The flywheels are different and will be marked differently. I'd probably plan on timing it in the vehicle, that way you are sure, there are no methods that compete with the flywheel mark for accuracy. It won't make it any harder to time it on the vehicle either. Be sure to turn over the crank by hand at least 1 full turn after you tighten it all down or put the valve cover back on. Also, the tensioner gets turned clockwise to tension the belt.
. Also, the tensioner gets turned clockwise to tension the belt.
The only way to be sure of your timing (even better than the occasional misaligned flywheel mark) is to remove #1 injector and measure peak rise of piston on compression stroke. No 'ifs' and no 'buts'... from this you can make your own timing marks anywhere convenient... crank pulley rim included:idea:
Quote from: Mark(The Miser)UKThe only way to be sure of your timing (even better than the occasional misaligned flywheel mark) is to remove #1 injector and measure peak rise of piston on compression stroke. No 'ifs' and no 'buts'... from this you can make your own timing marks anywhere convenient... crank pulley rim included:idea:Maybe on a tdi but how is that going to work on a idi??
cheers for all ya help fellas! didnt want to try all the 'stick wire in ya engine' etc ways . got the guage (cheers andy!) so have the ability to do it EXACTLY .my clutch cover isnt notched (SACHS?!) but on the flywheel there is a singular '0' (at approx 12 oclock position) with a small line underneath in the exact centre. thanks to Andysimpson (again-he trawled thr' all his VAG manuals/Cds) sussed out its 96mm to the centre of '0' . have timed it up and it is within 1/2 mm on flywheel (were talking leave 1 feeler guage out and ya get it spot on) thanks again to andy for enocouraging me to do it properly and loosen pulley and go for 100% right and not 99.9%!!