Gordon Nichols posted:1/2 turn after the arm makes contact with the screw is way not enough. As Alan says, turn them both in a bit (like, 1-1/2 turns each) to get it to idle to keep it running. Don't even try to static time it (static timing with an electronic ignition on a centrifugal advance distributor is irrelevant, anyway) - Just run it up to 2,500 - 3000 rpm and hold it there, then use a regular timing light to set the advance to 30º BTDC and lock the distributor there. Re-check timing after tightening the locking screw.
BTW and your Magna Spark might be different, but mine peaks advance at 3,175 RPM (call it 3,200) on a Sun distributor machine and I'm OK with that. Get it up to 3 grand on your engine to set the total advance and you should be fine.
AFTER you have the timing set properly, THEN adjust the idle speed. When you get it in the ballpark of the idle speed you want, balance the carbs left and right using a snail meter (linkage disconnected on one side only) for the same flow, then re-connect the linkage making sure it is neither pulling nor pushing on either side.
Side tip: Most ignition dwell meters have an RPM setting to use it as a Tach with your test stand. Make sure you get one with a scale for 4-cylinder engines.
Last step is to bring it back up to 2,500 - 3,000 rpm and re-adjust the linkage on one side only so that they're pulling the same on both sides at that RPM to dial in the linkage. You can check the draft front-to-back on each side with the snail meter at idle and adjust the air bleed screw on the lower throat on each side to bring it up to match the other throat (same side). All this stuff should be done slowly to allow it to settle on each adjustment. Patience is a virtue.
Gordon, thank you!! I had a chance this evening to work on the motor for a bit. I was able to advance the timing and have the motor idle on its own. The idle is running high but at least I can work with the timing light and tach.
I do have a couple dwell meters somewhere in the shop that has adjustable cylinder selection. I also have a few timing lights, one of them is the INNOVA 3568. I believe it as the RPM digital readout capabilities. I received my snail meter from cbPerformance last week so I'm covered there.
Hopefully I can work on the motor tomorrow night and go through the process you have laid out on your post.
Anyways, thank you and everyone else on this thread. I'm learning a lot!
Here's a quick video of tonights progress. If you hear anything odd, chime in. I'm not familiar enough with VW motors to detect problems by sound.
George-