Cam timing 16v mk2

[Loynes]

My golf was a none runner,  fuel pump and split vacuum hoses, garage set the timing and emissions all was well.  Apart from the fact that is ran terribly above 2000rpm flat as a fart,  I became impatient and collected it my self before the long weekend and reset the distributer to where it was before the garage started, it runs well apart from its really rich smells fumey.  Spoke to the garage and my pal seems to think it might be the cam timing out a tooth.  The distributer is almost at the end of the adjuster slots, its quite fast but lacks the punch you would expect from a 16v. Any ideas?  I am tempted to get the cam belt done and get them check that its right quoted me 100 if I get the belt. Help not sure what to do.

[Wayne]

Might be worth removing the cam cover and checking that the cam timing is correct, the gears have dots on them and they need to line up together.

[clipperjay]

Follow this for the timming most gargages dont disconect the RED/Black wire to the coil which stops the ISV!

i) Ensure your engine is fully warmed up

ii) Disconnect your ISV by removing the red/black wire from the coil

iii) set your idle to 1000rpm by adjusting the idle screw

iv) remove the cover on top of the gearbox casing (spark plug sockets may come in handy for this)

v) using tipp-ex or similar paint make a mark on the groove in the flywheel (red in the example below). You may need to turn your engine by hand to see this groove

vi) slacken your distributor slightly so that it can be moved by hand but not so that its loose

vii) connect your timing gun as per instructions. There is no need to fiddle with RPM functions, advance functions on your gun. You just need the strobe light.

viii) point this at the hole in the gearbox casing and pull the trigger, turn the distributor forwards/backwards till the tipp-ex mark you have made lines up with the ridge of the gearbox casing (as seen in photo)

Your engine is now set at 6 degrees for optimal performance/economy. Reconnect your ISV

[Loynes]

Thanks for that guide I will have a go this weekend, I have a deep scepticism of young garage technicians they plug in stuff to diagnose faults and I sometimes think they are out of there depth with older mechanical cars.  I don't means this in a negative way I just don't think they understand old cars.

[devilscaff]

Just had my 16v done today after having new cam belt plus dizzy,by an ex vw technition and the result is great so much more poke and smooth idle well chuffed he only charged me a drink (already put the parts on myself  not very well)