Ignition Timing Question

[merkerguitars]

Hello, I was wondering how do I time my 3A 2.0L engine. According to the alldata manual it says there should be marks on the flywheel, but I don't remember any marks on it when I had it out. The car I have is a 1988 Audi 80. 4 cylinder.

[Keith853]

There may be some timing marks (or a timing mark) on the alternator pulley on the front of the engine. If there is then there will be a corresponding static mark on the timing belt cover. I did find the timing marks on the fly wheel by taking out the number one cylinder spark plug, inserting a ball ended rod (of sufficient length that it does not disappear into the cylinder), rotating the engine until the rod has risen to its highest point then looking through the cutout onto the flywheel. I then used Tipex, or something similar, to increase the visibility of the timing marks.

Big warning here, in my haste to check the timing I left the socket and ratchet on the crankshaft bolt while I tried to start the engine. Unfortunately this is a tried and tested way of loosening the crankshaft bolt which duly happened. With the crankshaft pulley now loose the pistons hit the valves in 3 of the cylinders with the usual results. It took me about 3 days to believe that I had been so stupid and another 2 weeks to rebuild the head with 6 new valves. The originals were comprehensively bent and I now leave one dangling from the steering wheel whenever I am working on the engine to remind me what haste can do.


Good luck with the timing

Keith853