Vanagon 80-85 Timing How To and Tips (Hall Ignition Models)

Vanagon 80-85 Timing How To and Tips (Hall Ignition Models)

By Jim Thompson

Question from Customer:  I have an 82 Vanagon California Model with the factory Hall Ignition, but I can’t figure out how to time the darn thing.  The Timing Mark on the Pulley "jiggles" all over the place, so is my Distributor bad?  Please help!

Answer:  This essentially applies to all 80-85 Vanagons with Hall Ignition, so here’s how to do it right.  80-85 Vanagons came equipped with a little Off-White or Green Plastic Box called a Digital Idle Stabilizer.  When connected this is what causes the Timing Mark to "hunt" (or as you say "jiggle" around).When checking and adjusting the Timing, this Box must be temporarily disconnected and the plugs to it connected together.  You’ll find the Timing Mark on the pulley settles down when that is done.  With your engine at the proper idle (set that first with the box disconnected too), and with the hoses connected to the Vacuum Advance/Retard, set your Timing @ 5 degrees AFTER Top Dead Center (TDC).  Once you have the Timing set, shut the engine off, then reconnect the plugs to the Idle Stabilizer Box.

For 80-Early 83 Air Cooled Vanagons with Points, the procedure is essentially the same, except you set your Timing @ 7.5 degrees BEFORE Top Dead Center (TDC) with the vacuum hose disconnected and plugged.  Reconnect the hose after the timing is set.

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