I've been driving this car for 70k miles and when I got a hold of a full version of vag-com, I thought it prudent to check the timing (pump).

Connected up, and went through the process. Basic, tdi timing. Display said "timing unrecorded, too far retarded" it was so far retarded it didnt even register on the graph! It also said it was critical to adjust it for safety of engine (or similar) I thought it was running fine, starts fine.

After faffing for an hour adjusting the pump nuts, I finally got it too advanced but within range (as I'm running veg oil) its far far better, and I never knew. It's a good idea if you can to get it checked, as who knows where it is.

Should be checked after a cambelt change.

mine obviously hasnt been after either change

hmm well carl guess what Cough Cough!!

neither has yours?

Not to the best of my knowledge

which is limited at best just kidding, we'll set it tuesday

Edited 30 September, 201213 yr by Lofty79

It does say this should be done after a cambelt change in Mr Haynes book of vagueness.

Due to the small tolerances involved the timing will most likely be outside of the acceptable window after a cambelt change.

all my bolts where pretty much all at one end, its shocking that it ran so well

all my bolts where pretty much all at one end, its shocking that it ran so well

By the sound of it you were almost a tooth out if it didn't even register on the graph. But it is surprising how little movement is required to get it back into the right timing.

all my bolts where pretty much all at one end, its shocking that it ran so well

The position of the bolts will be different for every pump, as the position of the hub on the pump shaft is slightly different for every pump.

When the car is running, the timing is adjusted under ECU control and the mechanical timing has to be really bad for the engine not to run at all. The rig pin doesn't set the correct timing - it just ensures that the timing is in a range that the engine will run.

ah i see, as i looked at it, i could see marks where the bolts used to sit, when i returned it there it was almost bang on, 1mm to advance and it was over the top line. 2 gentle taps and no visible to eye movement brought it back to just under top red advanced line, where i wanted it. Very Very sensitive