Almost ready to start my 19-year old fresh 2.0. It has carbs and a new 050 distributor (no vacuum diaphragm). Just realized I have no clue as to how to time it and at what rpm. I have it set at TDC with rotor pointed at index mark on distributor body. I am assuming this will allow me to light the fire. Then what? Red mark/3500 rpm with vacuum lines disconnected and plugged doesn't sound right any more!

I have the 050 and if I remember I power timed the engine using the TDC mark at around 4,000 RPM at 32 max degrees advance. You need an adjustable timing light to do this. Set the light at 32 degrees run the engine at 35-4,000 rpm to max out the distributor's advance and set timing at the TDC or 0 mark. Dead timing at 0 may get you started but a quick calculation of the maximum advance of the 050 less 32 total (32=static + centrifugal) could get you a dead timing mark to set to. Dave H.

There is a tech article @ PP. At 3200rpm 34-35 degrees. You don't need an adjustable timing light, there is a lug on the fan that you can go by. I have an 050 and this is what I use.

PP timing w/ carbs

Thanks. Looking at the Pelican article it mentions "vacuum advance line connected" and refers to a 205A distributor. Is the spec the same at 3200 for an 050 without any vacuum diaphragm?

At 3200rpm you are dealing w/ total advance. If the article said w/ vacuum line disconnected, it would not apply to a 050. Did that make sense?

I thought the 050 distributor had the vacuum advance http://www.compufire.com/vw.html#21101 .

nope, not on the 050.

Maybe they have their 009 and 050 info swapped?

I have a brand new 050 which I have installed on a rebuilt 2.0 with Weber 40's. It has no vacuum advance.
Mark, if I understand correctly, vacuum connected gives full advance and that is what I will get at 3200 using the "mark" in the picture above.

None of the 050's have vacuum advance.

Rev it to 3200 and PRAY that your fan is marked.

I use a "dial back" timing light and check things with the 27 degree mark (light set on zero) and then I check the TDC mark with the dial back set to 27. It shouldnt be off by much.

Then.. I move things up to 32-34 degrees total. I use the 27 mark to make sure I'm getting close.

B

and he's prett good at it, too.