• Registered: 2011-05-12
  • Posts: 20

Topic: Distributor Static Timing

I have a distriubutor (009) that has a static timing of 7.5 degrees BTDC. My distributor has a TDC mark. As does the engine crankshaft pully.

So when I place my distributor in the engine, do I crank the engine case to it's 7.5 BTDC mark, and place the middle of the rotor on the TDC mark for the distriubutor? or is it the edge of the rotor. OR do i also place the rotor (edge or middle) 7.5 degrees before the TDC mark on the dizzy case.

There are a lot of permutations. and the play is very small.

  • TomB
  • Moderator
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  • From: Austin, TX
  • Registered: 2004-03-27
  • Posts: 1,095

Re: Distributor Static Timing

You need to use a test light to determine when the points open, rather than look at the rotor position. (Could also use a DVM in Ohms to watch for the point opening.) You adjust the distributor so the points trigger when the crank is at 7.5.
However, safest with an 009 is to set it with a strobe timing light at full advance with the engine running. I think that is at 3200 rpm, set for 30 deg BTDC, but one of the other guys will have more exact numbers for the 009. I much prefer the stock vacuum advance, so I ignore the 009 info.

  • From: Canada
  • Registered: 2004-03-27
  • Posts: 630

Re: Distributor Static Timing

I hope you're planning on setting the timing with a light once the engine's running?

Static timing is really just intended to get things setup so the engine will start and run smoothly, but it's far from being the ideal timing for any engine.  Numbers like 7.5 degrees and 30 degrees are measured at certain engine RPMs.

You can set your static by watching for the spark between the points, no need for a light.  Make sure you're at TDC then turn the distributor until you get the spark.  Tighten it down and start your engine, then do the proper timing.

If you check the books, you should find that 7.5 degrees is at around 900 RPM.  Full advance should be around 3200 RPM, although it will vary from engine to engine.

When dealing with a 009 distributor, it's better to be conservative with your full advance setting, aiming for between 28 and 30 degrees.  Too much advance will burn your pistons beyond use.

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  • Registered: 2011-05-12
  • Posts: 20

Re: Distributor Static Timing

Thanks for the reply. I've just ordered a busted old 205K for my bug, so I look forward to the vacuum advance.

I just needed to know if the static timing was that important, I needed to put the 009 in to get to the store to get a strobe timer! hah. I'll probably ride a bike instead. dont want no burnt valves.

  • From: Cincinnati, Ohio
  • Registered: 2005-09-10
  • Posts: 2,336

Re: Distributor Static Timing

Der Bugmeister wrote:

I hope you're planning on setting the timing with a light once the engine's running?

Static timing is really just intended to get things setup so the engine will start and run smoothly, but it's far from being the ideal timing for any engine.  Numbers like 7.5 degrees and 30 degrees are measured at certain engine RPMs.

Certainly what I was thinking as well! smile  Static timing is ok just to get an engine running (possibly a very rough idle)...but then a timing light should be used to "dial" things in more precisely.

- Nick

1979 Super Beetle Convertible