How do I use a timing guage?

[wikdslo]

So I got the timing guage, with some slime rod, some big rod with random threads, and a screw.

So:
Step 1, get tools.

Step 2 ?

Step 3, set timing to 1.00

I have NO clue how to install the tool, or what i need to use to get it on there properly.

I understand that I need to set the car to TDC, install the guage, crank counterclockwise until the guage jumps backwards. Set it to 0. Put it back to TDC, then adjust the pump until its at 1.00??

I have no clue how to do this... PLZ HELP!

[TPW]

There's a small nut (11mm or 12mm) inn the center of the fuel outputs on the IP.  Remove this to install the threaded end of your gauge.  You are not measuring fluid preassure, only the stroke movement of an internal piston.

[Vincent Waldon]

You're missing the most important tool... the Bentley service manual  ;-)

The procedure is fully described, with pictures and everything... and if you're planning to work on your car yourself it will pay for itself during this first project.


It also sounds like you are missing a couple other important tools:

- a method of locking the cam at TDC
- a pin to do a initial alignment of the pump by locking the IP sprocket (some people skip this step).

You'll also need a new valve cover gasket....

My suggestion is to get the service manual *and* spend some time using the search function here... if you get the timing wrong big expensive noises might result.

Certainly holler with questions once you've read thru the official source a couple of times... it's not too involved but the pictures in the service manual really help.

Vince

[wikdslo]

Thanks for the replies guys.

My question wasn't so much how to use the tool once it's installed on the pump. I found that through searching, as well I have the bentley for diesels.

What the Bentley does NOT tell you, nor did any post I searched through on here and vwvortex (and I searched a LOT), is how to take the tube, locking screw, guage, and metal rod, and connect it all correctly, and screw it onto the pump.

That's what my question was.

For future reference:
Remove metal cap on thin end of guage.
Screw on metal rod, and tighten.
Insert metal rod into threaded tube.
Screw tube onto injection pump timing hole.
Adjust guage until it reads 2.5
But thankfully, I managed to figure it out after a bit of tinkering and I was able to check my timing. Because I am so awesome, I managed to quasi-randomly set the timing to 1.03 by hand, when I put it back together. Being that it's within .5 of 1.00, I just left it as it is.

Car runs like a champ!

[Op-Ivy]

Good to hear it went well!

Not to burst your bubble... But when setting the timing it's actually really easy to already have it spot on. Every time I have ever timed it, I have had it  within the .10 of a mm.

I think it has something to do with the pump just automatically lining up with the way it was originally supposed to.




Matt