[Vwdiesel] crankshaft alignment/timing on 98 TDI

[James Hansen]

If it's a timing reference point you need, you almost need to take the head
off and use a dial indicator on the top of #1 piston.  you can find the
range of crank rotation at which #1 is as far upward as it goes, halfway
between this range is exact tdc.  You would certainly want to try to
indicate the piston top with a dial indicator through the glow plug hole
first.  It *should* work, but do it a few times to be sure of accuracy as
the piston top isn't flat, and not an ideal surface.  You indicator holder
has to be firmly attached, you might need to fabricate a bracket for this.
There are some very specific tools for timing two stroke snowmobile engines
through the spark plug hole to indicate tdc and reference point opening or
point gap to this position.  I have this kit, but it's just a dial indicator
with fancy tips and holders.  There is really only one way to be sure, and
this would be it- referencing to piston position, however it is
accomplished. Stiff wire is fine for reference, but not when dealing in
thousandths of an inch when timing the pump. If you need more of a how to
just ask.
Use the marks on the belt end?
No, not really, they are more for reference when doing the belt install, not
terribly exact.

-James

> -----Original Message-----
> From: vwdiesel-admin at vwfans.com [mailto:vwdiesel-admin at vwfans.com]On
> Behalf Of Mfgavia at aol.com
> Sent: Saturday, October 05, 2002 9:10 PM
> To: TDI-conversion at yahoogroups.com; vwdiesel at vwfans.com;
> VW-TDI at yahoogroups.com; turbovans at yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [Vwdiesel] crankshaft alignment/timing on 98 TDI
>
>
> (Sorry about the lack of a subject line on the previous email, I was a bit
> too quick to hit send.....)
>
> I'm finally returning to a project that has been on hold for a couple of
> months and I'm trying one more time to get some confirming advice before I
> install the engine in the vehicle.
>
> The engine is a 1998 TDI (AHU code) from a Jetta.
>
> I put a new timing belt on the engine and I want to confirm that the
> crankshaft is truly at TDC before I put everything back together.  I don't
> trust the markings one would typically use on the flywheel and
> transmission
> for this purpose because the conversion involves components from different
> years and models.
>
> When I asked once before, there was some list conjecture that I could
> possibly poke a stiff wire down an injector or glowplug hole and determine
> TDC that way.  I'm willing to try that, but I'd rather not take
> things apart
> further if I don't have to.
>
> Here's my question that may help me avoid the need for this:
> Can I use a pair of marks that I find on the "belt" end of the engine to
> determine if the crankshaft is at TDC?
> The vibration dampner has a notch on its back "lip" that lines up
> with what
> appears to be a reference mark on the lower drive belt cover when
> everything
> is in what I think is the right place.
>
> Please, let me know if you have any experience or insight that can help me
> out here!
>
> thanks,
>
> mark fitzsimons
> portland, or
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