The timing is set to either the Zero mark which is a cast in dot with 18 degrees dialled into the timing light or set to the diamond mark if you cannot dial in the setting on your light. The crucial aspects of this are that it must be done at 750 rpm +/- 5p rpm and the vacuum advance MUST be connected. What can throw you out is the common problem of a failed vacuum advance capsule. Remove the pipe from the servo hose and suck on it, if you can pull air through the vacuum advance unit it will be impossible to set the timing so the capsule has to be replaced. If you have a Valeo distributor (black cap and rotor) this is VW part number 026 905 272 E and is no longer available from VW. It can be bought in Germany through very specialised sources but costs at least 200 euros plus delivery and taxes. If you have a Bosch distributor (brown cap and rotor) the part number is 026 905 271 and these are £27 from VW dealers and also available from Bosch dealers under the part number 1 237 122 367. If you have a failed Valeo distributor I would suggest the best solution is to go to a VW dealer and get the full exchange unit 026 905 237 AX which is £163 or from a Bosch agent, 0 986 237 304.

 

WOW! Thanks for the informative reply, just what i needed.. I do have the black cap but a red distributor arm (i think).. not sure what type that would be. Am i right in thinking if the vacuum advance unit is ok, the timing marks will appear to move in the opposite direction to the engine turning as revs are increased?

Thanks again.

 

Black cap and red rotor, humm, take a look at the side of the dizzy and see if you can see the make. I know them by sight but it is very hard to convey that info. The position will move under revs as it has vacuum and mechanical advance, you need to do the suck test on the vacuum capsule, if it leaks you need to sort that first.

 

Thanks, I'm now not sure i can even find the diamond mark.. It should be pretty close to tdc shouldn't it? Because the mark i thought was the diamond is miles away.. The car runs ok (ish) though.. This is driving me mad!

 

The diamond mark is in between two big lugs on the flywheel. You need to get the 27-mm hex plastic plug out first.

 

Thanks, i've found it now.. A bit unsure about the TDC mark though, it's kind of like a big pointer on mine, not the centre punch mark in all the pics i've seen.. Seems it is at TDC though so i suppose it must be right..

 

The TDC mark is just a cast in dot.

 

Yeah that's what i thought.. Can't see one on mine though. I'll have a look again.

Should it be as close to the timing notch as it is in the pic above?

 

It is about 36-mm to the right of the 18 degree diamond.

 

Cheers.. I started a new thread cos i didn't think anyone was looking at this one anymore.. You couldn't have a wee look at the pics and tell me what you think could you?

Thanks in advance.

 

Where?

 

this one..

http://www.volkszone.com/VZi/showthread.php?t=765114