Today i finally got around to checking the timing on my 1.6TD (retarded ~.1mm from where it should be) and adjust it.
So i finally got to try out my cheap eBay dial indicator, which you may remember from this thread:
http://www.vwdiesel.net/forum/index.php/topic,35381.msg334642.html#msg334642maker name is "SHARS" - costs $20.
The question had been asked if, after inserting it into the adapter, does it have enough travel?
Yes. Yes it does. I have the ebay timing adapter. I used the long timing adapter configuration (both barrels, long tip) and gave it 7mm of preload (out of 10mm total travel) and had no problem clamping it with the screw in the side of the adapter.
of course, it started snowing while i was working on this, and then i had to leave to score more Trung Nguyen Gourmet Blend Coffee from the vietnamese grocery. I still want to re-verify my timing now that everything is buttoned back up and the timing locks are out.