Volkswagen Repair: 1986 cagriolet volkewagon timingbelt, screw driver, timing light

Question
QUESTION: Replaced timing belt all timing marks are correct still will not start. getting fuel, and spark.

ANSWER: Kelly,
     To double check the timing alignment:
- Remove the head cover.
- Take out number 1 spark plug.
- Using a screw driver in the spark plug hole, turn the crank, observing when the piston reaches the top of it's stroke.
- Verify both intake and exhaust valves are closed.
- Remove the distributor cap and verify the rotor is now pointing at spark plug 1 contact.
- Now cross check the sprocket marks as well as the flywheel mark.

Rick


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I did what you suggested and everything is in the right place and the motor still will not start. The motor is getting fuel. Also before removing the timing belt there was a problem with the car stalling when coming to stops and once when i swerved to miss a dog. Does that have anything to do with it? Any other suggestions?

Answer
Kelly,
 Well there are several things to check (assuming GAS, not DIESEL):

- Check for compression on all cylinders; over 100-150 PSI and all 4 cylinders should be close to the same.
- Pull the injectors and verify they are shooting when cranking.
- Put a timing light on it and verify you've got good spark for number 1 at TDC on the crank.  Also check the other three just for good spark.

My gut feeling is there is a mismatch between CAM and DISTRIBUTOR timing.

- Rick