Crankshaft Pulley

gregespo73 · 1 October 2014 06:53

Hi Scott, did you buy one of "Rosco's" hord? I would have thought you would swap the svx into the 2wd and go all new 2.5 on the syncro. Greg

From: "spbconsulting@bigpond.com [Syncro_T3_Australia]" <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com>
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, 1 October 2014, 15:03
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Distributor function

Ken,

If you don't want your old dizzy - I need one - I bought a 2wd Caravelle last weekend and its missing the following:

Drivers side head

Air box + AFM

Distributor

Alternator

Otherwise complete but apparently has a problem with the drivers side connecting rod bearing as it was noisy when running over 5 years ago.

Motor still turns over and has good compression to the passenger side head.

If anyone has any spare bits - let me know - I would love to get this thing running.

Thanks and cheers,

Skot

On 1/10/2014 2:39 PM, Ken Garratt unclekenz@hotmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Hi Scott,
Thanks a lot for these trialling procedures described ... definitely worth a go, even if for no other reason than getting some hands-on distributor function experimental time.

A couple of other queries to make on this topic please.

I know the pulley TDC mark is correct because its "groove" is at centre split case position when rotor is pointing at No.1 cylinder so ....

Have you ever seen a T3 (Vanagon) triple drive pulley that only has the TDC "groove"? If not, that's how mine is. No sign at all of the "notch" for 5 degrees BTDC. Is such a pulley with a missing 5 degree "notch" unusual?

If for say just experimental reasons I swap out my present distributor for the "rebuilt by Bosch" spare I now have ... see same at http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van_1223689737929/page_612_1153/distributor-bosch.html, is this a simple straightforward swap procedure, ensuring first the rotor is pointing in the same direction as the old distributor removed, to help engage the distributor clutch into the offset keyway of the driveshaft? If it's that simple, then I assume I can then continue on with trialling the setup procedures you described. Or have I missed something else with this changeover? Thankyou.

Cheers.

Ken

To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 15:47:29 -1000
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Crankshaft Pulley

if you've lost respsoniveness and power by changing the timing, and no other changes...
the timing is not advanced enough.
( for the fun of it, you should make sure your timing advances when you rev it. The ECU controls that so it's highly likely to be advancing when you rev it. )

Unless 'other things' are messed up ...
this basically works.
Advance the timing ( turn dist counter-clockwise ) ..in this case I'd start with 1/4th of an inch at the dist outer edge..
drive it.
try to make it ping by giving it a lot of throttle at lowish rpm.
if you can make it ping ...the timing is too advanced.
when you get to where it responds well and you can't make it ping ..
back off the timing just a little and you'll be close.

there is another back yard method that can work ..
BUT ....idle factors MUST be working ...
which are ..
throttle switch must be making contact at idle ( can't begin to express how many dozens , hundreds even, I've found not working )
thottle body has to be working right.
if you idle rpm does not change in a fairly linear manner when you turn that large air screw ( a little less than 1/2 inch in diameter ) ..in is slower ..
if it does not repsond there .....for whatever reason ....throttle body itself, air leaks, Air Idle Control Valve not working ..
control unit for it not working < common > ..
then you can't do this back yard timing adjustment, which works amazingly well.

if it's warmed up and idles right ..
with engine running turn dist counterclockwise advancing timing ..it'll idle faster and faster as you turn ..
when you get to where it doesn't speed up the idle ..stop turning it any further that direction...
that's probably 40 degree advance or something extreme like that ..

then turn it the other way until it almost stalls ...where it's very retarded.
turn back and forth a few times between 'that's way advanced and that's way retarded' ..
then put the dist right in the middle of those two extremes.

adjust idle, go for a test drive.
Again ..basically 'everything' has to be working right to do this effectively ..
good injectors, good Temp Sensor II ..
good Air Flow Meter ...good fuel pressure and FP regulator
etc. etc.
and good plugs and wires. If plug wires are old or cheap, they are suspect.

have fun !

On 9/30/2014 2:43 PM, Ken Garratt unclekenz@hotmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Les and all,
So, I've had a go at adjusting my ignition timing as per GoWesty decal spec - (warmed up motor, newly marked 35 degree setting @ 3000rpm), then using a timing light, adjusted distributor body clockwise to achieve new pulley mark steady at TDC). Then took van for a test run. Found the motor responsiveness to now be quite gutless. So back to the drawing board. Not at all sure how to proceed/experiment further other than returning the distributor body back to or near its original setting.

Anyone else had a similar experience? Or did I go wrong somewhere with this procedure?

Cheers.

Ken

To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 14:44:09 +1000
Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Crankshaft Pulley

Ken,

I have emailed GoWesty to draw their attention to the conflict of information.

My timing light is just plain vanilla and I don’t have a tacho so I will buy one and set it up before I get back to the timing.

Before that, I will permanently mark the fan pulley at 35⁰.

Les

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com]
Sent: 29 September 2014 11:53
To: _T3_Australia forum Syncro
Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Crankshaft Pulley

Hi Les,

Looks like GoWesty needs to do a makeover of their description AND their decal ... it's all somewhat ambiguous/unclear.

Still, having this pointed out and now the wiser, we can hopefully all move on with a clearer understanding.

Les, I've yet to check my ignition timing, something I've been wanting to do but not felt confident about the procedure. I do own a standard timing light with built-in tacho but not a later model with the dialer. If after completing your ignition timing adjustment using the 35 degree @ 3000rpm method, I'd appreciate your posting to this forum any thoughts on your procedural steps and pitfalls, if any. Thanks.

Ken

kombi4x427lc · 1 October 2014 08:07

No Greg,

Rossco is too far away - found one in N/W Sydney.

Its white - so cleaning a white car is difficult - the soap is the same colour as the van!

Not used to that.

I want a VW donk in this one.

Cheers,

Skot

On 1/10/2014 4:53 PM, Greg Esposito gregespo73@yahoo.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Hi Scott, did you buy one of "Rosco's" hord? I would have thought you would swap the svx into the 2wd and go all new 2.5 on the syncro. Greg

From: "spbconsulting@bigpond.com [Syncro_T3_Australia]" <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com>
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, 1 October 2014, 15:03
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Distributor function

Ken,

If you don't want your old dizzy - I need one - I bought a 2wd Caravelle last weekend and its missing the following:

Drivers side head

Air box + AFM

Distributor

Alternator

Otherwise complete but apparently has a problem with the drivers side connecting rod bearing as it was noisy when running over 5 years ago.

Motor still turns over and has good compression to the passenger side head.

If anyone has any spare bits - let me know - I would love to get this thing running.

Thanks and cheers,

Skot

On 1/10/2014 2:39 PM, Ken Garratt unclekenz@hotmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Hi Scott,
Thanks a lot for these trialling procedures described ... definitely worth a go, even if for no other reason than getting some hands-on distributor function experimental time.

A couple of other queries to make on this topic please.

I know the pulley TDC mark is correct because its "groove" is at centre split case position when rotor is pointing at No.1 cylinder so ....

Have you ever seen a T3 (Vanagon) triple drive pulley that only has the TDC "groove"? If not, that's how mine is. No sign at all of the "notch" for 5 degrees BTDC. Is such a pulley with a missing 5 degree "notch" unusual?

If for say just experimental reasons I swap out my present distributor for the "rebuilt by Bosch" spare I now have ... see same at http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van_1223689737929/page_612_1153/distributor-bosch.html, is this a simple straightforward swap procedure, ensuring first the rotor is pointing in the same direction as the old distributor removed, to help engage the distributor clutch into the offset keyway of the driveshaft? If it's that simple, then I assume I can then continue on with trialling the setup procedures you described. Or have I missed something else with this changeover? Thankyou.

Cheers.

Ken

To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 15:47:29 -1000
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Crankshaft Pulley

if you've lost respsoniveness and power by changing the timing, and no other changes...
the timing is not advanced enough.
( for the fun of it, you should make sure your timing advances when you rev it. The ECU controls that so it's highly likely to be advancing when you rev it. )

Unless 'other things' are messed up ...
this basically works.
Advance the timing ( turn dist counter-clockwise ) ..in this case I'd start with 1/4th of an inch at the dist outer edge..
drive it.
try to make it ping by giving it a lot of throttle at lowish rpm.
if you can make it ping ...the timing is too advanced.
when you get to where it responds well and you can't make it ping ..
back off the timing just a little and you'll be close.

there is another back yard method that can work ..
BUT ....idle factors MUST be working ...
which are ..
throttle switch must be making contact at idle ( can't begin to express how many dozens , hundreds even, I've found not working )
thottle body has to be working right.
if you idle rpm does not change in a fairly linear manner when you turn that large air screw ( a little less than 1/2 inch in diameter ) ..in is slower ..
if it does not repsond there .....for whatever reason ....throttle body itself, air leaks, Air Idle Control Valve not working ..
control unit for it not working < common > ..
then you can't do this back yard timing adjustment, which works amazingly well.

if it's warmed up and idles right ..
with engine running turn dist counterclockwise advancing timing ..it'll idle faster and faster as you turn ..
when you get to where it doesn't speed up the idle ..stop turning it any further that direction...
that's probably 40 degree advance or something extreme like that ..

then turn it the other way until it almost stalls ...where it's very retarded.
turn back and forth a few times between 'that's way advanced and that's way retarded' ..
then put the dist right in the middle of those two extremes.

adjust idle, go for a test drive.
Again ..basically 'everything' has to be working right to do this effectively ..
good injectors, good Temp Sensor II ..
good Air Flow Meter ...good fuel pressure and FP regulator
etc. etc.
and good plugs and wires. If plug wires are old or cheap, they are suspect.

have fun !

On 9/30/2014 2:43 PM, Ken Garratt unclekenz@hotmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Les and all,
So, I've had a go at adjusting my ignition timing as per GoWesty decal spec - (warmed up motor, newly marked 35 degree setting @ 3000rpm), then using a timing light, adjusted distributor body clockwise to achieve new pulley mark steady at TDC). Then took van for a test run. Found the motor responsiveness to now be quite gutless. So back to the drawing board. Not at all sure how to proceed/experiment further other than returning the distributor body back to or near its original setting.

Anyone else had a similar experience? Or did I go wrong somewhere with this procedure?

Cheers.

Ken

To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 14:44:09 +1000
Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Crankshaft Pulley

Ken,

I have emailed GoWesty to draw their attention to the conflict of information.

My timing light is just plain vanilla and I don’t have a tacho so I will buy one and set it up before I get back to the timing.

Before that, I will permanently mark the fan pulley at 35⁰.

Les

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com]
Sent: 29 September 2014 11:53
To: _T3_Australia forum Syncro
Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Crankshaft Pulley

Hi Les,

Looks like GoWesty needs to do a makeover of their description AND their decal ... it's all somewhat ambiguous/unclear.

Still, having this pointed out and now the wiser, we can hopefully all move on with a clearer understanding.

Les, I've yet to check my ignition timing, something I've been wanting to do but not felt confident about the procedure. I do own a standard timing light with built-in tacho but not a later model with the dialer. If after completing your ignition timing adjustment using the 35 degree @ 3000rpm method, I'd appreciate your posting to this forum any thoughts on your procedural steps and pitfalls, if any. Thanks.

Ken

gregespo73 · 1 October 2014 08:53

Cool. What's it like. I am passively looking for one. All the good ones are in nsw and qld. I am not in a position to run off at a moments notice to check one out and they are always interstate. I am looking for one with a good body, factory air and 5 speed. Have cash waiting for the right car. Would love to hear about your new bus. Greg

From: "spbconsulting@bigpond.com [Syncro_T3_Australia]" <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com>
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, 1 October 2014, 18:07
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Distributor function

No Greg,

Rossco is too far away - found one in N/W Sydney.

Its white - so cleaning a white car is difficult - the soap is the same colour as the van!

Not used to that.

I want a VW donk in this one.

Cheers,

Skot

On 1/10/2014 4:53 PM, Greg Esposito gregespo73@yahoo.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Hi Scott, did you buy one of "Rosco's" hord? I would have thought you would swap the svx into the 2wd and go all new 2.5 on the syncro. Greg

From: "spbconsulting@bigpond.com [Syncro_T3_Australia]" <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com>
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, 1 October 2014, 15:03
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Distributor function

Ken,

If you don't want your old dizzy - I need one - I bought a 2wd Caravelle last weekend and its missing the following:

Drivers side head

Air box + AFM

Distributor

Alternator

Otherwise complete but apparently has a problem with the drivers side connecting rod bearing as it was noisy when running over 5 years ago.

Motor still turns over and has good compression to the passenger side head.

If anyone has any spare bits - let me know - I would love to get this thing running.

Thanks and cheers,

Skot

On 1/10/2014 2:39 PM, Ken Garratt unclekenz@hotmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Hi Scott,
Thanks a lot for these trialling procedures described ... definitely worth a go, even if for no other reason than getting some hands-on distributor function experimental time.

A couple of other queries to make on this topic please.

I know the pulley TDC mark is correct because its "groove" is at centre split case position when rotor is pointing at No.1 cylinder so ....

Have you ever seen a T3 (Vanagon) triple drive pulley that only has the TDC "groove"? If not, that's how mine is. No sign at all of the "notch" for 5 degrees BTDC. Is such a pulley with a missing 5 degree "notch" unusual?

If for say just experimental reasons I swap out my present distributor for the "rebuilt by Bosch" spare I now have ... see same at http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van_1223689737929/page_612_1153/distributor-bosch.html, is this a simple straightforward swap procedure, ensuring first the rotor is pointing in the same direction as the old distributor removed, to help engage the distributor clutch into the offset keyway of the driveshaft? If it's that simple, then I assume I can then continue on with trialling the setup procedures you described. Or have I missed something else with this changeover? Thankyou.

Cheers.

Ken

To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 15:47:29 -1000
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Crankshaft Pulley

if you've lost respsoniveness and power by changing the timing, and no other changes...
the timing is not advanced enough.
( for the fun of it, you should make sure your timing advances when you rev it. The ECU controls that so it's highly likely to be advancing when you rev it. )

Unless 'other things' are messed up ...
this basically works.
Advance the timing ( turn dist counter-clockwise ) ..in this case I'd start with 1/4th of an inch at the dist outer edge..
drive it.
try to make it ping by giving it a lot of throttle at lowish rpm.
if you can make it ping ...the timing is too advanced.
when you get to where it responds well and you can't make it ping ..
back off the timing just a little and you'll be close.

there is another back yard method that can work ..
BUT ....idle factors MUST be working ...
which are ..
throttle switch must be making contact at idle ( can't begin to express how many dozens , hundreds even, I've found not working )
thottle body has to be working right.
if you idle rpm does not change in a fairly linear manner when you turn that large air screw ( a little less than 1/2 inch in diameter ) ..in is slower ..
if it does not repsond there .....for whatever reason ....throttle body itself, air leaks, Air Idle Control Valve not working ..
control unit for it not working < common > ..
then you can't do this back yard timing adjustment, which works amazingly well.

if it's warmed up and idles right ..
with engine running turn dist counterclockwise advancing timing ..it'll idle faster and faster as you turn ..
when you get to where it doesn't speed up the idle ..stop turning it any further that direction...
that's probably 40 degree advance or something extreme like that ..

then turn it the other way until it almost stalls ...where it's very retarded.
turn back and forth a few times between 'that's way advanced and that's way retarded' ..
then put the dist right in the middle of those two extremes.

adjust idle, go for a test drive.
Again ..basically 'everything' has to be working right to do this effectively ..
good injectors, good Temp Sensor II ..
good Air Flow Meter ...good fuel pressure and FP regulator
etc. etc.
and good plugs and wires. If plug wires are old or cheap, they are suspect.

have fun !

On 9/30/2014 2:43 PM, Ken Garratt unclekenz@hotmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Les and all,
So, I've had a go at adjusting my ignition timing as per GoWesty decal spec - (warmed up motor, newly marked 35 degree setting @ 3000rpm), then using a timing light, adjusted distributor body clockwise to achieve new pulley mark steady at TDC). Then took van for a test run. Found the motor responsiveness to now be quite gutless. So back to the drawing board. Not at all sure how to proceed/experiment further other than returning the distributor body back to or near its original setting.

Anyone else had a similar experience? Or did I go wrong somewhere with this procedure?

Cheers.

Ken

To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 14:44:09 +1000
Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Crankshaft Pulley

Ken,

I have emailed GoWesty to draw their attention to the conflict of information.

My timing light is just plain vanilla and I don’t have a tacho so I will buy one and set it up before I get back to the timing.

Before that, I will permanently mark the fan pulley at 35⁰.

Les

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com]
Sent: 29 September 2014 11:53
To: _T3_Australia forum Syncro
Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Crankshaft Pulley

Hi Les,

Looks like GoWesty needs to do a makeover of their description AND their decal ... it's all somewhat ambiguous/unclear.

Still, having this pointed out and now the wiser, we can hopefully all move on with a clearer understanding.

Les, I've yet to check my ignition timing, something I've been wanting to do but not felt confident about the procedure. I do own a standard timing light with built-in tacho but not a later model with the dialer. If after completing your ignition timing adjustment using the 35 degree @ 3000rpm method, I'd appreciate your posting to this forum any thoughts on your procedural steps and pitfalls, if any. Thanks.

Ken

unclekenz · 1 October 2014 08:56

Ok thanks Scott, I understand the 5 degree position inner mark is supposed to have an actual cutout "notch", so it's got me wondering who when and why my motor is running a triple crank pulley devoid of a 5 degree BTDC "notch".

You've confirmed what I'd speculated is the distributor R&R procedure ... best to be sure, thank you.

Cheers.

Ken

To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 20:29:19 -1000
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Distributor function

on the crank pulleys ..3 triple groove cast iron ones ..
there are two types...( shown in Bentley I believe ) .one for 1.9 waterboxer engines ( in the US anyway ) and the one for the 2.1.
Been a while since I laid my eyes on one....but all that I have seen have two marks.
the inner mark is to the right of the outer one on a 2.1 crank pulley , about 3/8ths of an inch.

that's the right dist at Van Cafe .

just position the engine on # 1 TDC ,,,
mark or note the relative position of the distributor body, then,
remove the distributor carefully.
*never* rotate the engine over with dist removed * !

if you have to rotate the dist left/right a little to remove it ..no big deal.

install the new dist with your fingers turning the rotor slightly ..
it will 'almost sort of' fit in 180 degrees out .

when it's right ..it'll drop down in solidly.

On 9/30/2014 6:39 PM, Ken Garratt unclekenz@hotmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Hi Scott,
Thanks a lot for these trialling procedures described ... definitely worth a go, even if for no other reason than getting some hands-on distributor function experimental time.

A couple of other queries to make on this topic please.

I know the pulley TDC mark is correct because its "groove" is at centre split case position when rotor is pointing at No.1 cylinder so ....

Have you ever seen a T3 (Vanagon) triple drive pulley that only has the TDC "groove"? If not, that's how mine is. No sign at all of the "notch" for 5 degrees BTDC. Is such a pulley with a missing 5 degree "notch" unusual?

If for say just experimental reasons I swap out my present distributor for the "rebuilt by Bosch" spare I now have ... see same at http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van_1223689737929/page_612_1153/distributor-bosch.html, is this a simple straightforward swap procedure, ensuring first the rotor is pointing in the same direction as the old distributor removed, to help engage the distributor clutch into the offset keyway of the driveshaft? If it's that simple, then I assume I can then continue on with trialling the setup procedures you described. Or have I missed something else with this changeover? Thankyou.

Cheers.

Ken

To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 15:47:29 -1000
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Crankshaft Pulley

if you've lost respsoniveness and power by changing the timing, and no other changes...
the timing is not advanced enough.
( for the fun of it, you should make sure your timing advances when you rev it. The ECU controls that so it's highly likely to be advancing when you rev it. )

Unless 'other things' are messed up ...
this basically works.
Advance the timing ( turn dist counter-clockwise ) ..in this case I'd start with 1/4th of an inch at the dist outer edge..
drive it.
try to make it ping by giving it a lot of throttle at lowish rpm.
if you can make it ping ...the timing is too advanced.
when you get to where it responds well and you can't make it ping ..
back off the timing just a little and you'll be close.

there is another back yard method that can work ..
BUT ....idle factors MUST be working ...
which are ..
throttle switch must be making contact at idle ( can't begin to express how many dozens , hundreds even, I've found not working )
thottle body has to be working right.
if you idle rpm does not change in a fairly linear manner when you turn that large air screw ( a little less than 1/2 inch in diameter ) ..in is slower ..
if it does not repsond there .....for whatever reason ....throttle body itself, air leaks, Air Idle Control Valve not working ..
control unit for it not working < common > ..
then you can't do this back yard timing adjustment, which works amazingly well.

if it's warmed up and idles right ..
with engine running turn dist counterclockwise advancing timing ..it'll idle faster and faster as you turn ..
when you get to where it doesn't speed up the idle ..stop turning it any further that direction...
that's probably 40 degree advance or something extreme like that ..

then turn it the other way until it almost stalls ...where it's very retarded.
turn back and forth a few times between 'that's way advanced and that's way retarded' ..
then put the dist right in the middle of those two extremes.

adjust idle, go for a test drive.
Again ..basically 'everything' has to be working right to do this effectively ..
good injectors, good Temp Sensor II ..
good Air Flow Meter ...good fuel pressure and FP regulator
etc. etc.
and good plugs and wires. If plug wires are old or cheap, they are suspect.

have fun !

On 9/30/2014 2:43 PM, Ken Garratt unclekenz@hotmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Les and all,
So, I've had a go at adjusting my ignition timing as per GoWesty decal spec - (warmed up motor, newly marked 35 degree setting @ 3000rpm), then using a timing light, adjusted distributor body clockwise to achieve new pulley mark steady at TDC). Then took van for a test run. Found the motor responsiveness to now be quite gutless. So back to the drawing board. Not at all sure how to proceed/experiment further other than returning the distributor body back to or near its original setting.

Anyone else had a similar experience? Or did I go wrong somewhere with this procedure?

Cheers.

Ken

To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 14:44:09 +1000
Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Crankshaft Pulley

Ken,

I have emailed GoWesty to draw their attention to the conflict of information.

My timing light is just plain vanilla and I don’t have a tacho so I will buy one and set it up before I get back to the timing.

Before that, I will permanently mark the fan pulley at 35⁰.

Les

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com]
Sent: 29 September 2014 11:53
To: _T3_Australia forum Syncro
Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Crankshaft Pulley

Hi Les,

Looks like GoWesty needs to do a makeover of their description AND their decal ... it's all somewhat ambiguous/unclear.

Still, having this pointed out and now the wiser, we can hopefully all move on with a clearer understanding.

Les, I've yet to check my ignition timing, something I've been wanting to do but not felt confident about the procedure. I do own a standard timing light with built-in tacho but not a later model with the dialer. If after completing your ignition timing adjustment using the 35 degree @ 3000rpm method, I'd appreciate your posting to this forum any thoughts on your procedural steps and pitfalls, if any. Thanks.

Ken

unclekenz · 1 October 2014 09:19

Heh Scott,

Welcome to the real world ... an off-white T3 indeed!

Such a lovely colour, you lucky boyo!

Even better with global warming.

The challenge now is to convert it to a syncro

Ken

To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Date: Wed, 1 Oct 2014 08:53:59 +0000
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Distributor function

Cool. What's it like. I am passively looking for one. All the good ones are in nsw and qld. I am not in a position to run off at a moments notice to check one out and they are always interstate. I am looking for one with a good body, factory air and 5 speed. Have cash waiting for the right car. Would love to hear about your new bus. Greg

From: "spbconsulting@bigpond.com [Syncro_T3_Australia]" <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com>
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, 1 October 2014, 18:07
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Distributor function

No Greg,

Rossco is too far away - found one in N/W Sydney.

Its white - so cleaning a white car is difficult - the soap is the same colour as the van!

Not used to that.

I want a VW donk in this one.

Cheers,

Skot

On 1/10/2014 4:53 PM, Greg Esposito gregespo73@yahoo.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Hi Scott, did you buy one of "Rosco's" hord? I would have thought you would swap the svx into the 2wd and go all new 2.5 on the syncro. Greg

From: "spbconsulting@bigpond.com [Syncro_T3_Australia]" <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com>
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, 1 October 2014, 15:03
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Distributor function

Ken,

If you don't want your old dizzy - I need one - I bought a 2wd Caravelle last weekend and its missing the following:

Drivers side head

Air box + AFM

Distributor

Alternator

Otherwise complete but apparently has a problem with the drivers side connecting rod bearing as it was noisy when running over 5 years ago.

Motor still turns over and has good compression to the passenger side head.

If anyone has any spare bits - let me know - I would love to get this thing running.

Thanks and cheers,

Skot

On 1/10/2014 2:39 PM, Ken Garratt unclekenz@hotmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Hi Scott,
Thanks a lot for these trialling procedures described ... definitely worth a go, even if for no other reason than getting some hands-on distributor function experimental time.

A couple of other queries to make on this topic please.

I know the pulley TDC mark is correct because its "groove" is at centre split case position when rotor is pointing at No.1 cylinder so ....

Have you ever seen a T3 (Vanagon) triple drive pulley that only has the TDC "groove"? If not, that's how mine is. No sign at all of the "notch" for 5 degrees BTDC. Is such a pulley with a missing 5 degree "notch" unusual?

If for say just experimental reasons I swap out my present distributor for the "rebuilt by Bosch" spare I now have ... see same at http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van_1223689737929/page_612_1153/distributor-bosch.html, is this a simple straightforward swap procedure, ensuring first the rotor is pointing in the same direction as the old distributor removed, to help engage the distributor clutch into the offset keyway of the driveshaft? If it's that simple, then I assume I can then continue on with trialling the setup procedures you described. Or have I missed something else with this changeover? Thankyou.

Cheers.

Ken

To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 15:47:29 -1000
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Crankshaft Pulley

if you've lost respsoniveness and power by changing the timing, and no other changes...
the timing is not advanced enough.
( for the fun of it, you should make sure your timing advances when you rev it. The ECU controls that so it's highly likely to be advancing when you rev it. )

Unless 'other things' are messed up ...
this basically works.
Advance the timing ( turn dist counter-clockwise ) ..in this case I'd start with 1/4th of an inch at the dist outer edge..
drive it.
try to make it ping by giving it a lot of throttle at lowish rpm.
if you can make it ping ...the timing is too advanced.
when you get to where it responds well and you can't make it ping ..
back off the timing just a little and you'll be close.

there is another back yard method that can work ..
BUT ....idle factors MUST be working ...
which are ..
throttle switch must be making contact at idle ( can't begin to express how many dozens , hundreds even, I've found not working )
thottle body has to be working right.
if you idle rpm does not change in a fairly linear manner when you turn that large air screw ( a little less than 1/2 inch in diameter ) ..in is slower ..
if it does not repsond there .....for whatever reason ....throttle body itself, air leaks, Air Idle Control Valve not working ..
control unit for it not working < common > ..
then you can't do this back yard timing adjustment, which works amazingly well.

if it's warmed up and idles right ..
with engine running turn dist counterclockwise advancing timing ..it'll idle faster and faster as you turn ..
when you get to where it doesn't speed up the idle ..stop turning it any further that direction...
that's probably 40 degree advance or something extreme like that ..

then turn it the other way until it almost stalls ...where it's very retarded.
turn back and forth a few times between 'that's way advanced and that's way retarded' ..
then put the dist right in the middle of those two extremes.

adjust idle, go for a test drive.
Again ..basically 'everything' has to be working right to do this effectively ..
good injectors, good Temp Sensor II ..
good Air Flow Meter ...good fuel pressure and FP regulator
etc. etc.
and good plugs and wires. If plug wires are old or cheap, they are suspect.

have fun !

On 9/30/2014 2:43 PM, Ken Garratt unclekenz@hotmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Les and all,
So, I've had a go at adjusting my ignition timing as per GoWesty decal spec - (warmed up motor, newly marked 35 degree setting @ 3000rpm), then using a timing light, adjusted distributor body clockwise to achieve new pulley mark steady at TDC). Then took van for a test run. Found the motor responsiveness to now be quite gutless. So back to the drawing board. Not at all sure how to proceed/experiment further other than returning the distributor body back to or near its original setting.

Anyone else had a similar experience? Or did I go wrong somewhere with this procedure?

Cheers.

Ken

To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 14:44:09 +1000
Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Crankshaft Pulley

Ken,

I have emailed GoWesty to draw their attention to the conflict of information.

My timing light is just plain vanilla and I don’t have a tacho so I will buy one and set it up before I get back to the timing.

Before that, I will permanently mark the fan pulley at 35⁰.

Les

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com]
Sent: 29 September 2014 11:53
To: _T3_Australia forum Syncro
Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Crankshaft Pulley

Hi Les,

Looks like GoWesty needs to do a makeover of their description AND their decal ... it's all somewhat ambiguous/unclear.

Still, having this pointed out and now the wiser, we can hopefully all move on with a clearer understanding.

Les, I've yet to check my ignition timing, something I've been wanting to do but not felt confident about the procedure. I do own a standard timing light with built-in tacho but not a later model with the dialer. If after completing your ignition timing adjustment using the 35 degree @ 3000rpm method, I'd appreciate your posting to this forum any thoughts on your procedural steps and pitfalls, if any. Thanks.

Ken

kombi4x427lc · 1 October 2014 10:40

Greg/ Ken,

It gets better by the minute.

It sat unmoved under a set of huge trees on a property in Sydney's north west for over 5 years and is exactly 1 year younger than my syncro.

It was filthy dirty with green moss and lichen growing all over its roof and windows.

I washed the back and sides with an old sponge and some of the roof and polished the tailgate.

It needs the cut n polish after the washing - but comes up a treat.

It has a few minor depressions and shopping trolley dings but only one spot of rust just in front of one of the side windows. Amazing for such an unloved kombi.

Interior is complete with all the original caravelle seats, carpet, dash pad and dual air conditioning (prestige).

Bumpers have come up great.

Its even a 5 speed manual.

Only problem is its lacking a head, a dizzy, an alternator and an air-box with AFM. Oh and the drivers side headlight (but the seller was supposed to include that so I will get it!

Attached are a few photos of how it was picked up and how it is now.

Cheers,

Skot

On 1/10/2014 6:53 PM, Greg Esposito gregespo73@yahoo.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Cool. What's it like. I am passively looking for one. All the good ones are in nsw and qld. I am not in a position to run off at a moments notice to check one out and they are always interstate. I am looking for one with a good body, factory air and 5 speed. Have cash waiting for the right car. Would love to hear about your new bus. Greg

From: "spbconsulting@bigpond.com [Syncro_T3_Australia]" <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com>
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, 1 October 2014, 18:07
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Distributor function

No Greg,

Rossco is too far away - found one in N/W Sydney.

Its white - so cleaning a white car is difficult - the soap is the same colour as the van!

Not used to that.

I want a VW donk in this one.

Cheers,

Skot

On 1/10/2014 4:53 PM, Greg Esposito gregespo73@yahoo.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Hi Scott, did you buy one of "Rosco's" hord? I would have thought you would swap the svx into the 2wd and go all new 2.5 on the syncro. Greg

From: "spbconsulting@bigpond.com [Syncro_T3_Australia]" <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com>
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, 1 October 2014, 15:03
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Distributor function

Ken,

If you don't want your old dizzy - I need one - I bought a 2wd Caravelle last weekend and its missing the following:

Drivers side head

Air box + AFM

Distributor

Alternator

Otherwise complete but apparently has a problem with the drivers side connecting rod bearing as it was noisy when running over 5 years ago.

Motor still turns over and has good compression to the passenger side head.

If anyone has any spare bits - let me know - I would love to get this thing running.

Thanks and cheers,

Skot

On 1/10/2014 2:39 PM, Ken Garratt unclekenz@hotmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Hi Scott,
Thanks a lot for these trialling procedures described ... definitely worth a go, even if for no other reason than getting some hands-on distributor function experimental time.

A couple of other queries to make on this topic please.

I know the pulley TDC mark is correct because its "groove" is at centre split case position when rotor is pointing at No.1 cylinder so ....

Have you ever seen a T3 (Vanagon) triple drive pulley that only has the TDC "groove"? If not, that's how mine is. No sign at all of the "notch" for 5 degrees BTDC. Is such a pulley with a missing 5 degree "notch" unusual?

If for say just experimental reasons I swap out my present distributor for the "rebuilt by Bosch" spare I now have ... see same at http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van_1223689737929/page_612_1153/distributor-bosch.html, is this a simple straightforward swap procedure, ensuring first the rotor is pointing in the same direction as the old distributor removed, to help engage the distributor clutch into the offset keyway of the driveshaft? If it's that simple, then I assume I can then continue on with trialling the setup procedures you described. Or have I missed something else with this changeover? Thankyou.

Cheers.

Ken

To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 15:47:29 -1000
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Crankshaft Pulley

if you've lost respsoniveness and power by changing the timing, and no other changes...
the timing is not advanced enough.
( for the fun of it, you should make sure your timing advances when you rev it. The ECU controls that so it's highly likely to be advancing when you rev it. )

Unless 'other things' are messed up ...
this basically works.
Advance the timing ( turn dist counter-clockwise ) ..in this case I'd start with 1/4th of an inch at the dist outer edge..
drive it.
try to make it ping by giving it a lot of throttle at lowish rpm.
if you can make it ping ...the timing is too advanced.
when you get to where it responds well and you can't make it ping ..
back off the timing just a little and you'll be close.

there is another back yard method that can work ..
BUT ....idle factors MUST be working ...
which are ..
throttle switch must be making contact at idle ( can't begin to express how many dozens , hundreds even, I've found not working )
thottle body has to be working right.
if you idle rpm does not change in a fairly linear manner when you turn that large air screw ( a little less than 1/2 inch in diameter ) ..in is slower ..
if it does not repsond there .....for whatever reason ....throttle body itself, air leaks, Air Idle Control Valve not working ..
control unit for it not working < common > ..
then you can't do this back yard timing adjustment, which works amazingly well.

if it's warmed up and idles right ..
with engine running turn dist counterclockwise advancing timing ..it'll idle faster and faster as you turn ..
when you get to where it doesn't speed up the idle ..stop turning it any further that direction...
that's probably 40 degree advance or something extreme like that ..

then turn it the other way until it almost stalls ...where it's very retarded.
turn back and forth a few times between 'that's way advanced and that's way retarded' ..
then put the dist right in the middle of those two extremes.

adjust idle, go for a test drive.
Again ..basically 'everything' has to be working right to do this effectively ..
good injectors, good Temp Sensor II ..
good Air Flow Meter ...good fuel pressure and FP regulator
etc. etc.
and good plugs and wires. If plug wires are old or cheap, they are suspect.

have fun !

On 9/30/2014 2:43 PM, Ken Garratt unclekenz@hotmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Les and all,
So, I've had a go at adjusting my ignition timing as per GoWesty decal spec - (warmed up motor, newly marked 35 degree setting @ 3000rpm), then using a timing light, adjusted distributor body clockwise to achieve new pulley mark steady at TDC). Then took van for a test run. Found the motor responsiveness to now be quite gutless. So back to the drawing board. Not at all sure how to proceed/experiment further other than returning the distributor body back to or near its original setting.

Anyone else had a similar experience? Or did I go wrong somewhere with this procedure?

Cheers.

Ken

To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 14:44:09 +1000
Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Crankshaft Pulley

Ken,

I have emailed GoWesty to draw their attention to the conflict of information.

My timing light is just plain vanilla and I don’t have a tacho so I will buy one and set it up before I get back to the timing.

Before that, I will permanently mark the fan pulley at 35⁰.

Les

(Message over 64 KB, truncated)

unclekenz · 1 October 2014 12:47

Hi Scott,

Nice thought, I'd send it your way for sure otherwise but given all the dramas that crop up here on a regular basis about distributors and/or Hall sender failures was what spurred me on to take action and buy an additional complete distributor to have on hand as a spare, just as others here caught out with failures have post recommended is a must have.

Perhaps a bulk purchase of all your needed parts from one TheSamba seller might be the easiest and practical solution?

Cheers.

Ken

To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Date: Wed, 1 Oct 2014 15:03:19 +1000
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Distributor function

Ken,

If you don't want your old dizzy - I need one - I bought a 2wd Caravelle last weekend and its missing the following:

Drivers side head

Air box + AFM

Distributor

Alternator

Otherwise complete but apparently has a problem with the drivers side connecting rod bearing as it was noisy when running over 5 years ago.

Motor still turns over and has good compression to the passenger side head.

If anyone has any spare bits - let me know - I would love to get this thing running.

Thanks and cheers,

Skot

On 1/10/2014 2:39 PM, Ken Garratt unclekenz@hotmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Hi Scott,
Thanks a lot for these trialling procedures described ... definitely worth a go, even if for no other reason than getting some hands-on distributor function experimental time.

A couple of other queries to make on this topic please.

I know the pulley TDC mark is correct because its "groove" is at centre split case position when rotor is pointing at No.1 cylinder so ....

Have you ever seen a T3 (Vanagon) triple drive pulley that only has the TDC "groove"? If not, that's how mine is. No sign at all of the "notch" for 5 degrees BTDC. Is such a pulley with a missing 5 degree "notch" unusual?

If for say just experimental reasons I swap out my present distributor for the "rebuilt by Bosch" spare I now have ... see same at http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van_1223689737929/page_612_1153/distributor-bosch.html, is this a simple straightforward swap procedure, ensuring first the rotor is pointing in the same direction as the old distributor removed, to help engage the distributor clutch into the offset keyway of the driveshaft? If it's that simple, then I assume I can then continue on with trialling the setup procedures you described. Or have I missed something else with this changeover? Thankyou.

Cheers.

Ken

To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 15:47:29 -1000
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Crankshaft Pulley

if you've lost respsoniveness and power by changing the timing, and no other changes...
the timing is not advanced enough.
( for the fun of it, you should make sure your timing advances when you rev it. The ECU controls that so it's highly likely to be advancing when you rev it. )

Unless 'other things' are messed up ...
this basically works.
Advance the timing ( turn dist counter-clockwise ) ..in this case I'd start with 1/4th of an inch at the dist outer edge..
drive it.
try to make it ping by giving it a lot of throttle at lowish rpm.
if you can make it ping ...the timing is too advanced.
when you get to where it responds well and you can't make it ping ..
back off the timing just a little and you'll be close.

there is another back yard method that can work ..
BUT ....idle factors MUST be working ...
which are ..
throttle switch must be making contact at idle ( can't begin to express how many dozens , hundreds even, I've found not working )
thottle body has to be working right.
if you idle rpm does not change in a fairly linear manner when you turn that large air screw ( a little less than 1/2 inch in diameter ) ..in is slower ..
if it does not repsond there .....for whatever reason ....throttle body itself, air leaks, Air Idle Control Valve not working ..
control unit for it not working < common > ..
then you can't do this back yard timing adjustment, which works amazingly well.

if it's warmed up and idles right ..
with engine running turn dist counterclockwise advancing timing ..it'll idle faster and faster as you turn ..
when you get to where it doesn't speed up the idle ..stop turning it any further that direction...
that's probably 40 degree advance or something extreme like that ..

then turn it the other way until it almost stalls ...where it's very retarded.
turn back and forth a few times between 'that's way advanced and that's way retarded' ..
then put the dist right in the middle of those two extremes.

adjust idle, go for a test drive.
Again ..basically 'everything' has to be working right to do this effectively ..
good injectors, good Temp Sensor II ..
good Air Flow Meter ...good fuel pressure and FP regulator
etc. etc.
and good plugs and wires. If plug wires are old or cheap, they are suspect.

have fun !

On 9/30/2014 2:43 PM, Ken Garratt unclekenz@hotmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Les and all,
So, I've had a go at adjusting my ignition timing as per GoWesty decal spec - (warmed up motor, newly marked 35 degree setting @ 3000rpm), then using a timing light, adjusted distributor body clockwise to achieve new pulley mark steady at TDC). Then took van for a test run. Found the motor responsiveness to now be quite gutless. So back to the drawing board. Not at all sure how to proceed/experiment further other than returning the distributor body back to or near its original setting.

Anyone else had a similar experience? Or did I go wrong somewhere with this procedure?

Cheers.

Ken

To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 14:44:09 +1000
Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Crankshaft Pulley

Ken,

I have emailed GoWesty to draw their attention to the conflict of information.

My timing light is just plain vanilla and I don’t have a tacho so I will buy one and set it up before I get back to the timing.

Before that, I will permanently mark the fan pulley at 35⁰.

Les

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com]
Sent: 29 September 2014 11:53
To: _T3_Australia forum Syncro
Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Crankshaft Pulley

Hi Les,

Looks like GoWesty needs to do a makeover of their description AND their decal ... it's all somewhat ambiguous/unclear.

Still, having this pointed out and now the wiser, we can hopefully all move on with a clearer understanding.

Les, I've yet to check my ignition timing, something I've been wanting to do but not felt confident about the procedure. I do own a standard timing light with built-in tacho but not a later model with the dialer. If after completing your ignition timing adjustment using the 35 degree @ 3000rpm method, I'd appreciate your posting to this forum any thoughts on your procedural steps and pitfalls, if any. Thanks.

Ken

kombi4x427lc · 1 October 2014 12:54

I was thinking that too - just waiting for the Aussie Peso to go up a bit in value.

Saw two on the Samba the other day for bugger all - both had dead hall senders - must be a very common problem these days.

Cheers,

Skot

On 1/10/2014 10:47 PM, Ken Garratt unclekenz@hotmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Hi Scott,
Nice thought, I'd send it your way for sure otherwise but given all the dramas that crop up here on a regular basis about distributors and/or Hall sender failures was what spurred me on to take action and buy an additional complete distributor to have on hand as a spare, just as others here caught out with failures have post recommended is a must have.

Perhaps a bulk purchase of all your needed parts from one TheSamba seller might be the easiest and practical solution?

Cheers.

Ken

To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Date: Wed, 1 Oct 2014 15:03:19 +1000
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Distributor function

Ken,

If you don't want your old dizzy - I need one - I bought a 2wd Caravelle last weekend and its missing the following:

Drivers side head

Air box + AFM

Distributor

Alternator

Otherwise complete but apparently has a problem with the drivers side connecting rod bearing as it was noisy when running over 5 years ago.

Motor still turns over and has good compression to the passenger side head.

If anyone has any spare bits - let me know - I would love to get this thing running.

Thanks and cheers,

Skot

On 1/10/2014 2:39 PM, Ken Garratt unclekenz@hotmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Hi Scott,
Thanks a lot for these trialling procedures described ... definitely worth a go, even if for no other reason than getting some hands-on distributor function experimental time.

A couple of other queries to make on this topic please.

I know the pulley TDC mark is correct because its "groove" is at centre split case position when rotor is pointing at No.1 cylinder so ....

Have you ever seen a T3 (Vanagon) triple drive pulley that only has the TDC "groove"? If not, that's how mine is. No sign at all of the "notch" for 5 degrees BTDC. Is such a pulley with a missing 5 degree "notch" unusual?

If for say just experimental reasons I swap out my present distributor for the "rebuilt by Bosch" spare I now have ... see same at http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van_1223689737929/page_612_1153/distributor-bosch.html, is this a simple straightforward swap procedure, ensuring first the rotor is pointing in the same direction as the old distributor removed, to help engage the distributor clutch into the offset keyway of the driveshaft? If it's that simple, then I assume I can then continue on with trialling the setup procedures you described. Or have I missed something else with this changeover? Thankyou.

Cheers.

Ken

To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 15:47:29 -1000
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Crankshaft Pulley

if you've lost respsoniveness and power by changing the timing, and no other changes...
the timing is not advanced enough.
( for the fun of it, you should make sure your timing advances when you rev it. The ECU controls that so it's highly likely to be advancing when you rev it. )

Unless 'other things' are messed up ...
this basically works.
Advance the timing ( turn dist counter-clockwise ) ..in this case I'd start with 1/4th of an inch at the dist outer edge..
drive it.
try to make it ping by giving it a lot of throttle at lowish rpm.
if you can make it ping ...the timing is too advanced.
when you get to where it responds well and you can't make it ping ..
back off the timing just a little and you'll be close.

there is another back yard method that can work ..
BUT ....idle factors MUST be working ...
which are ..
throttle switch must be making contact at idle ( can't begin to express how many dozens , hundreds even, I've found not working )
thottle body has to be working right.
if you idle rpm does not change in a fairly linear manner when you turn that large air screw ( a little less than 1/2 inch in diameter ) ..in is slower ..
if it does not repsond there .....for whatever reason ....throttle body itself, air leaks, Air Idle Control Valve not working ..
control unit for it not working < common > ..
then you can't do this back yard timing adjustment, which works amazingly well.

if it's warmed up and idles right ..
with engine running turn dist counterclockwise advancing timing ..it'll idle faster and faster as you turn ..
when you get to where it doesn't speed up the idle ..stop turning it any further that direction...
that's probably 40 degree advance or something extreme like that ..

then turn it the other way until it almost stalls ...where it's very retarded.
turn back and forth a few times between 'that's way advanced and that's way retarded' ..
then put the dist right in the middle of those two extremes.

adjust idle, go for a test drive.
Again ..basically 'everything' has to be working right to do this effectively ..
good injectors, good Temp Sensor II ..
good Air Flow Meter ...good fuel pressure and FP regulator
etc. etc.
and good plugs and wires. If plug wires are old or cheap, they are suspect.

have fun !

On 9/30/2014 2:43 PM, Ken Garratt unclekenz@hotmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Les and all,
So, I've had a go at adjusting my ignition timing as per GoWesty decal spec - (warmed up motor, newly marked 35 degree setting @ 3000rpm), then using a timing light, adjusted distributor body clockwise to achieve new pulley mark steady at TDC). Then took van for a test run. Found the motor responsiveness to now be quite gutless. So back to the drawing board. Not at all sure how to proceed/experiment further other than returning the distributor body back to or near its original setting.

Anyone else had a similar experience? Or did I go wrong somewhere with this procedure?

Cheers.

Ken

To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 14:44:09 +1000
Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Crankshaft Pulley

Ken,

I have emailed GoWesty to draw their attention to the conflict of information.

My timing light is just plain vanilla and I don’t have a tacho so I will buy one and set it up before I get back to the timing.

Before that, I will permanently mark the fan pulley at 35⁰.

Les

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com]
Sent: 29 September 2014 11:53
To: _T3_Australia forum Syncro
Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Crankshaft Pulley

Hi Les,

Looks like GoWesty needs to do a makeover of their description AND their decal ... it's all somewhat ambiguous/unclear.

Still, having this pointed out and now the wiser, we can hopefully all move on with a clearer understanding.

Les, I've yet to check my ignition timing, something I've been wanting to do but not felt confident about the procedure. I do own a standard timing light with built-in tacho but not a later model with the dialer. If after completing your ignition timing adjustment using the 35 degree @ 3000rpm method, I'd appreciate your posting to this forum any thoughts on your procedural steps and pitfalls, if any. Thanks.

Ken

gregespo73 · 1 October 2014 13:05

Well done Scott. Nice bus. Have you considered running aftermarket efi? Or a more modern alternator. Some of these old bits are getting to be like throwing good money after bad. I had real trouble recently finding a plastic bush that sits in the back of the alternator.

From: "spbconsulting@bigpond.com [Syncro_T3_Australia]" <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com>
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, 1 October 2014, 20:40
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Distributor function [10 Attachments]

Greg/ Ken,

It gets better by the minute.

It sat unmoved under a set of huge trees on a property in Sydney's north west for over 5 years and is exactly 1 year younger than my syncro.

It was filthy dirty with green moss and lichen growing all over its roof and windows.

I washed the back and sides with an old sponge and some of the roof and polished the tailgate.

It needs the cut n polish after the washing - but comes up a treat.

It has a few minor depressions and shopping trolley dings but only one spot of rust just in front of one of the side windows. Amazing for such an unloved kombi.

Interior is complete with all the original caravelle seats, carpet, dash pad and dual air conditioning (prestige).

Bumpers have come up great.

Its even a 5 speed manual.

Only problem is its lacking a head, a dizzy, an alternator and an air-box with AFM. Oh and the drivers side headlight (but the seller was supposed to include that so I will get it!

Attached are a few photos of how it was picked up and how it is now.

Cheers,

Skot

On 1/10/2014 6:53 PM, Greg Esposito gregespo73@yahoo.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Cool. What's it like. I am passively looking for one. All the good ones are in nsw and qld. I am not in a position to run off at a moments notice to check one out and they are always interstate. I am looking for one with a good body, factory air and 5 speed. Have cash waiting for the right car. Would love to hear about your new bus. Greg

From: "spbconsulting@bigpond.com [Syncro_T3_Australia]" <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com>
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, 1 October 2014, 18:07
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Distributor function

No Greg,

Rossco is too far away - found one in N/W Sydney.

Its white - so cleaning a white car is difficult - the soap is the same colour as the van!

Not used to that.

I want a VW donk in this one.

Cheers,

Skot

On 1/10/2014 4:53 PM, Greg Esposito gregespo73@yahoo.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Hi Scott, did you buy one of "Rosco's" hord? I would have thought you would swap the svx into the 2wd and go all new 2.5 on the syncro. Greg

From: "spbconsulting@bigpond.com [Syncro_T3_Australia]" <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com>
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, 1 October 2014, 15:03
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Distributor function

Ken,

If you don't want your old dizzy - I need one - I bought a 2wd Caravelle last weekend and its missing the following:

Drivers side head

Air box + AFM

Distributor

Alternator

Otherwise complete but apparently has a problem with the drivers side connecting rod bearing as it was noisy when running over 5 years ago.

Motor still turns over and has good compression to the passenger side head.

If anyone has any spare bits - let me know - I would love to get this thing running.

Thanks and cheers,

Skot

On 1/10/2014 2:39 PM, Ken Garratt unclekenz@hotmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Hi Scott,
Thanks a lot for these trialling procedures described ... definitely worth a go, even if for no other reason than getting some hands-on distributor function experimental time.

A couple of other queries to make on this topic please.

I know the pulley TDC mark is correct because its "groove" is at centre split case position when rotor is pointing at No.1 cylinder so ....

Have you ever seen a T3 (Vanagon) triple drive pulley that only has the TDC "groove"? If not, that's how mine is. No sign at all of the "notch" for 5 degrees BTDC. Is such a pulley with a missing 5 degree "notch" unusual?

If for say just experimental reasons I swap out my present distributor for the "rebuilt by Bosch" spare I now have ... see same at http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van_1223689737929/page_612_1153/distributor-bosch.html, is this a simple straightforward swap procedure, ensuring first the rotor is pointing in the same direction as the old distributor removed, to help engage the distributor clutch into the offset keyway of the driveshaft? If it's that simple, then I assume I can then continue on with trialling the setup procedures you described. Or have I missed something else with this changeover? Thankyou.

Cheers.

Ken

To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 15:47:29 -1000
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Crankshaft Pulley

if you've lost respsoniveness and power by changing the timing, and no other changes...
the timing is not advanced enough.
( for the fun of it, you should make sure your timing advances when you rev it. The ECU controls that so it's highly likely to be advancing when you rev it. )

Unless 'other things' are messed up ...
this basically works.
Advance the timing ( turn dist counter-clockwise ) ..in this case I'd start with 1/4th of an inch at the dist outer edge..
drive it.
try to make it ping by giving it a lot of throttle at lowish rpm.
if you can make it ping ...the timing is too advanced.
when you get to where it responds well and you can't make it ping ..
back off the timing just a little and you'll be close.

there is another back yard method that can work ..
BUT ....idle factors MUST be working ...
which are ..
throttle switch must be making contact at idle ( can't begin to express how many dozens , hundreds even, I've found not working )
thottle body has to be working right.
if you idle rpm does not change in a fairly linear manner when you turn that large air screw ( a little less than 1/2 inch in diameter ) ..in is slower ..
if it does not repsond there .....for whatever reason ....throttle body itself, air leaks, Air Idle Control Valve not working ..
control unit for it not working < common > ..
then you can't do this back yard timing adjustment, which works amazingly well.

if it's warmed up and idles right ..
with engine running turn dist counterclockwise advancing timing ..it'll idle faster and faster as you turn ..
when you get to where it doesn't speed up the idle ..stop turning it any further that direction...
that's probably 40 degree advance or something extreme like that ..

then turn it the other way until it almost stalls ...where it's very retarded.
turn back and forth a few times between 'that's way advanced and that's way retarded' ..
then put the dist right in the middle of those two extremes.

adjust idle, go for a test drive.
Again ..basically 'everything' has to be working right to do this effectively ..
good injectors, good Temp Sensor II ..
good Air Flow Meter ...good fuel pressure and FP regulator
etc. etc.
and good plugs and wires. If plug wires are old or cheap, they are suspect.

have fun !

On 9/30/2014 2:43 PM, Ken Garratt unclekenz@hotmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Les and all,
So, I've had a go at adjusting my ignition timing as per GoWesty decal spec - (warmed up motor, newly marked 35 degree setting @ 3000rpm), then using a timing light, adjusted distributor body clockwise to achieve new pulley mark steady at TDC). Then took van for a test run. Found the motor responsiveness to now be quite gutless. So back to the drawing board. Not at all sure how to proceed/experiment further other than returning the distributor body back to or near its original setting.

Anyone else had a similar experience? Or did I go wrong somewhere with this procedure?

Cheers.

Ken

To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 14:44:09 +1000
Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Crankshaft Pulley

Ken,

I have emailed GoWesty to draw their attention to the conflict of information.

My timing light is just plain vanilla and I don’t have a tacho so I will buy one and set it up before I get back to the timing.

Before that, I will permanently mark the fan pulley at 35⁰.

Les

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com]
Sent: 29 September 2014 11:53
To: _T3_Australia forum Syncro
Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Crankshaft Pulley

Hi Les,

Looks like GoWesty needs to do a makeover of their description AND their decal ... it's all somewhat ambiguous/unclear.

Still, having this pointed out and now the wiser, we can hopefully all move on with a clearer understanding.

Les, I've yet to check my ignition timing, something I've been wanting to do but not felt confident about the procedure. I do own a standard timing light with built-in tacho but not a later model with the dialer. If after completing your ignition timing adjustment using the 35 degree @ 3000rpm method, I'd appreciate your posting to this forum any thoughts on your procedural steps and pitfalls, if any. Thanks.

Ken

(Message over 64 KB, truncated)

unclekenz · 1 October 2014 13:07

HA! Paul Nevins beast was much the same, covered in green moss and lichen when he bought his ... and I think he wears the moss and lichen still as a badge of honour! You should park this new acquisition next to his some time when it's up and running and you can compare infestations!

I'm still wondering how you got it up your driveway and now perched on your extra parking spot?

Ken

To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Date: Wed, 1 Oct 2014 20:40:59 +1000
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Distributor function [10 Attachments]

Greg/ Ken,

It gets better by the minute.

It sat unmoved under a set of huge trees on a property in Sydney's north west for over 5 years and is exactly 1 year younger than my syncro.

It was filthy dirty with green moss and lichen growing all over its roof and windows.

I washed the back and sides with an old sponge and some of the roof and polished the tailgate.

It needs the cut n polish after the washing - but comes up a treat.

It has a few minor depressions and shopping trolley dings but only one spot of rust just in front of one of the side windows. Amazing for such an unloved kombi.

Interior is complete with all the original caravelle seats, carpet, dash pad and dual air conditioning (prestige).

Bumpers have come up great.

Its even a 5 speed manual.

Only problem is its lacking a head, a dizzy, an alternator and an air-box with AFM. Oh and the drivers side headlight (but the seller was supposed to include that so I will get it!

Attached are a few photos of how it was picked up and how it is now.

Cheers,

Skot

On 1/10/2014 6:53 PM, Greg Esposito gregespo73@yahoo.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Cool. What's it like. I am passively looking for one. All the good ones are in nsw and qld. I am not in a position to run off at a moments notice to check one out and they are always interstate. I am looking for one with a good body, factory air and 5 speed. Have cash waiting for the right car. Would love to hear about your new bus. Greg

From: "spbconsulting@bigpond.com [Syncro_T3_Australia]" <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com>
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, 1 October 2014, 18:07
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Distributor function

No Greg,

Rossco is too far away - found one in N/W Sydney.

Its white - so cleaning a white car is difficult - the soap is the same colour as the van!

Not used to that.

I want a VW donk in this one.

Cheers,

Skot

On 1/10/2014 4:53 PM, Greg Esposito gregespo73@yahoo.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Hi Scott, did you buy one of "Rosco's" hord? I would have thought you would swap the svx into the 2wd and go all new 2.5 on the syncro. Greg

From: "spbconsulting@bigpond.com [Syncro_T3_Australia]" <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com>
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, 1 October 2014, 15:03
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Distributor function

Ken,

If you don't want your old dizzy - I need one - I bought a 2wd Caravelle last weekend and its missing the following:

Drivers side head

Air box + AFM

Distributor

Alternator

Otherwise complete but apparently has a problem with the drivers side connecting rod bearing as it was noisy when running over 5 years ago.

Motor still turns over and has good compression to the passenger side head.

If anyone has any spare bits - let me know - I would love to get this thing running.

Thanks and cheers,

Skot

On 1/10/2014 2:39 PM, Ken Garratt unclekenz@hotmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Hi Scott,
Thanks a lot for these trialling procedures described ... definitely worth a go, even if for no other reason than getting some hands-on distributor function experimental time.

A couple of other queries to make on this topic please.

I know the pulley TDC mark is correct because its "groove" is at centre split case position when rotor is pointing at No.1 cylinder so ....

Have you ever seen a T3 (Vanagon) triple drive pulley that only has the TDC "groove"? If not, that's how mine is. No sign at all of the "notch" for 5 degrees BTDC. Is such a pulley with a missing 5 degree "notch" unusual?

If for say just experimental reasons I swap out my present distributor for the "rebuilt by Bosch" spare I now have ... see same at http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van_1223689737929/page_612_1153/distributor-bosch.html, is this a simple straightforward swap procedure, ensuring first the rotor is pointing in the same direction as the old distributor removed, to help engage the distributor clutch into the offset keyway of the driveshaft? If it's that simple, then I assume I can then continue on with trialling the setup procedures you described. Or have I missed something else with this changeover? Thankyou.

Cheers.

Ken

To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 15:47:29 -1000
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Crankshaft Pulley

if you've lost respsoniveness and power by changing the timing, and no other changes...
the timing is not advanced enough.
( for the fun of it, you should make sure your timing advances when you rev it. The ECU controls that so it's highly likely to be advancing when you rev it. )

Unless 'other things' are messed up ...
this basically works.
Advance the timing ( turn dist counter-clockwise ) ..in this case I'd start with 1/4th of an inch at the dist outer edge..
drive it.
try to make it ping by giving it a lot of throttle at lowish rpm.
if you can make it ping ...the timing is too advanced.
when you get to where it responds well and you can't make it ping ..
back off the timing just a little and you'll be close.

there is another back yard method that can work ..
BUT ....idle factors MUST be working ...
which are ..
throttle switch must be making contact at idle ( can't begin to express how many dozens , hundreds even, I've found not working )
thottle body has to be working right.
if you idle rpm does not change in a fairly linear manner when you turn that large air screw ( a little less than 1/2 inch in diameter ) ..in is slower ..
if it does not repsond there .....for whatever reason ....throttle body itself, air leaks, Air Idle Control Valve not working ..
control unit for it not working < common > ..
then you can't do this back yard timing adjustment, which works amazingly well.

if it's warmed up and idles right ..
with engine running turn dist counterclockwise advancing timing ..it'll idle faster and faster as you turn ..
when you get to where it doesn't speed up the idle ..stop turning it any further that direction...
that's probably 40 degree advance or something extreme like that ..

then turn it the other way until it almost stalls ...where it's very retarded.
turn back and forth a few times between 'that's way advanced and that's way retarded' ..
then put the dist right in the middle of those two extremes.

adjust idle, go for a test drive.
Again ..basically 'everything' has to be working right to do this effectively ..
good injectors, good Temp Sensor II ..
good Air Flow Meter ...good fuel pressure and FP regulator
etc. etc.
and good plugs and wires. If plug wires are old or cheap, they are suspect.

have fun !

On 9/30/2014 2:43 PM, Ken Garratt unclekenz@hotmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Les and all,
So, I've had a go at adjusting my ignition timing as per GoWesty decal spec - (warmed up motor, newly marked 35 degree setting @ 3000rpm), then using a timing light, adjusted distributor body clockwise to achieve new pulley mark steady at TDC). Then took van for a test run. Found the motor responsiveness to now be quite gutless. So back to the drawing board. Not at all sure how to proceed/experiment further other than returning the distributor body back to or near its original setting.

Anyone else had a similar experience? Or did I go wrong somewhere with this procedure?

Cheers.

Ken

To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 14:44:09 +1000
Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Crankshaft Pulley

Ken,

I have emailed GoWesty to draw their attention to the conflict of information.

My timing light is just plain vanilla and I don’t have a tacho so I will buy one and set it up before I get back to the timing.

Before that, I will permanently mark the fan pulley at 35⁰.

Les

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com]
Sent: 29 September 2014 11:53
To: _T3_Australia forum Syncro
Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Crankshaft Pulley

Hi Les,

Looks like GoWesty needs to do a makeover of their description AND their decal ... it's all somewhat ambiguous/unclear.

Still, having this pointed out and now the wiser, we can hopefully all move on with a clearer understanding.

Les, I've yet to check my ignition timing, something I've been wanting to do but not felt confident about the procedure. I do own a standard timing light with built-in tacho but not a later model with the dialer. If after completing your ignition timing adjustment using the 35 degree @ 3000rpm method, I'd appreciate your posting to this forum any thoughts on your procedural steps and pitfalls, if any. Thanks.

Ken

kombi4x427lc · 1 October 2014 13:11

Greg,

My syncro suby donk runs off a Microtech ECU but I dont think they ever run 100% right with after-market control.

Some of these donks run past 500,000kms with everything original.

Plus a 2wd doesn't need the power a 4wd does - original will do fine.

Cheers,

Skot

On 1/10/2014 11:05 PM, Greg Esposito gregespo73@yahoo.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Well done Scott. Nice bus. Have you considered running aftermarket efi? Or a more modern alternator. Some of these old bits are getting to be like throwing good money after bad. I had real trouble recently finding a plastic bush that sits in the back of the alternator.

From: "spbconsulting@bigpond.com [Syncro_T3_Australia]" <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com>
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, 1 October 2014, 20:40
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Distributor function [10 Attachments]

Greg/ Ken,

It gets better by the minute.

It sat unmoved under a set of huge trees on a property in Sydney's north west for over 5 years and is exactly 1 year younger than my syncro.

It was filthy dirty with green moss and lichen growing all over its roof and windows.

I washed the back and sides with an old sponge and some of the roof and polished the tailgate.

It needs the cut n polish after the washing - but comes up a treat.

It has a few minor depressions and shopping trolley dings but only one spot of rust just in front of one of the side windows. Amazing for such an unloved kombi.

Interior is complete with all the original caravelle seats, carpet, dash pad and dual air conditioning (prestige).

Bumpers have come up great.

Its even a 5 speed manual.

Only problem is its lacking a head, a dizzy, an alternator and an air-box with AFM. Oh and the drivers side headlight (but the seller was supposed to include that so I will get it!

Attached are a few photos of how it was picked up and how it is now.

Cheers,

Skot

On 1/10/2014 6:53 PM, Greg Esposito gregespo73@yahoo.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Cool. What's it like. I am passively looking for one. All the good ones are in nsw and qld. I am not in a position to run off at a moments notice to check one out and they are always interstate. I am looking for one with a good body, factory air and 5 speed. Have cash waiting for the right car. Would love to hear about your new bus. Greg

From: "spbconsulting@bigpond.com [Syncro_T3_Australia]" <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com>
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, 1 October 2014, 18:07
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Distributor function

No Greg,

Rossco is too far away - found one in N/W Sydney.

Its white - so cleaning a white car is difficult - the soap is the same colour as the van!

Not used to that.

I want a VW donk in this one.

Cheers,

Skot

On 1/10/2014 4:53 PM, Greg Esposito gregespo73@yahoo.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Hi Scott, did you buy one of "Rosco's" hord? I would have thought you would swap the svx into the 2wd and go all new 2.5 on the syncro. Greg

From: "spbconsulting@bigpond.com [Syncro_T3_Australia]" <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com>
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, 1 October 2014, 15:03
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Distributor function

Ken,

If you don't want your old dizzy - I need one - I bought a 2wd Caravelle last weekend and its missing the following:

Drivers side head

Air box + AFM

Distributor

Alternator

Otherwise complete but apparently has a problem with the drivers side connecting rod bearing as it was noisy when running over 5 years ago.

Motor still turns over and has good compression to the passenger side head.

If anyone has any spare bits - let me know - I would love to get this thing running.

Thanks and cheers,

Skot

On 1/10/2014 2:39 PM, Ken Garratt unclekenz@hotmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Hi Scott,
Thanks a lot for these trialling procedures described ... definitely worth a go, even if for no other reason than getting some hands-on distributor function experimental time.

A couple of other queries to make on this topic please.

I know the pulley TDC mark is correct because its "groove" is at centre split case position when rotor is pointing at No.1 cylinder so ....

Have you ever seen a T3 (Vanagon) triple drive pulley that only has the TDC "groove"? If not, that's how mine is. No sign at all of the "notch" for 5 degrees BTDC. Is such a pulley with a missing 5 degree "notch" unusual?

If for say just experimental reasons I swap out my present distributor for the "rebuilt by Bosch" spare I now have ... see same at http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van_1223689737929/page_612_1153/distributor-bosch.html, is this a simple straightforward swap procedure, ensuring first the rotor is pointing in the same direction as the old distributor removed, to help engage the distributor clutch into the offset keyway of the driveshaft? If it's that simple, then I assume I can then continue on with trialling the setup procedures you described. Or have I missed something else with this changeover? Thankyou.

Cheers.

Ken

To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 15:47:29 -1000
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Crankshaft Pulley

if you've lost respsoniveness and power by changing the timing, and no other changes...
the timing is not advanced enough.
( for the fun of it, you should make sure your timing advances when you rev it. The ECU controls that so it's highly likely to be advancing when you rev it. )

Unless 'other things' are messed up ...
this basically works.
Advance the timing ( turn dist counter-clockwise ) ..in this case I'd start with 1/4th of an inch at the dist outer edge..
drive it.
try to make it ping by giving it a lot of throttle at lowish rpm.
if you can make it ping ...the timing is too advanced.
when you get to where it responds well and you can't make it ping ..
back off the timing just a little and you'll be close.

there is another back yard method that can work ..
BUT ....idle factors MUST be working ...
which are ..
throttle switch must be making contact at idle ( can't begin to express how many dozens , hundreds even, I've found not working )
thottle body has to be working right.
if you idle rpm does not change in a fairly linear manner when you turn that large air screw ( a little less than 1/2 inch in diameter ) ..in is slower ..
if it does not repsond there .....for whatever reason ....throttle body itself, air leaks, Air Idle Control Valve not working ..
control unit for it not working < common > ..
then you can't do this back yard timing adjustment, which works amazingly well.

if it's warmed up and idles right ..
with engine running turn dist counterclockwise advancing timing ..it'll idle faster and faster as you turn ..
when you get to where it doesn't speed up the idle ..stop turning it any further that direction...
that's probably 40 degree advance or something extreme like that ..

then turn it the other way until it almost stalls ...where it's very retarded.
turn back and forth a few times between 'that's way advanced and that's way retarded' ..
then put the dist right in the middle of those two extremes.

adjust idle, go for a test drive.
Again ..basically 'everything' has to be working right to do this effectively ..
good injectors, good Temp Sensor II ..
good Air Flow Meter ...good fuel pressure and FP regulator
etc. etc.
and good plugs and wires. If plug wires are old or cheap, they are suspect.

have fun !

(Message over 64 KB, truncated)

kombi4x427lc · 1 October 2014 13:15

Thanks Ken.

Paul has cleaned his off now - it has lots of stone chips but shiny paint now - Paul's that is.

Mine seems great - a few minor marks and scratches but shiny paint once cut n polished.

It was very difficult.

I towed it up with my syncro and then my neighbour helped with is 4wd truck to push it into place - no engine really sucks!

Cheers,

Skot

On 1/10/2014 11:07 PM, Ken Garratt unclekenz@hotmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

HA! Paul Nevins beast was much the same, covered in green moss and lichen when he bought his ... and I think he wears the moss and lichen still as a badge of honour! You should park this new acquisition next to his some time when it's up and running and you can compare infestations!
I'm still wondering how you got it up your driveway and now perched on your extra parking spot?

Ken

To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Date: Wed, 1 Oct 2014 20:40:59 +1000
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Distributor function [10 Attachments]

Greg/ Ken,

It gets better by the minute.

It sat unmoved under a set of huge trees on a property in Sydney's north west for over 5 years and is exactly 1 year younger than my syncro.

It was filthy dirty with green moss and lichen growing all over its roof and windows.

I washed the back and sides with an old sponge and some of the roof and polished the tailgate.

It needs the cut n polish after the washing - but comes up a treat.

It has a few minor depressions and shopping trolley dings but only one spot of rust just in front of one of the side windows. Amazing for such an unloved kombi.

Interior is complete with all the original caravelle seats, carpet, dash pad and dual air conditioning (prestige).

Bumpers have come up great.

Its even a 5 speed manual.

Only problem is its lacking a head, a dizzy, an alternator and an air-box with AFM. Oh and the drivers side headlight (but the seller was supposed to include that so I will get it!

Attached are a few photos of how it was picked up and how it is now.

Cheers,

Skot

On 1/10/2014 6:53 PM, Greg Esposito gregespo73@yahoo.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Cool. What's it like. I am passively looking for one. All the good ones are in nsw and qld. I am not in a position to run off at a moments notice to check one out and they are always interstate. I am looking for one with a good body, factory air and 5 speed. Have cash waiting for the right car. Would love to hear about your new bus. Greg

From: "spbconsulting@bigpond.com [Syncro_T3_Australia]" <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com>
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, 1 October 2014, 18:07
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Distributor function

No Greg,

Rossco is too far away - found one in N/W Sydney.

Its white - so cleaning a white car is difficult - the soap is the same colour as the van!

Not used to that.

I want a VW donk in this one.

Cheers,

Skot

On 1/10/2014 4:53 PM, Greg Esposito gregespo73@yahoo.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Hi Scott, did you buy one of "Rosco's" hord? I would have thought you would swap the svx into the 2wd and go all new 2.5 on the syncro. Greg

From: "spbconsulting@bigpond.com [Syncro_T3_Australia]" <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com>
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, 1 October 2014, 15:03
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Distributor function

Ken,

If you don't want your old dizzy - I need one - I bought a 2wd Caravelle last weekend and its missing the following:

Drivers side head

Air box + AFM

Distributor

Alternator

Otherwise complete but apparently has a problem with the drivers side connecting rod bearing as it was noisy when running over 5 years ago.

Motor still turns over and has good compression to the passenger side head.

If anyone has any spare bits - let me know - I would love to get this thing running.

Thanks and cheers,

Skot

On 1/10/2014 2:39 PM, Ken Garratt unclekenz@hotmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Hi Scott,
Thanks a lot for these trialling procedures described ... definitely worth a go, even if for no other reason than getting some hands-on distributor function experimental time.

A couple of other queries to make on this topic please.

I know the pulley TDC mark is correct because its "groove" is at centre split case position when rotor is pointing at No.1 cylinder so ....

Have you ever seen a T3 (Vanagon) triple drive pulley that only has the TDC "groove"? If not, that's how mine is. No sign at all of the "notch" for 5 degrees BTDC. Is such a pulley with a missing 5 degree "notch" unusual?

If for say just experimental reasons I swap out my present distributor for the "rebuilt by Bosch" spare I now have ... see same at http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van_1223689737929/page_612_1153/distributor-bosch.html, is this a simple straightforward swap procedure, ensuring first the rotor is pointing in the same direction as the old distributor removed, to help engage the distributor clutch into the offset keyway of the driveshaft? If it's that simple, then I assume I can then continue on with trialling the setup procedures you described. Or have I missed something else with this changeover? Thankyou.

Cheers.

Ken

To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 15:47:29 -1000
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Crankshaft Pulley

if you've lost respsoniveness and power by changing the timing, and no other changes...
the timing is not advanced enough.
( for the fun of it, you should make sure your timing advances when you rev it. The ECU controls that so it's highly likely to be advancing when you rev it. )

Unless 'other things' are messed up ...
this basically works.
Advance the timing ( turn dist counter-clockwise ) ..in this case I'd start with 1/4th of an inch at the dist outer edge..
drive it.
try to make it ping by giving it a lot of throttle at lowish rpm.
if you can make it ping ...the timing is too advanced.
when you get to where it responds well and you can't make it ping ..
back off the timing just a little and you'll be close.

there is another back yard method that can work ..
BUT ....idle factors MUST be working ...
which are ..
throttle switch must be making contact at idle ( can't begin to express how many dozens , hundreds even, I've found not working )
thottle body has to be working right.
if you idle rpm does not change in a fairly linear manner when you turn that large air screw ( a little less than 1/2 inch in diameter ) ..in is slower ..
if it does not repsond there .....for whatever reason ....throttle body itself, air leaks, Air Idle Control Valve not working ..
control unit for it not working < common > ..
then you can't do this back yard timing adjustment, which works amazingly well.

if it's warmed up and idles right ..
with engine running turn dist counterclockwise advancing timing ..it'll idle faster and faster as you turn ..
when you get to where it doesn't speed up the idle ..stop turning it any further that direction...
that's probably 40 degree advance or something extreme like that ..

then turn it the other way until it almost stalls ...where it's very retarded.
turn back and forth a few times between 'that's way advanced and that's way retarded' ..
then put the dist right in the middle of those two extremes.

adjust idle, go for a test drive.
Again ..basically 'everything' has to be working right to do this effectively ..
good injectors, good Temp Sensor II ..
good Air Flow Meter ...good fuel pressure and FP regulator
etc. etc.
and good plugs and wires. If plug wires are old or cheap, they are suspect.

have fun !

On 9/30/2014 2:43 PM, Ken Garratt unclekenz@hotmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Les and all,
So, I've had a go at adjusting my ignition timing as per GoWesty decal spec - (warmed up motor, newly marked 35 degree setting @ 3000rpm), then using a timing light, adjusted distributor body clockwise to achieve new pulley mark steady at TDC). Then took van for a test run. Found the motor responsiveness to now be quite gutless. So back to the drawing board. Not at all sure how to proceed/experiment further other than returning the distributor body back to or near its original setting.

Anyone else had a similar experience? Or did I go wrong somewhere with this procedure?

Cheers.

Ken

To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 14:44:09 +1000
Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Crankshaft

(Message over 64 KB, truncated)

unclekenz · 1 October 2014 13:18

Scott,

Meant to say ... you're really gunna love the experience (or else Mel gnashing her teeth!) changing from 1st to 2nd gear with this 5 speed gearbox! aaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrggggggggggggggghhhhhhhhh!!!!

Ken

To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Date: Wed, 1 Oct 2014 23:11:36 +1000
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Distributor function

Greg,

My syncro suby donk runs off a Microtech ECU but I dont think they ever run 100% right with after-market control.

Some of these donks run past 500,000kms with everything original.

Plus a 2wd doesn't need the power a 4wd does - original will do fine.

Cheers,

Skot

On 1/10/2014 11:05 PM, Greg Esposito gregespo73@yahoo.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Well done Scott. Nice bus. Have you considered running aftermarket efi? Or a more modern alternator. Some of these old bits are getting to be like throwing good money after bad. I had real trouble recently finding a plastic bush that sits in the back of the alternator.

From: "spbconsulting@bigpond.com [Syncro_T3_Australia]" <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com>
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, 1 October 2014, 20:40
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Distributor function [10 Attachments]

Greg/ Ken,

It gets better by the minute.

It sat unmoved under a set of huge trees on a property in Sydney's north west for over 5 years and is exactly 1 year younger than my syncro.

It was filthy dirty with green moss and lichen growing all over its roof and windows.

I washed the back and sides with an old sponge and some of the roof and polished the tailgate.

It needs the cut n polish after the washing - but comes up a treat.

It has a few minor depressions and shopping trolley dings but only one spot of rust just in front of one of the side windows. Amazing for such an unloved kombi.

Interior is complete with all the original caravelle seats, carpet, dash pad and dual air conditioning (prestige).

Bumpers have come up great.

Its even a 5 speed manual.

Only problem is its lacking a head, a dizzy, an alternator and an air-box with AFM. Oh and the drivers side headlight (but the seller was supposed to include that so I will get it!

Attached are a few photos of how it was picked up and how it is now.

Cheers,

Skot

On 1/10/2014 6:53 PM, Greg Esposito gregespo73@yahoo.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Cool. What's it like. I am passively looking for one. All the good ones are in nsw and qld. I am not in a position to run off at a moments notice to check one out and they are always interstate. I am looking for one with a good body, factory air and 5 speed. Have cash waiting for the right car. Would love to hear about your new bus. Greg

From: "spbconsulting@bigpond.com [Syncro_T3_Australia]" <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com>
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, 1 October 2014, 18:07
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Distributor function

No Greg,

Rossco is too far away - found one in N/W Sydney.

Its white - so cleaning a white car is difficult - the soap is the same colour as the van!

Not used to that.

I want a VW donk in this one.

Cheers,

Skot

On 1/10/2014 4:53 PM, Greg Esposito gregespo73@yahoo.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Hi Scott, did you buy one of "Rosco's" hord? I would have thought you would swap the svx into the 2wd and go all new 2.5 on the syncro. Greg

From: "spbconsulting@bigpond.com [Syncro_T3_Australia]" <Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com>
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, 1 October 2014, 15:03
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Distributor function

Ken,

If you don't want your old dizzy - I need one - I bought a 2wd Caravelle last weekend and its missing the following:

Drivers side head

Air box + AFM

Distributor

Alternator

Otherwise complete but apparently has a problem with the drivers side connecting rod bearing as it was noisy when running over 5 years ago.

Motor still turns over and has good compression to the passenger side head.

If anyone has any spare bits - let me know - I would love to get this thing running.

Thanks and cheers,

Skot

On 1/10/2014 2:39 PM, Ken Garratt unclekenz@hotmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Hi Scott,
Thanks a lot for these trialling procedures described ... definitely worth a go, even if for no other reason than getting some hands-on distributor function experimental time.

A couple of other queries to make on this topic please.

I know the pulley TDC mark is correct because its "groove" is at centre split case position when rotor is pointing at No.1 cylinder so ....

Have you ever seen a T3 (Vanagon) triple drive pulley that only has the TDC "groove"? If not, that's how mine is. No sign at all of the "notch" for 5 degrees BTDC. Is such a pulley with a missing 5 degree "notch" unusual?

If for say just experimental reasons I swap out my present distributor for the "rebuilt by Bosch" spare I now have ... see same at http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van_1223689737929/page_612_1153/distributor-bosch.html, is this a simple straightforward swap procedure, ensuring first the rotor is pointing in the same direction as the old distributor removed, to help engage the distributor clutch into the offset keyway of the driveshaft? If it's that simple, then I assume I can then continue on with trialling the setup procedures you described. Or have I missed something else with this changeover? Thankyou.

Cheers.

Ken

To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 15:47:29 -1000
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Crankshaft Pulley

if you've lost respsoniveness and power by changing the timing, and no other changes...
the timing is not advanced enough.
( for the fun of it, you should make sure your timing advances when you rev it. The ECU controls that so it's highly likely to be advancing when you rev it. )

Unless 'other things' are messed up ...
this basically works.
Advance the timing ( turn dist counter-clockwise ) ..in this case I'd start with 1/4th of an inch at the dist outer edge..
drive it.
try to make it ping by giving it a lot of throttle at lowish rpm.
if you can make it ping ...the timing is too advanced.
when you get to where it responds well and you can't make it ping ..
back off the timing just a little and you'll be close.

there is another back yard method that can work ..
BUT ....idle factors MUST be working ...
which are ..
throttle switch must be making contact at idle ( can't begin to express how many dozens , hundreds even, I've found not working )
thottle body has to be working right.
if you idle rpm does not change in a fairly linear manner when you turn that large air screw ( a little less than 1/2 inch in diameter ) ..in is slower ..
if it does not repsond there .....for whatever reason ....throttle body itself, air leaks, Air Idle Control Valve not working ..
control unit for it not working < common > ..
then you can't do this back yard timing adjustment, which works amazingly well.

if it's warmed up and idles right ..
with engine running turn dist counterclockwise advancing timing ..it'll idle faster and faster as you turn ..
when you get to where it doesn't speed up the idle ..stop turning it any further that direction...
that's probably 40 degree advance or something extreme like that ..

then turn it the other way until it almost stalls ...where it's very retarded.
turn back and forth a few times between 'that's way advanced and that's way retarded' ..
then put the dist right in the middle of those two extremes.

adjust idle, go for a test drive.
Again ..basically 'everything' has to be working right to do this effectively ..
good injectors, good Temp Sensor II ..
good Air Flow Meter ...good fuel pressure and FP regulator
etc. etc.
and good plugs and wires. If plug wires are old or cheap, they are suspect.

have fun !

On 9/30/2014 2:43 PM, Ken Garratt unclekenz@hotmail.com [Syncro_T3_Australia] wrote:

Les and all,
So, I've had a go at adjusting my ignition timing as per GoWesty decal spec - (warmed up motor, newly marked 35 degree setting @ 3000rpm), then using a timing light, adjusted distributor body clockwise to achieve new pulley mark steady at TDC). Then took van for a test run. Found the motor responsiveness to now be quite gutless. So back to the drawing board. Not at all sure how to proceed/experiment further other than returning the distributor body back to or near its original setting.

Anyone else had a similar experience? Or did I go wrong somewhere with this procedure?

Cheers.

Ken

To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 14:44:09 +1000
Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Crankshaft Pulley

Ken,

I have emailed GoWesty to draw their attention to the conflict of information.

My timing light is just plain vanilla and I don’t have a tacho so I will buy one and set it up before I get back to the timing.

Before that, I will permanently mark the fan pulley at 35⁰.

Les

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com]
Sent: 29 September 2014 11:53
To: _T3_Australia forum Syncro
Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Crankshaft Pulley

Hi Les,

Looks like GoWesty needs to do a makeover of their description AND their decal ... it's all somewhat ambiguous/unclear.

Still, having this pointed out and now the wiser, we can hopefully all

(Message over 64 KB, truncated)