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> Timing mess and more, '73 1.7 w/ FI
EJP914
post Mar 4 2026, 07:08 PM
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Trying to static time my car with 12v test light after removing the distributor to install new condenser.

Reading from a bunch of online sources...
Found what i think is TDC. White mark on fan. Align with notch.
Connect light to neg side of coil. Other end to ground. Turn on the ignition.
Supposed to rotate the distrib counterclockwise until light goes out. Then clockwise until light just comes on. Tighten the bolt.

Turned the distrib counterclockwise as far as it would go. Light never went out. But any slight turn clockwise, the light would go out. Turned it counterclock a touch until light came on.
Tightened the bolt.

This seems to be the exact opposite of the instructions???? What did I do wrong?

Car did start but it idled really high at around 2500 rpm. I had no vacuum leaks last Fall so turned the idle adjustment screw in and in and it finally bottomed out. A few seconds later I got huge amount of smoke from the tailpipe. Shut the car off. I have since turned the idle screw back out a few turns.

No idea where all the smoke came from, but I am very concerned I may have damaged the engine with the maladjusted timing and the idle /smoke issue.

Could someone please tell me what I did wrong, if any damage could have resulted from my stupidity, and how to correct the mess I have. Last resort, haul it to local Porsche shop.

Sorry for the length of this and thanks for replies.
Ed
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Shivers
post Mar 5 2026, 09:11 AM
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Another is to loosen the #1 plug but don’t take it out.
when on the compression stroke it will hiss at you. Air will be trying to escape through the threads.
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