Starter issues Or maybe not .

[makriluc]

OK, 3 months ago I replaced the water pump on my wife’s 97 TSI.
So, I also replaced T-belt and the two smaller belts. When I put the new belts on, I took extra care in making sure the timing marks were properly aligned on all pulleys. Once completed the car started on the first crank (was I ever proud of myself ). Put a timing light on the crank pulley, looked good.
Now this, about a month ago, the engine kicks back to the starter about 25% of the time, as if the timing was way too advanced (like on the old engines 60’s-70’s).
Now is the question, is it possible that one of the pulleys be of by one tooth, and that the engine runs without a problem?
I assume that I have a flat spot on the starter.
Thanks

 

[Spln_Hrd]

The timing that the timing belt controls is mechanical engine timing, this is the timing between piston and valve movements.

The timing you are refering to on the old inferior cars of the past is ignition timing, this is the timing of the piston being at TDC and the spark plug firing. The car from the 60-70's also had mechanical timing but it was done with a chain.

The ignition timing of a 97 Talon could only be off if the intake cam was off mechanically or if you had a 6 bolt style cam angle sensor.

 

[makriluc]

Thanks Spln.
I am well aware of the differences between valve timing and ignition timing, maybe my question was not clear. Would it be possible that any of the T-belt sprokets be off by one tooth and the engine be running smoothly.
Thanks again.