[Vwdiesel] re: *help* - '93 EV jumped timing

[rOLf peCHUkas]

preliminary findings:

- crank bolt was loose
not good
took about a full turn to seat it again

- engine will only turn by hand about 1/4 turn
further rotation either direction is being impeded by something
I am guessing this is either:
 > valves hitting pistons; or
 > injection pump somehow seized or broken so that it is impeding engine 
rotation
can't think of anything else that would inhibit engine turning by hand
more info:
 > engine turns smoothly and easily for that 1/4 turn
 > can't *hear* any metallic clunking of valves against pistons
but I don't know if you would, never having been in this position before
 > the two "ends" of the 1/4 turn feel different
going clockwise, in direction of crank bolt tightening and *I believe* 
in direction of engine rotation, there is more 'play' - i.e. it is not 
a solid all-at-once resistance, slightly more gradual - I could force 
it another 1/16th to 1/8 of a turn more using brute force
going counterclockwise, it is a more 'brick wall' resistance
 > resistance 'feels somewhat 'springy' - sort of like the *NORMAL* 
spring-loaded resistance of the injection pump as you turn by hand - 
spring loads up and resists you and then you - release - to the other 
side and turns easy again until you load up again etc
but in this case much stronger
but again I have no idea what it usually feels like to try to push a 
piston up against valves that are trying to open
might feel just like this

so I would like remove T-belts and get crank to TDC, cam to TDC, pump 
to TDC, replace belts, and see if she'll fire up
BUT
- TDC is NOT in the 1/4 turn range that I can crank the engine by hand 
- it would be another 1/8 of a turn and I can't get it to go there
- cam is not well-marked for TDC to either side

frankly, I am over my head
or at least a little panicky

I can't think of any way not to remove the head, check for bent valves, 
find good TDC on cam and crank, and replace and see if she'll fire

but if there is some simple diagnostic test I am not familiar with, pls 
chime in
thanks

(also: note I am on the side of the road about 100 miles from home
nice that it's warm out, but time is of the essence)
-- 
Rolf
617/335-4006