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So, ignition is knock electronic, and is advanced a fair bit past 6*BTDTC,
it's a 10:1 engine with a G grind.

What are the symptoms of :
a) too advanced
b) too retarded

on this setup. I know it can advance /retard depending on load/knock, but
by how much? as in 1 degree? 10?

The other possible candidate offender would be injectors, it's a used set,
as my "new set" clogged up and didn't spray nicely.

I have a few more things to look at tomorrow, so I'll deal with those, and
double check where the ignition timing is at. And trust me, the basics have
been covered, to death. But ask anyway if something might come to mind.

On the winning side, idle just will not budge from 1000 and is damned
steady for a straight CIS car, which is so very nice. Finally.

Cathy, seeking perfection...
>>>