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Author Topic: Diesel Pulse Adapter Info Thread  (Read 78687 times)

January 18, 2014, 10:55:05 am

vanbcguy

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Diesel Pulse Adapter Info Thread
« on: January 18, 2014, 10:55:05 am »
So I know a few folks on here now have purchased and are using diesel pulse adapters for setting timing. Given that anyone doing anything M-TDI basically has to either make up their timing figures otherwise I thought it would be good to get some info together around what people are using, etc.  The idea being that maybe this thread can become a sticky later on.

So, what I'm looking for:

- what kind of adapter you have
- any accessories needed to make it work with the VW?
- what kind of timing light are you using?
- any other info you can share

Thanks!
« Last Edit: March 19, 2015, 11:31:16 pm by vanbcguy »


Bryn

1994 Jetta - AHU M-TDI - Jezebel Jetta
2004 Jetta Wagon - 1.8T - Blitzen

Reply #1January 18, 2014, 11:09:30 am

libbydiesel

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Re: Diesel Pulse Adapter Info Thread
« Reply #1 on: January 18, 2014, 11:09:30 am »
I have a snap-on pulse adapter just like this (borrowed pic):



With it, I use an Actron timing light that has the tach and advance features.  Actron is a cheap brand, IMO, but the timing light has worked flawlessly for quite a few years.  If purchasing a timing light I would strongly recommend getting one with those two features.  The advance function meas you don't have to mess with degree wheels or counting flywheel teeth and making punch marks...  The tach feature means you can adjust the idle accurately and calibrate your tach.

I got the pulse adapter off eBay as NOS for $80 shipped.  The timing light was $100.  No other accessories were necessary.  I had the dial indicator already and was a bit reluctant to spend the money 'whimsically'.  Looking back, it was an excellent purchase that proved more beneficial than I ever expected. 


Reply #2January 18, 2014, 05:23:32 pm

rbremiller

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Re: Diesel Pulse Adapter Info Thread
« Reply #2 on: January 18, 2014, 05:23:32 pm »
I'm all over this. You'd think there would be some cheap, adaptable tech out there to make a simple module. The available new units I've found are $190.00 and up. Ferret and Gunson are two manufacturers.
'91 180k Audi 80Q mTDI DD AHU, K14, LT pump,
http://www.motorgeek.com/viewtopic.php?t=45645
'99 Jetta TDI 204k '02 engine, RC3+E, 11mm IP, .216, Racepipe, 2.5''SS exhaust, PD Lift pump,  Boostvalve, PanzerPlate, boost gauge, MAF delete.
'89 Audi 80Q ...waiting
'85 BMW R80

Reply #3January 18, 2014, 06:56:11 pm

vanbcguy

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Re:
« Reply #3 on: January 18, 2014, 06:56:11 pm »
Hey Andrew, you do 12° at idle, right?
Bryn

1994 Jetta - AHU M-TDI - Jezebel Jetta
2004 Jetta Wagon - 1.8T - Blitzen

Reply #4January 18, 2014, 07:27:16 pm

libbydiesel

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Re: Diesel Pulse Adapter Info Thread
« Reply #4 on: January 18, 2014, 07:27:16 pm »
Yes, I use 12° BTDC.

Reply #5January 18, 2014, 07:55:05 pm

libbydiesel

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Re: Diesel Pulse Adapter Info Thread
« Reply #5 on: January 18, 2014, 07:55:05 pm »
I'm all over this. You'd think there would be some cheap, adaptable tech out there to make a simple module. The available new units I've found are $190.00 and up. Ferret and Gunson are two manufacturers.

The pickup mine uses is pretty much the same as the piezo pickup that tinytach.  Tinytach sells just the transducer for $60.  I imagine that someone with a little prototyping skill could build up a signal processor easily enough...

Reply #6January 18, 2014, 10:19:24 pm

81 vw pu

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Re: Diesel Pulse Adapter Info Thread
« Reply #6 on: January 18, 2014, 10:19:24 pm »
Here's one on craigslist here in central Wa. $50

http://yakima.craigslist.org/tls/4254923469.html

Reply #7January 18, 2014, 11:42:53 pm

libbydiesel

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Re: Diesel Pulse Adapter Info Thread
« Reply #7 on: January 18, 2014, 11:42:53 pm »
That's a luminosity probe version.  It will work in a similar manner, but the spec for timing would be different.

Reply #8February 01, 2014, 11:57:25 am

92EcoDiesel Jetta

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Re: Diesel Pulse Adapter Info Thread
« Reply #8 on: February 01, 2014, 11:57:25 am »
Yes, I use 12° BTDC.

Are there other degree markings on the idi flywheels (other than the TDC mark)  or do you have to make your own? How do you make your 12 degree mark? How many teeth are on my 92 Eco flywheel? I am in the midst of a project, playing with piezo sensors and circuitry to make a diesel pulse adapter.

Reply #9February 01, 2014, 12:28:20 pm

libbydiesel

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Re: Diesel Pulse Adapter Info Thread
« Reply #9 on: February 01, 2014, 12:28:20 pm »
If you reread my first post it will answer your questions except how many teeth are you your flywheel.  Obviously you can answer that question easier than I can.

Reply #10February 01, 2014, 12:46:12 pm

92EcoDiesel Jetta

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Re: Diesel Pulse Adapter Info Thread
« Reply #10 on: February 01, 2014, 12:46:12 pm »
If you reread my first post it will answer your questions except how many teeth are you your flywheel.  Obviously you can answer that question easier than I can.

Well, if you trust your life to the accuracy of the timing light's advance feature, then you don't need to make your own timing mark.  ::) I was hoping I don't have to count the number of teeth and that someone else has done it already. ;D

Reply #11February 01, 2014, 07:50:12 pm

libbydiesel

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Re: Diesel Pulse Adapter Info Thread
« Reply #11 on: February 01, 2014, 07:50:12 pm »
You could always take the initiative, count the teeth and post it up in order to contribute something other than your sense of entitlement.   ;)

Reply #12February 02, 2014, 07:13:57 am

TylerDurden

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Re: Diesel Pulse Adapter Info Thread
« Reply #12 on: February 02, 2014, 07:13:57 am »
All the ones I've counted so far have 125 teeth.

IIRC, Mark in UK might have a different count on the Quantum.

Reply #13February 09, 2014, 10:40:53 pm

ToddA1

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Re: Diesel Pulse Adapter Info Thread
« Reply #13 on: February 09, 2014, 10:40:53 pm »
Is this method more accurate than the dial indicator method? 

-Todd

Reply #14February 09, 2014, 11:59:56 pm

libbydiesel

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Re: Diesel Pulse Adapter Info Thread
« Reply #14 on: February 09, 2014, 11:59:56 pm »
Yes.  More to the point it is measuring the actual start of the injection which is what really matters, and takes into account the injector break pressure and wear in the injection pump.  The dial indicator does not. 

 

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