Want to check my timing, failed smog miserably. Car is a '91 GTI 8V, totally stock engine. Got questions. Bentley #1: On cars with manual transmission, use a 27mm hex wrench to remove the plastic plug from the timing check hole at the top of the transaxle bellhousing.
I say: OK did that.
Bentley #2: With the ignition off, connect a tachometer and timing light to the battery + and to the coil negative terminal 1.
I ask: Ummm...ok I can identify the coil negative terminal 1 just fine using the Bentley's drawing but how the heck do I attach my timing light to it? My timing light has a big ol' clamp type terminal designed for connecting to the battery neg. terminal. Can't I just do that? (I did.) I also connected my + to battery + and connected the other thing (whatever it's called) around #1 spark plug wire.
Bentley #3: Disconnect the harness connector to the coolant temperature sensor as shown.
I say: OK did that.
Bentley #4: Start the engine and allow it to fully warm up. Oil temperature should be at least 176F. Radiator fan shoudl cycle on and off at least once indicating that the engine is up to normal operating temperature.
I say: Waited until fan cycled on and off once.
Bentley #5: Briefly raise the engine speed to about 2100rpm and let it return to idle. Repeat 3 or 4 times.
I say: OK did that (3x).
Bentley #6: With the engine running between 2000 and 2500rpm, aim the timing light at the timing check hole in the transaxle bellhousing. The timing mark on the flywheel should appear adjacent to the pointer in the hole as shown.
I say: Had someone sit in the car and hold at about 2250rpm according to the tach on the dash, checked timing...ummm...what mark on the flywheel? I don't see it.
I put everything back the way it was and just for fun checked the timing at idle with the coolant temperature sensor connected. I see the mark now but I'm at idle and with the CTS connected, not 2000-2500rpm.
So if Digifant is supposed to be set at 2000-2500rpm with the CTS disconnected, then my timing's off, right? Last time it was set someone else did it (dealer actually). Did they do it wrong and set it at idle instead?
Since I physically can't connect my timing light to the coil's terminal 1 negative wire, was connecting it to the negative terminal on the battery ok? or did that invalidate everything?
Argh.