Q.: '89 Jetta timing marks...

Is that exactly how it was before you took the old timing belt off? I usually check the TDC by removing #1 spark plug and checking piston movement with a straw or similar non-damaging tool. And which way did you adjust the tensioner? CW or CCW? It should be CW! Did you readjust the ignition timing? I usually check the timing marks with a timing light for both the carn and the crank.

later, dave Reminder........ Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them, and you have their shoes. Frieda Norris

Thanks for the reply Dave.

Dunno. :O

Clockwise.

No, cuz I wasn't sure what the effect of a misaligned pulley would have...just advanced or retarded ignition?

I didn't check the engine timing because of the misaligned pully question.

However, I just had the car in the shop and it appears that even though I was off by about 45 degrees on the cam and a bunch 'o degrees on the intermediate shaft, using the 'O' on the flywheel, punchout on the cam sproket and rotor pointing to ~1 o'clock on the distributor got me back on spec. Very surprising to me but the numbers tell the story:

Comments?

Thanks for the reply Dave.

Dunno. :O

Clockwise.

No, cuz I wasn't sure what the effect of a misaligned pulley would have...just advanced or retarded ignition?

I didn't check the engine timing because of the misaligned pully question.

However, I just had the car in the shop and it appears that even though I was off by about 45 degrees on the cam and a bunch 'o degrees on the intermediate shaft, using the 'O' on the flywheel, punchout on the cam sproket and rotor pointing to ~1 o'clock on the distributor got me back on spec. Very surprising to me but the numbers tell the story:

Comments?

Oh yeah, when the car was in the shop, they indicated that the ignition coil was 'on its way out'. Might a bad coil cause idle oscillation (.8 to 2K RPM when cold) or a pulse in all interior and exterior lights?

Thanks aga>>From: Darryl snipped-for-privacy@REMOVEhotmail.com

SNIPPED

So is everything OK now? If the shop says the coil is going out, you might want to change it. Also you need to make sure you check the distributor timing, knock sensor, 02 sensor, etc. This might help the rpm changes you talked about. I will be changing a Fuel Pressure Regulator tomorrow on an 89 golf for that exact problem! It is leaking fuel into it's vacuum hose in spurts.

later, dave Reminder........ Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them, and you have their shoes. Frieda Norris

Except for the idle oscillation when cold.

Doing that today.

I had the timing/exhaust gases setup at the shop because of the new O2 sensor.

I'm hoping that the igition coil is the problem. Does this make sense though? Would an ignition coil that's faulty perform better once it gets warmed up?

Lemme know how it goes! Although where is the regulator on the '89s? I can visualize the fuel rail but that's all.

Thanks again, Darryl.

EDITED

JMHO It could be easier to fire the plugs that are not in a rich mixture (engine cold). So yes!

The car was brought to me too late, so I did not get a chance to order and install the FPR. Yes it is on the fuel rail very close to the oil cap. And on this car the idle went up and down, but so did the CO at the test pipe.

later, dave Reminder........ Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them, and you have their shoes. Frieda Norris

Just found it in the Haynes. Do me a favour and replace only the FPR and lemme know how it goes ;) How much do they cost?

TTYL, Darryl.

USE THE V MARK