Timing Issue
 

1992 Talon Tsi AWD 5 speed 6 bolt

I just did timing belt, turbo replacement, headgasket. Car idles horribly and eventually dies. We were all set to check the timing, with the thing grounded that needs to be. With the timing light hooked to Cylinder 1, we can't see the timing marks on the crank pulley. I am 100% positive the timing marks were perfectly aligned (after many sets of rotations) when I was finished with the belt. We are getting spark, and fuel. Is the timing just really off somehow? Thanks, and hopefully I can make it to the cookout tomorrow!

Re: Timing Issue
 

well we looked at the pully, the notch is hard to see
i guess we need some whiteout

Re: Timing Issue
 

Looks Like Im a Moron. I'm guessing I didn't start my 1s timing belt off to a good start by NOT setting the engine to TDC. wow. if thats the case I hope my head is ok.

Re: Timing Issue
 

FYI: I checked my 7bolt and one turn of the crank make the piston go from TDC to bottom back to TDC. So Im thinking its fine. I just thought maybe The pully you have is from a 90 or something. maybe its different or something.

Re: Timing Issue
 

You didn't put the spacer plate on the crank pulley backwards, did you? The one that has the notch in it to align the timing. You will be about 2 teeth off if you put that on backwards.

Re: Timing Issue
 

That plate has one notch in it and the crank pully only has one notch in it. No room for error there...

Re: Timing Issue
 

You have all your vacuum lines hooked up? PCV valve hose on the back left side of the valve cover?

Re: Timing Issue
 

Bzzzzt!!! Wrong answer! The plate can be put on backwards (like I said the first time). If the plate is put on backwards the timing will be about 2 teeth off. Now put your hat on and go sit in the corner!

Re: Timing Issue
 

o i thinki i get it, it only goes on one way BUT you can take the plate and turn it the other way so the inside is out and the outside is in. Is that what you mean?

Re: Timing Issue
 

Yes, it is very easy to do and it will go together fine either way.

Re: Timing Issue
 

Yup thats what it was.

Re: Timing Issue
 

It's all fixed! It was just the little plate inbetween the balance shaft and timing belts. Thanks everyone! Timing belt is super easy tho! More people should do it. Definately helps to have another person too!