hi
i want to check the timing on my ducato 2.5turbo diesel 1994
i want to use a diesel pulse adapter and a strobe timing light.
does anyone know how many degrees before top dead centre
the setting is. icant access the autodata system.

All that high tech stuff is not necessary and in fact is a waste of time. I time all my diesel engines [including our 1993 Ducato TD10 1929cc diesel] the same way. Set it up as per the book, camshaft and pump wheel locked and engine crankshaft in the timing position, without disturbing the wheel on the injector pump.

Mine has a cold start cable running from the dash to the pump which when pulled advances it for a cold start. Go for a test drive and advance it using this cable until you find the position at which it seems to run best. Then move the wheel on the pump shaft by that amount so that becomes the normal injection point.

Diesel engines start better slightly advanced especially in cold weather, and may run cleaner, but tend to be noisier when advanced, with a prominent combustion knock. However if retarded they can be harder to start in the cold and short of pulling power, and may smoke more. You need to find the optimum timing point and this can only be found by trial and error.

I hate to praise Ford [Escort, Mondeo 1753 diesel] but their injector pump wheel is a dream for vernier adjustment of the injection point, just slacken 3 small setscrews and move the wheel between 2 stops, retighten and test drive.

hi
i have tried adjusting the pump each way and it makes no
difference still starts perfect and runs fine. but im only getting
21mpg. its a hymer motorhome1994 has no cable to pump.
its a bosch pump smoke is ok.

re 21 mpg if this is a custom built motorhome then depending on road systems and other variables 21--22 mpg sounds about right. i run a 2.5tdi 1996 coachbuilt fully loaded with scooter on back full water, 2 gas bottles wifes clothes and makeup (2 ton ) drive it very hard all road systems and average 21 mpg. hope this gives indication of expected mpg.