Hey all, looks like a lots of knowledgeable people here. it's my first vw diesel and I do have a background wrenching on my own cars for many years. I'm still waiting for the Bently to come in the mail but have a question on the flywheel TDC mark. Is there a pic of it somewhere? I've read it's a V notch with 0 next to it but I was not able to find it. How prominent is it? The flywheel is a bit rusty on mine. The only thing I saw on the flywheelwhen the IP sproket marks are near each other is a very prominent raised tooth about 1/8" wide 1/2" long. Could that be the TDC mark or is it something else?
It should indeed be a v-shaped notch, assuming everything is stock. If you didn't already, unscrew the plastic plug housing so you have a bigger viewing port. Also easier with a helper / observer, as a small turn on the crank covers a bit of real estate on the flywheel.
You know you're close to TDC when both lobes on the cam closest to the passenger side (#1 cylinder) are pointing upward.
definitly take out the ENTIRE plug. if you take out just the part that pops off, you'll see what looks like the 0. If you unscrew the entire plug out of the transmission, you'll see it's a big ol V notch cut out.
don't let that diesel get on your new timing belt. it'll eat it like a four year old learning to ride a bike
