Timing query

[DCmk3]

I know I should test it with the timing light and all, as I am planning on changing the cambelt this weekend I will do it then, but what I am interested in is this, my car pulls nicely through the whole rev range, but when I look at the distributor it's in a completely different position to my friends Mk3 with the exact same year, engine and mileage.
With that being said, could my timing be out or how is there such a large difference between the positions of both?

Mine on the left, my friends on the right.

Direct link for a larger image:
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/crayzie/timing.png

[tweed]

No it's fine!

[DCmk3]

Just a little confused, that's all, however it is a little weak under 2000 RPM..

[tweed]

Ok. Get number 1 piston to top dead center on ignition. (tdc)
Take cam cover off. Spark plugs out and turn the cam so the number 1 is at tdc. I use a long rod and put that in the cylinder through the spark plug hole.

When its at tdc take the cap off and see if the rotor arm is lined up with the timing mark on the body.

[DCmk3]

So I was turning the engine over to align everything and it jumped a tooth.. looks like I will be spending the night changing the belt.
Seems the last cambelt tensioner the previous owner put on wasn't even tightened, I took it off with my fingers, that's how loose the tensioner was on there.

[tweed]

Good thing you checked!!! And it goes up!

[DCmk3]

Yea I am damn grateful I checked that, I hadn't touched a single thing and this is how loose the belt was when I took the cambelt cover off..


Horrible picture quality but you get the idea.

[tweed]

That's bad! Sorry it pushes to the right, and then tighten.

[DCmk3]

Unfortunately going to have to tow the car in to the shop tomorrow because I am out of my comfort zone with this now, as the pulleys are now out of alignment thanks to the tensioner letting the belt get so slack.

[DCmk3]

Quick question, does the cambelt tensioner auto-tension or is there a manual way to do that?