Name that KNOCK!
 

Ok guys, just installed my beautiful new fully rebuilt engine in my Vicky! Engine knocking! I've talked with the engine builder, he thinks it's too much spark advance. When I pull down on spark lever the engine starts to knock, goes away when I push lever back up. Car has FS electronic ignition, 12 volt.

Re: Name that KNOCK!
 

Try shorting out the plugs one at a time while it's running. If the knock goes away when a particular cylinder is turned off, that's where the problem is. For me (on my 2nd new rebuild) it turned out to be a loose piston.

Re: Name that KNOCK!
 

I know someone smarter than me will correct me if I'm wrong, but after reading the info on the FSI ignitions, I don't believe you need to mess with the spark advance lever. As I understand it, you push it up to full retard and leave it alone. The FSI distributor takes care of advancing the timing as needed. That's why you are getting the knocking when you pull the lever down

Re: Name that KNOCK!
 

Not all FSI distributors have automatic advance. I have 2 of their dizzies, one with and one without auto advance. Maybe he has one without auto advance. What you say is correct for the distributor that IS fitted with it.
In my car WITH auto advance, I have a 5.5 head and slightly modified cam meaning that not so much advance is required. I found that the distributor advanced too much so I set it slightly retarded at an idle.

Re: Name that KNOCK!
 

The distributor does NOT have auto advance. I think I need to retime it!