Volkswagen: Timing, volkswagen camper, vacuum problem

Question
I recently bought a 1976 Volkswagen Camper and it is an automatic.. the timing is off.. Im not sure how to fix this since the bus is an auto. It does idle fine! Any suggestions? Thanks!

Answer
If you know the (engine) timing is off, you probably already know how to check it and/or set it.  Now the fact that it is an automatic (transmission) should not make a huge difference.  Also assuming yours is a US fuel injected model, the timing should be set to 0 degrees with a warm engine at 850 to 1000 rpm.  Additionally, you may have an advance problem with the distributor.  You can generally check this (after setting initial timing) by observing the timing mark (with the timing strobe light) as you rev the engine.  You should see timing advance significantly; otherwise you may have a distributor vacuum problem, or mechanical binding inside the distributor.  If any of the above assumptions are not true, then get back with more details.