timing belt setup, timing "play" vs. Volvo's yellow stripe

[tayo de boer <dbi@golden.net>]

hi all,

		This is the first time I'm doing the timing belt on the audi ('86 MC
engine), and am finding out first hand why all the comments re timing. I
decided at the start to stick with audi's method and not risk additional
problems. Nothing like the right tool for the right job - taking off the
pulley was a breeze. Invest in the right tools and you end up saving money
in the long run.

		What I found strange after working on so many volvo engines is that audi
did not have a similar means of making sure that the belt is installed
properly. their timing belt has a series of bold yellow lines printed
across the width of the timing belt. one double stripe aligns with the
crank pulley mark, and the other stripe lines up with its' corresponding
mark on the camshaft pulley. It is a simple yet accurate way to assure that
the belt is properly aligned.

		On the audi it appears that the only guide is the "pip" that is supposed
to line up with the valve cover. I also used the distributor as a guide
since the MC is set up for "0" TDC but find there is a slight variance
between the two. Also, it seems that  the crank can be turned enough to
keep both crank marks at "0" and bring the distributor TDC mark in line. 

So is the "pip" mark on the cam enough to assure correct timing?

		Can anyone suggest a "sure fire" way to verify that the belt install is
at TDC; also does anyone know what degree of offset each slip of the cam
tooth represents?

thanks in advance,

tayo de boer