location of serial number on 5ktq engine

[isham-research.freeserve.co.uk at pop.pol.net.uk]

>> I'm not sure how else you can detect this problem withoutpulling the tranny
>> and looking at the flywheel, perhaps someone here on the list has that
>> wisdom....

The starter motor hole is one idea.  If you're serious, drop the bolts
out of the front subframe mounts - the subframe drops about four inches
- and remove the bracket that connects the rear of the engine block to
the clutch bell housing.  This lets you see about 60 degrees of flywheel
teeth in one go.

> what's wrong with looking at it through the timing inspection hole in
> the transmission bell housing whilst someone else turns the crank slowly?

With a long enough breaker bar, no problem.  Otherwise it tends to jump
and you can never be sure you've seen every tooth.

> Also, wouldn't you notice this whilst starting the car sometimes? or is the
> broken tooth not broken badly enough for the starter gear to miss it?

No.  You bet your a$$, this can be a real problem.  We think it was the
major reason John Robinson's car gave us trouble for three years.

--
 Phil Payne
 http://www.isham-research.freeserve.co.uk/quattro
 Phone +44 7785 302803   Fax: +44 7785 309674