Engine case codes
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MES
Engine case codes
The engine I have in my Bug is not the original and I was trying to figure out what year it was for timing purposes. The problem is that where the code is stamped in the case,the only letter there is an 'A'. Thats it. No other letters or numbers follow it. Is there any other place on the case where the code number is stamped? If not,are there any suggestions as to timing it or should I just go with the stock pulley notch?
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beetle_freak_53
- Posts: 161
- Joined: Thu May 25, 2000 12:01 am
Engine case codes
Look just under the mount for the gen. stand on the case, you should find it there.
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it's not a car...
it's a cult!!!
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it's not a car...
it's a cult!!!
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Mike
- Posts: 326
- Joined: Tue May 23, 2000 12:01 am
Engine case codes
The pulley notch may be the timing mark or TDC or neither. Over the years, pulleys get changed and yours may not be marked right.
A simple test to find TDC:
Pop off your distributor cap and remove plug #1
Rotate engine by hand until rotor almost lines up with notch in distributor rim.
Insert wooden dowel (long pencil) into #1 cylinder until it hits the piston head.
Slowly turn engine until pencil is pushed out the max amount. This is TDC.
Check if your pulley notch is in line with the crack in the case halves. If not, mark the spot on the pulley.
Now you can set valves and timing from that mark. What distributor do you have? If an 009, then set timing to max advance of 28 - 32 degrees BTDC at 3000 RPM. See where it falls at idle.
Hope this helps a little.
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Mike
Wilhelm(Willie) - 74 Super Beetle - Stock (Almost)
(Willie get there? - Willie get me back home?)
.. ___
. /___\
(0\_|_/0)
.U===U
A simple test to find TDC:
Pop off your distributor cap and remove plug #1
Rotate engine by hand until rotor almost lines up with notch in distributor rim.
Insert wooden dowel (long pencil) into #1 cylinder until it hits the piston head.
Slowly turn engine until pencil is pushed out the max amount. This is TDC.
Check if your pulley notch is in line with the crack in the case halves. If not, mark the spot on the pulley.
Now you can set valves and timing from that mark. What distributor do you have? If an 009, then set timing to max advance of 28 - 32 degrees BTDC at 3000 RPM. See where it falls at idle.
Hope this helps a little.
------------------
Mike
Wilhelm(Willie) - 74 Super Beetle - Stock (Almost)
(Willie get there? - Willie get me back home?)
.. ___
. /___\
(0\_|_/0)
.U===U
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Sharkey
- Posts: 966
- Joined: Sat Jul 22, 2000 12:01 am
Engine case codes
Mike's method is close, but not sufficient if you really, REALLY need to know *exactly* where TDC is. To do that, you'll need to make up a tool that threads into one of the spark plug holes.
A broken spark plug will do for a start. You'll need to bust out the ceramic insides of the remaining threaded portion of the plug and tap the inside to accept a medium-sized bolt. What you want to end up with is a device that will screw into the spark plug hole and screw down until it contacts the top of the piston.
What you do is first roughly locate TDC as Mike described. Now install your new tool. Then, turn the engine backwards and let the piston receed into the cylinder a bit. Screw the bolt down until it barely touches the top of the piston. Turn the motor over and stop when the piston won't move any more. Mark the pulley where the two case halves meet. Then rotate the motor *backwards* until the piston jams up against the bolt again. Mark the pulley again. *True* TDC will be located exactly between the two marks.
It is best to do this with all the spark plugs out so that you aren't building compression as you turn the motor over. If not, you risk damaging the piston top when the motor experiences reduced compression near TDC.
A broken spark plug will do for a start. You'll need to bust out the ceramic insides of the remaining threaded portion of the plug and tap the inside to accept a medium-sized bolt. What you want to end up with is a device that will screw into the spark plug hole and screw down until it contacts the top of the piston.
What you do is first roughly locate TDC as Mike described. Now install your new tool. Then, turn the engine backwards and let the piston receed into the cylinder a bit. Screw the bolt down until it barely touches the top of the piston. Turn the motor over and stop when the piston won't move any more. Mark the pulley where the two case halves meet. Then rotate the motor *backwards* until the piston jams up against the bolt again. Mark the pulley again. *True* TDC will be located exactly between the two marks.
It is best to do this with all the spark plugs out so that you aren't building compression as you turn the motor over. If not, you risk damaging the piston top when the motor experiences reduced compression near TDC.