1G New Guy - Timing ?

[bgold87]

Whats up guys, just picked up a 92 TSi AWD. Car needs a lot, but just working on getting it to start (currently replace rusty fuel lines)

While waiting on parts I wanted to take a look at timing. My plan was to do all new timing components since who knows how long it's been once I can test comp and see if motor any good.

Just as a quick check rotated engine to comp stroke on #1 and put a screw driver in there and noticed the screwdriver started to drop about an 1/8th inch when cam marks lined up. Is this normal or should I go ahead and pull timing cover line up crank and other marks at TDC and then adjust cams? Is there a guide to get the cams and and gears lined up while motor is at TDC to proceed with new timing belt parts?

 

[pauleyman]

Many things are on the main page.

https://www.dsmtuners.com/pages/resources/

 

[AWD-Tony]

If you don't know when the tbelt was replaced, it's a good idea to replace it. To check the marks, yes I'd pull the crank pulley to make sure crank lines up. If it has balance shafts, you have to remove the cover to inspect those timing marks as well.

 

[Mech Addict]

Sounds like your worry is that mis-timed cams will show up as bad compression? May as well check compression, since that easy and see if its normal. If you decide the motor doesn’t need rebuild, then go ahead with timing components replacement. You can add the extra step of aligning the cams while you’re at it.
If compression is poor, then perhaps try re-adjusting the belt as is, and recheck compression. Try the squirt of oil trick to see if compression improves. At some point you may have to dig deeper to confirm it is cylinder sealing (pistons, valves), or cam timing. The latter is obviously an easier fix.