Timing Conundrum

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maxstu
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Timing Conundrum

Post by maxstu »

T25 DJ 2.1 1989 Auto....

The camper is running 95ron octane at present, with timing set at 5 BDTC. But with the introduction of 10% biomethanol in petrol now, should I reset timing to original 10 BDTC and revert back to super 98ron octane fuel?

Also, I've been reading up on the US sites (GoWesty etc) that setting timing is more accurate with the revs at 3000rpm instead of at idle, or 800rpm. This leaves me a little confused (as life does 😏) as how to set timing. is it really this simple??

I have a strobe light with rpm settings......

[font]https://www.gowesty.com/tech-article-details.php?id=162

Regards
Stuart[/font]




 

 
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Stesaw
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Re: Timing Conundrum

Post by Stesaw »

It's something I've gave thought to with my 2.1 when I get it in the van ( the syncro has locked it in the garage at the mo )
Don't the yanks have different fuel grades anyway? I was going to just time mine at 5 degrees running on a carb and just fueling up on E10.
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Re: Timing Conundrum

Post by ZsZ »

AFAIK all US model Vanagons had the Digifant injection system while the european 2.1 vans had the Digijet. So fine tuning methods and values may be different.

E D I T: checked the repair manual. On 2.1 engines DJ engine code is digijet, MV, SR, SS are digifant.

The manual has two timing settings for the DJ @800 RPM with vacuum advance and idle stabilisation disconnected:
10° as standard or 5° with lead free RON 95. I assume you should go the 5° with todays fuels.
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Re: Timing Conundrum

Post by ajsimmo »

10° and Super.

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maxstu
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Re: Timing Conundrum

Post by maxstu »

Okay and thanks to all contributors.
Yet one question remains unanswered. Has anyone used the Gowesty method for setting timing for a DJ? Setting revs at 3000rpm and going for total advancement of 35 degrees. No need to disconnect IS or touch vacuum. According to their feature trying to set timing at 800rpm is inaccurate as idle fluctuates at lot.
Steve, likely a Digijet issue as so many electronics at play during idle. I would set carb'd 2.1 according to manual for using 98ron or Super.
Lastly. If we rock up to an isolated petrol station offering only 95ron what effect will it have if timing is set for Super?
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Re: Timing Conundrum

Post by TONYT25T25 »

I raised a similar question about mixing E10 and E5 super or whatever the alternative is, most garages will only sell E10 as I found out at my local Morrisons, surely we cannot keep changing the timing when we mix between octane levels if the mixture is in the tank.
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Re: Timing Conundrum

Post by ash1293 »

maxstu wrote:Gowesty method for setting timing for a DJ? Setting revs at 3000rpm and going for total advancement of 35 degrees. No need to disconnect IS or touch vacuum. According to their feature trying to set timing at 800rpm is inaccurate as idle fluctuates at lot.


DG not DJ, but iirc I set timing at idle as per normal, but then checked at 3000 for total advance. Think it results in about 7-8 degrees by the time it was set, then tweaked by ear.

I’d set up on & for the fuel you want to use. If running higher octane then having to fill/top up with lower us unlikely to cause significant problems as you will no doubt be topping up before too long anyway.
1990 1.9DG 34DAT carb Leisuredrive hightop

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maxstu
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Re: Timing Conundrum

Post by maxstu »

Is it safer to run set up for E10 all the time just in case then? So reduced power and fuel line issues. But choose E5 whenever possible.
The poxy governments' underhand way of clawing back lost revenue dont you you know!
Wish l had gone LPG now. :roll:
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Re: Timing Conundrum

Post by maxstu »

ash1293 wrote: 02 Sep 2021, 10:43
maxstu wrote:Gowesty method for setting timing for a DJ? Setting revs at 3000rpm and going for total advancement of 35 degrees. No need to disconnect IS or touch vacuum. According to their feature trying to set timing at 800rpm is inaccurate as idle fluctuates at lot.


DG not DJ, but iirc I set timing at idle as per normal, but then checked at 3000 for total advance. Think it results in about 7-8 degrees by the time it was set, then tweaked by ear.

I’d set up on & for the fuel you want to use. If running higher octane then having to fill/top up with lower us unlikely to cause significant problems as you will no doubt be topping up before too long anyway.

Nope! The 2.1 vanagon is either DJ or Digifant. But one can use this method for DG's at slightly higher revs around 3300rpm
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Re: Timing Conundrum

Post by ash1293 »

maxstu wrote:
Nope! The 2.1 vanagon is either DJ or Digifant. But one can use this method for DG's at slightly higher revs around 3300rpm


Think you misunderstood, I was meaning my set up is a DG not DJ.
1990 1.9DG 34DAT carb Leisuredrive hightop

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maxstu
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Re: Timing Conundrum

Post by maxstu »

ash1293 wrote: 02 Sep 2021, 11:00
maxstu wrote:
Nope! The 2.1 vanagon is either DJ or Digifant. But one can use this method for DG's at slightly higher revs around 3300rpm


Think you misunderstood, I was meaning my set up is a DG not DJ.

Yep. Misread your answer. Owe you one. :ok
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Re: Timing Conundrum

Post by southernscouse »

Maxstu you say you wish you had gone LPG but the pumps are getting fewer why this cleaner fuel is not so popular
(Not enough money in it for oil companies and government)

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Re: Timing Conundrum

Post by maxstu »

southernscouse wrote: 03 Sep 2021, 08:54 Maxstu you say you wish you had gone LPG but the pumps are getting fewer why this cleaner fuel is not so popular
(Not enough money in it for oil companies and government)
True. But l did have a LPG fitting arranged for my vehicle in March 2020. But the fitter furloughed himself and refunded my deposit. He didnt come back to me. At the time it didnt matter.

That said l pass four fuel stations selling LPG in a regular jaunt of 130 miles return. Likely saving me 12-15 quid each way. And with LPG the camper engine's timing would be permanently set to 10 degrees. Just the odd use of Super to keep petrol side clean. 

No worries
 
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Re: Timing Conundrum

Post by maxstu »

Still no comments on Gowesty method of engine timing?
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