[T3] Huston, we have ignition! (was RE: Some Spark but no Fire (was RE: Update with a Bowl Full of Rust Flakes))

[Adriel Rowley]

----------------------------------------
> From: jadney at vwtype3.org
> To: type3 at vwtype3.org
> Date: Wed, 27 Jul 2011 06:47:56 -0500
> Subject: Re: [T3] Huston, we have ignition! (was RE: Some Spark but no Fire (was RE: Update with a Bowl Full of Rust Flakes))
>
> On 26 Jul 2011 at 23:52, Adriel Rowley wrote:
>
> > > From: jadney at vwtype3.org
>
> > > On 26 Jul 2011 at 12:06, Adriel Rowley wrote:
> > >
> > > > I will check the dwell and timing once I have fresh gasoline, as timing
> > > > needs to be set at about 30 degrees advance at 3,500 R.P.M. I.I.R.C..
> > > > Russ suggested 15 degrees advance, but do not want to run it that way
> > > > with possibly bad fuel.
> > >
> > > Why not stick to what the Bentley suggests: for a '71,TDC at idle.
> > > You're MUCH less likely to screw that up than trying to time to a non-
> > > existant mark at high rpm/
> > >
> > Because I trust what Russ said about advancing it fifteen more than a
> > pollution control.
> >
> > I was just planning on setting it to fifteen, then checking to be sure it
> > did not go past the 30.
> >
> > > The 15 deg figure is wrong, and the 30 deg figure requires more
> > > understanding than you have at this point.
> > >
> > So if it is wrong, what else is wrong that Russ said. ;|
>
> Russ never said 15. He understood the problem and never would have
> made that mistake.
>
Well he did to me, and said 12 be safer.  At this point, no point making 
enemies over it. ;|

> > Trouble is, the Bentley was not written when there was crap they put in
> > the fuel.  All the information I have been finding says for proper running
> > to advance the timing.  Do you have information otherwise?
>
> Don't know where you're getting that from. Anyone who suggests
> changing the timing by 15 degrees is way off their rocker. That's a
> really quick way to damage an engine.
>
The recommendation was around five to 10 degrees, not 15.

> And don't get misled by the folks who belive that modern gas is crap.
> It works fine. It may give you 1-2 less mpg, but that's all you'll
> ever notice. Don't use it as an excuse for why your engine doesn't
> run well. If my engine runs well, yours should too.
>
I am not mislead.  My Milan drove much better with the Midwest's pure 
gasoline.  Now if I could be free of big oil, then build an engine for 
it,  be another thing, but would not last as long because of the higher 
compression it likes.  Everything is tradeoffs, i.e. big oil or not the 
best fuel source.

> > What understanding am I missing?  I have had a year of auto shop, plus the
> > several, if not more, owning type 3s.
>
> You keep making mistakes, like setting the points but not on the peak
> of the cam or coming up with that 15 degree figure. They suggest that
> you're in a hurry and are assuming more
> skill/competence/understanding than you actually have. You eventually
> recognize your errors, laugh about them, but don't seem to learn
> that you tend to make them. Wake up. Pay attention. Check your work.
>
Where in the Bentley does it say the cam peak is not at the number one 
mark?

I do know I make them now that you and others have pointed it out.  But, 
be nice if someone had pointed this out three years ago.  I would have 
had a Squareback that was on the road as a daily driver for at least two 
years. ;/

So how do I see if I have made errors?  How do I better learn from them?

When she did not run, I did check my work, sometimes as much as six times.

I think you expect that I am normal.  I am far from it, and for some reason,
God has given me Asperger's Syndrome, which is on the Autistic Spectrum.  I 
do not like telling folks as I feel I am asking to get special treatment.  
But, think this be another case were it help you all understand how difficult 
it is to work on the Squareback.  I am clumsy, do not have fine motor skills, 
and forget the medical name but a disconnect between brain and limb.  This 
means tasks take longer, hard for me to do physically, and do not know how 
hard I am really twisting, hitting, etc. and object.  I am so grateful 
Christian kindly taught me how to properly use a torque wrench: thank you 
Christian! :D  I see the world in absolutes, and all has to be just.  There is 
only a right and wrong, no in between; I am working on this.  I have impulses 
because of the way my brain is, and this can lead to frustration and anger.  I 
can show one where there is a couple places were I lost it.  Currently taking 
Risperdal for the latter, and made it so much easier to work on her.  Plus, I 
do not understand inflections or meaning always; takes time sometimes to get it 
planted in the brain.I could go on, but figure this is enough, or possibly too 
much; do not have the social skills to know. :(

> Want more examples?
>
Well if you think it would help me learn.  I am trying to not be so paranoid 
and be vulnerable to help us all.  Really want to learn how to treat her the 
best and improve relations. ;)

> > > Keep it straightforward and get it running right before you start
> > > messing around with it again.
> > >
> > I was told static timing was not good enough and one should check it with a
> > light.  Is this incorrect?
>
> It is correct, but static means with the engine off. Dynamic is with
> the engine running. Setting it at idle with a timing light to TDC is
> dynamic and what you should be doing.
>
Fine, will dynamic time her.


Thank you so very much!
Adriel