How to set VK Timing

[vaughan]

Can one of you kind souls please explain how to set the timing on a VK Black 202 Carbi engine? Could you please also provide any settings etc... Also, anyone know the sequence for resetting the EST module? thanks vaughan.

[vkberlina]

Any position will do The EST will do the rest, the distributor position has no effect on the engine timing setting. The only requirement for the distributor setting is that the rotor button must be aligned with the appropriate segments of the distributor cap to fire the spark plugs.

Best way to "reset" the EST computer is with a 4 pound lump hammer You cant reset it as it doesnt actually remember anything. Later model cars computers do and you reset them by disconnecting the battery for a while.

Seriously do yourself a favour before you incurr problems and install a VH or EFI VK electronic dizzy, better economy, better performance, better reliability.

cheers
Scott

[vaughan]

Thanls for your reply Scott, will replace the EST as I'm selling the car tomorrow and leaving the country next week.

[synoptica]

See this thread for more EST-bashing: EST Bypass or test?

[vkberlina]

yeah sell it as is then, not point using up your duty free spending money

[vaughan]

do you know where the connector is located so we can bypass the EST and set the base timing? also do you know which pins/terminals need to be bridged to do this?

[vkberlina]

There isnt a pin to short to disable the EST.

Ok the EST can compensate up to 28 degrees the factory position was put Cyl #1 on TDC (align the timing mark on the balencer to 0 degrees on the timing cover)
pop off the dizzy cap
you will see a notch on the dizzy housing rotate the housing untill the dizzy cap clamps on the housing are 45 degrees to the notch.

thats it its done.

scott

[vaughan]

Thanks again Scott for your reply. The situation is now getting desparate. I have decided that my guity concience is correct and I really want to fix this problem rather than pass it on to some other unsuspecting soul.

I am assuming that the EST module is not damaged/non-operational as I have ignition and the engine actually is running. Will a simple tune-up rectify this EST drama?

The symptoms are as follows:

1. EST light always on
2. Vacuum guage sucks right down to 1 (poss lower) under acceleration
3. All vacuum hoses have been checked and replaced as needed
4. Currently running at about 25-50% of normal power under accelaration
5. Fuel economy shot

Can u suggest any starting points to help diagnose/fix this drama?

I am picking up a VK workshop manual from a friend next week but until then I am sort of guessing as to where to start.

Thanks again in advance.

Vaughan

[vkberlina]

Ok the easiest way to solve your problems is to install a VH/ EFI VK dizzy. When I bought my carbie VK I installed one before I drove it away
The reason for the bad fuel economy etc is the EST is in limp home mode and is defaulting to 6deg BTDC.

At first glance your problem looks like a CAS, unplug it
To test it, on one side of the plug you will see 1 lug on the other ised you will see 2 lugs with the 2 lugs facing down test the resistance of the left & middle pins. They sould be between 1k-1.2k ohms.
Else I woyuld be saying either a faulty Coolant temp sensor or map sensor.

One test to do
With the engine running at idle, theres a single wire on your main engine harness connector on the drivers sideup the back of the engine bay, with the engine running short the connector to earth, next have a look at the est light and take a note of how many flashed occur every 8 seconds.

In all seriousness tho best thing to do is to install an electronic dizzy and it definitely fix the problem


cheers
Scott