Re-timing the 2.0L GL (New Owner)

[Ownage1100]

I am not sure if this is the right forum, but it is the closest thing I could find. There is almost no volkswagen information online.

Anyway I just bought a 1996 Golf GL. The car does not start. Here are a few random questions:

1) What is the firing order on a Golf GL 2.0?

2) Are the only timing marks on the Golf on the camshaft and the flywheel?? Are there no marks on the crank pulley gear (like on a Honda or almsot any other car)

3) I am able to rotate the distributor body by hand. What is the correct position for the distributor body?

I'm basically trying to check\retime the motor. Please help or direct me to a site that can help.so I can get her running.

[Ownage1100]

I'm American.  We have the sh!tty versions of cars here .  I guess I can't find any help here lol

[Wayne]

An engine code my or will help.

[javalin]

For the British 1.8GL (ABS Engine) the answers are as follows - suggest they'll be similar for yours, but a Bentleys or Haynes manual should be consulted

1) What is the firing order on a Golf GL 2.0?
1-3-4-2

2) Are the only timing marks on the Golf on the camshaft and the flywheel?? Are there no marks on the crank pulley gear (like on a Honda or almsot any other car)
The two marks to care about are the cam pully and the flywheel - behind the green plastic screw cover on the top of the gearbox.  The crank mark seems a little vague for timing work - you'll end up being 1/2 tooth or more out.

3) I am able to rotate the distributor body by hand. What is the correct position for the distributor body?
ABS engine is 5 deg BTDC from memory - you'll need a VAG-COM or other diagnostic interface to put the ECU into "timing mode" so the car doesn't try to adjust - then a advance timing light to do the change.  Other engine's have different timing requirements - i.e. the 2L GTI AGG engine is 5-15' BTDC.

Best check the books, or get a garage to help

James

[axewielder]

could just ask on vortex as they will most likely know being american and all 

[rubjonny]

this is likely to be the 2.0 crossflow lump, afaik no US models got the counterflow 2.0 like we have.  there is a crank timing mark, rotate it around and you'll see a notch. this lines up to an arrow on the timing belt cover. But with the bottom end timing, I'd not use crank pulley at all, I would use the flywheel mark instead. you have to unscrew the cover cap from the top of the gearbox near the block, its a 27mm hex socket. I just tap em round with a hammer.

the cam also has a mark, there should be a notch on the outside face that lines up to an arrow on the cambelt cover. with the dizzy,m the rotor arm should be lined up to the thin groove on the dizzy housing.  I beleive this engien has a crank sensor, if so you line the dizzy to the notch and leave it there. if it does not you need to use a timing gun, but I'm not 100% sure of the setup procedure. as above, vortex best place to check this out.  The crank sensor will be right at the bottom of the block, gearbox side. its under the oil filter housing/front engine mount.

[javalin]

>I just tap em round with a hammer.
water pump pliers do less damage!

[rubjonny]

not much room for that though