Conference terri::cars_uk

    The timing marks are on the flywheel which is accessed through the
    large plastic plug on top of the tranny case right near the block.
    Personally I don't use a timing light.  I just loosen the distributor
    and twist it around until it's idling around 1000 to 1200 rpm.
    
    To convert to diesel you'll need a whole new engine, fuel tank and
    everything.  It's not worth it.  I swapped out a diesel engine and
    dropped in a gas engine once....  Try looking around for a used
    diesel Jetta before thinking about swapping engines.
    
    Dave

    
    But what is the timing angle ? Is the timing mark calibrated ? Or one of 
    those meaningless markings that can only be interpretated by people with
    workshop manuals. The owner's manual makes no mention of timing and I
    am unable to find a Haynes guide (VWs are not popular here so the
    bookshops tend not to stock them).
    
    SH

You don't tend to find the timing angle stamped on the flywheel / block, as the
same components are often used in different sizes and styles of engine having
different timings.  The marks will just indicate degrees BTDC (before top dead
cantre), and you will need a manual to find out how many degrees for your
particular engine.  If you can't get a Haynes, and the VW handbook doesn't give
the timing, try asking at a VW garage.

Scott

PS If you're really stuck, 6�BTDC usually works quite well, a couple less if
you use unleaded.

    What size engine?  I'll look it up in my Bentley manual tonight.
    I'd try the distributor trick myself, it's really very easy.  The 
    higher you set the idle the more power you'll get, but if you raise 
    it too much, to around 1500 rpm, you'll bet pinging under full load.
                           
    Dave

    Adjusting it by ear is the best way known to put a hole
    in the piston :-( :-(

    It's not just by ear, though, you have to watch the tach as well.
    If the Jetta in question doesn't have a tach, then he could run
    into problems by setting the idle too high or low.  Setting it anywhere
    between 1000 and 1200 rpm should cause no problems.
    
    Dave 

    RE: .4
    
    The engine size is 1588cc (European Specs - Non-cat, non-unleaded, fuel
    injection model with 110bhp). 
    
    The idle is a bit odd (strange loud uneven exhaust spluttering noise
    plus a slightly uneven idle)  and engine seems to be a little reluctant and
    harsh above 4000rpm. But is really smooth from 1000 to 4000rpm. The
    engine had been overhauled some months back. So I suspected maybe the 
    timing is off. I'd owned a series I Golf GTI and Scirocco before but
    they were all very smooth and willing to the redline. 
    
    Any other ideas ?
                                                        

    RE .6 ......
    
    Perhaps I am not the contortionist that you need to be, but how
    do you watch the tachometer when you are twiddling the distributor?

    Since you're just adjusting the idle, you can set the distributor,
    walk around and look at the tach, walsk back, adjust the distributor
    again, until you have it right.  You can also use a dwell/tach meter
    if you have one.
    
    Of course, some of the more 'serious' racers have a complete set
    of duplicate gauges under the bonnet so they can check everything from
    there.       
    
    Dave

    
    Can't suggest you choose a diesel motor as suggested in an earlier
    reply as not only will you need a new power plant but there are other
    modifications to consider which will cost yet more. For example the
    front suspension legs are uprated to support the greater weight of the
    block. Secondly the diesel engine drives a diaphram pump to power the
    brake servo, not sure if your existing servo will work from this..
    Lastly there is a ceratin amount of extra padding used under the bonnet
    and carpet to dampen down the extra diesel knocking noises, and oh
    nearly forgot, the radiator is a larger variety too.
    
    	All in all not a good thing to contemplate.
    
    - Ian

    
    I tried to check the timing angle yesterday, but there was no way I
    could see the timing mark unless I were to dismantle the brake
    cylinder, air-con hose, crankcase ventilation pipe, etc.
    
    Has anyone (with a Jetta GLI RHD with air-con) ever successfully
    checked timing without dismantling everything above that very badly
    placed hole in the gearbox ?
    
    Is there a better way ? I seem to see a timing mark (or a chip) on the
    pulley driven by the crankshaft, but could not find a corresponding
    mark on the timing belt cover. Is there supposed to be one on a 83
    Jetta GLI ? Or is the only timing mark on the flywheel ?
    
    BTW, has anyone tried the Weber Big throat or Neuspeed's extra big
    throttle body ? Any good or just gimmick ?
    
    
    SH

Put a mirror next to the hole, angled so you can see the timing
marks reflected in it.  A similar trick is used for minis.

Scott

    The mark on the cam pulley is to line up TDC when reinstalling the
    head or pulley belt.  You line the mark up with the top of the front
    of the head and then get the pistons at TDC and slip the belt on.
    It's not used for ignition timing, although you can alter the cam
    timing that way, if you know what you're doing.
    
    I'm going to track down a Mk II Scirocco TB for my Mk I Golf (Rabbit)
    and see how it works.  With my new head I NEED to get it to breath
    better.
    
    Dave